Charles W. Ward Reservation — Attraction in Andover

Okay, so I only saw a small portion of this green space on a cool, wet, evening while trying not to be early for an engagement but...

I hope to return soon to explore more! who knew that there was a 200 mile trail linking the communities around boston from Newburyport to Duxbury? I sure didn't. It is called the Bay Circuit trail and is often referred to as the "outer necklace" (a nod to the "emerald necklace" greenspace in Boston designed by Frederick Law Olmsted). The ward Reservation is a link in this trail found in Andover and North Andover. My brief foray into this extensive park took me to the top of Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County. There you can find an arrangement of Solstice Stones installed by the onetime owner of the property who had visited Stonehenge. The photos show the beauty and potential of this grand space. From the maps it looks like there is more topographical diversity to explore. I'm sure that once I've spent some time there I will add another star to the review. One last thing to keep in mind, the parking lot is small and there is a pay station $5 that goes for upkeep. not much to pay for a great...

Beautiful area to walk especially when the leave colors are changing! There are three main hikes with a map sign posted after the bridge off the parking lot.

The highlights here are the Solstice Stones at the top of Ward Hill and a view of Boston and all the trees in between. If you follow the yellow markers, it is about 15 minutes from the parking lot to the top.

Another hike starts from the Ward Hill peak along the Graham Trail to Boston Hill which was an old downhill ski area. Follow the blue markers as you hike this trail.

Parking is $5 but free if you are a member of the Trustee's. You just need to make a donation to become a member. The money goes to preserving the nice outdoor areas for all of us to enjoy.

Getting there: Take Route 125 to Prospect Road in Andover. Drive in about one half mile to the parking lot...

This reservation does not disappoint! There's an incredible variety of habitats to check out: white pine forest, swamp, red pine plantation, bog, hardwood forest, hilltop meadow. Holt Hill is the main attraction with great views of the Boston skyline in the distance and a large grassy area to frolic in. But there is so much more to see, including Boston Hill where you can see a more expansive skyline, the old lift machinery from Ski Ward and a managed habitat intended to encourage species like the frosted elfin. There's enough to explore that you'll want to come back another time. Lots of stone walls and meadows to keep sniffing dogs happy. It's $5 to park and the lot is not particularly big. Parking is not allowed in the surrounding...