Harold Parker State Forest — Attraction in North Andover

Unfortunately I didn't get to see much of it. Was in the area and thought I'd get in a relaxing short hike and walk my dog. Seems quite beautiful driving in. Found a spot on the side of the road to park right near some trails. Nobody around, mid-week, middle of the day. Started up a trail that seemed really pretty and noticed the mosquitoes were really bad. They were huge and relentlessly aggressive and swarming. Had to turn back and go to car where I thought I had some spray. But didn't have it with me and simply couldn't go without it. Had to leave. It was sad and disappointing. Just thought I'd throw that out there so others might be warned or reminded ahead of time. Bug spray is an absolute requirement to last more than 10 minutes at this park. And normally they don't usually bother me as much as other people, but these were some of the worst I've ever experienced, and I've spent a lot of time down south. Bring your spray and proper clothing. They were trying, and slightly succeeding, to bite right through the clothing as well. Also swarming and biting around head and face. There are natural alternatives or nets you can use to help around the head/face. Remember to use something non-toxic for your dogs also. They can spread terrible diseases to humans and dogs. But I'm hoping to go back more prepared next time. 4 stars because of the mosquitoes.

6/25/23 update Went to area in north Andover my GPS pulled up on my way home from shopping in NH. I've been to the same state forest in Billerica that was really nice, easy free parking and well marked trails on a pretty lake. So figured it would be nice. GPS took me to a parking area that was closed because of construction. Next parking area was also closed for construction. Multiple other areas said no parking and other areas serious about getting towed for parking. No idea why as there was a trail head right there and seemed perfectly flat and safe. Finally found a nice parking lot with trail entrances and state forest signs. But you had to register by phone and pay for parking. It was close to sunset and I just wanted to walk my dog for 20-30 minutes before the sun went down. So didn't park there. Finally found one tiny pull off area big enough for just one car. Full of deep mud and puddles. But I did it anyway. Trails and forest were very pretty. But lots of branches off trails and did not see any paint colors or ribbon marking trails. Maybe I couldn't see them as it wasn't very bright by then, was cloudy and getting darker? A little scary going in just before dark as it was very confusing with so many branches going off in all directions very shortly from the beginning. Mosquitoes surprisingly weren't bad at all. Swamp area right across the street. But took so long to find a spot to park I didn't have much time to hike. Maybe 20-25 minutes. Did get mixed up trying to get back to my car because of no trail markers. But knew general direction and could hear traffic from road. I ended up having to walk the very narrow road through the park with no sidewalks or even an edge in some places, back to where I parked. Might try another day during sunlight. But mosquitoes will probably be pretty bad later on in the summer I'm thinking. Wasn't thrilled unfortunately. But it was very pretty forest and I liked the trails other than not being able to see any markings to show the way. Trails had steep inclinations up and down. And very full of roots and rocks. Not flat easy relaxing trails if that's what you're looking for. That part didn't bother me at all. But poor park signage, trail marking and having to pay just to park and take a short hike is too much bother for me, unless you're going to spend a whole day. 2-3 stars for this spot. There is a campground nearby which I might check out some time. But not for quick visits and hikes with...

Harold Parker State Forest is a true treasure. The scenery is vast, changes often, and varies enough that you can go back again and again expecting to see different things.

However, I do think there are critical things to know about the forest as someone who’s gone many times before.

In the location around “Harold Parker State Forest Headquarters”, I believe there is a rifle range inside the forest or around it. This does cause a significant level of disruption throughout the immediate area, so just know that there are complaints from reviews in that area, stating that frequent gunfire is noted.

Second notable thing is parking. Some portions of this forest are immensely accessible and a breeze to park in. Other locations can become full and prevent you from hiking.

There has been numerous occasions that I went to a parking lot that was full, with no other options for trail access. Consider having a backup plan if you can’t find parking at your first option.

A lot of the trails are great for short hiking trips, or you could plan something longer. I like to use the forest for 1-3 hour hikes, and break it into smaller pieces. The good thing about the forest is that it easily connects and has a lot of good loops. Don’t feel afraid to look at the trail map and plan ahead a little. You will be able to cover more ground and feel a bit less nervous about wandering further in.

It’s not a “giant” forest by any means, but I think it’s a great starting point for anyone who might be weary about being in nature. The trails are great for beginners and often are fine to hike...

It was a great place to go camping. Theres a place for swimming in a lake. Also fishing and canoeing. Theres also a fun park for the kids. The cost was good. I liked that I could have electricity and we were right across the street from a bathroom. The park is clean and people are nice. I wish that the campsites were a little bit more secluded though. You can see right into every campsite from the street. The woods aren't thick enough for privacy so if you are a female prepare to have to walk to the toilet area every time that you need to pee. Also, you're probably going to be buying firewood (at 5 bucks a bundle) even if you plan on using wood found around camp because like I said, the woods aren't very deep and so there's a lack of ground wood. We had a child from the campground next to ours in our camp constantly. He was throwing rocks at our tent one morning while my children were sleeping and it was just a nuisance to say the least. You might as well have just called the 2 different grounds 1. You really couldn't see where they were separated at all because they weren't separated by trees. I wanted to hang an enormous tarp around my site for some more privacy. If my "neighbors" were more loud and not so nice I could see having a horrible time because of the lack of privacy between our sites. Anyway, it was worth it. We had fun. It was the experience that I was hoping for. Give the campsites more privacy and I'll give a 5...