Andover
The solstice stones atop Holt Hill at the Ward Reservation mark the highest point in Essex County and the northern terminus of the MLT. From here it follows the Bay Circuit Trail south through the Ward Reservation and conserved lands owned by the Town of Andover and Andover Village Improvement Society to Harold Parker State Forest, diverging near Berry Pond.
The trail then enters North Andover briefly before returning to Andover on its way south to Bradford Pond in North Reading.
Harold Parker State Forest is one of the great green spaces in Massachusetts, and it sits partly in Andover.
Below is a Google map of Andover with initial trail segment that you can explore.
Featured in Andover
Goldsmith Woodlands, Foster’s Pond, Wilkinson Reservation
There is a series of lovely ponds throughout this area.Some areas are very well marked!Look for a large kiosk near
Indian Ridge, Baker’s Meadow, Doyle Link
Parking is scarce in some places, but there are options. And look how lover the roads are for biking.There are
Fish Brook, Virginia Hammond, Bald Hill-Wood Hill
These are three separate Andover areas, but connected by trails so we are showing all three as one “place”. /*
Retelle Reservation
Fall along the Merrimack is particularly lovely.There is a huge meadow that will attract upland birds, The volunteer steward planting
Pomps Pond
Pomps Pond has classic New England views.View through the pines.The pond in early November.Layers of leaves below the canopy.Maples hanging
Ward Reservation
The main parking area has a nice big sign and map to orient you.There are quite a few trails to
Harold Parker State Forest
There are ponds and streams all over the park.Many trails to follow in winter on foot, snowshoe, or ski.Harold Parker
More Resources:
Andover Trails
Extensive website with many maps and more resources.
Andover Conservation Commission
"As of 2021, there are over 2,200 acres of protected land that are held in the care and custody of the Andover Conservation Commission."
AVIS - The Andover Village Improvement Society
"AVIS manages more than 30 reservations comprising more than 1,200 acres in the Town of Andover."
Trail Link - Andover
This is the Andover page of the national Rails to Trails Conservancy
8 Great Trails
Here is an interesting set of 8 trails that "make Andover such a nature destination."