A vibrant network of open spaces between the Merrimack Valley and Mystic River watershed into Boston.
Here are just some of the remarkable open spaces that you can visit either along the Mystic Link Trail or nearby. If we have missed your favorite place let us know!
Bare Meadow is right at the northern end of Reading and walking through it connects to the interesting Mattera Cabin at the other end, where
Boxford State Forest is the big area, but the Windrush Farm, next door, is also a great place to visit and hike… and see horses.
The obvious walk is one around the lake, which takes over a hour, but is an easy walk.The views of the lake vary from all
Two connected areas in the north of North Andover. There is both wild spaces and cultivated farm land in these parks, along with wetlands and
There is a well marked entrance with parking.Elaborate graphics tell tell about the area and wildlife.Yet another forest where evergreens meet above.There are lots of
Walk to the canal site from the parking area right off Rt 38.There are two fenced doggy areas, one for regular sized dogs, one for
These are three separate Andover areas, but connected by trails so we are showing all three as one “place”. /* NORTH ANDOVER */ NORTHANDOVER /*
There is a lot to see in this rich environment of forest, wetland, and open water, with many boardwalks. /* NORTH ANDOVER */ NORTHANDOVER /*
There are ponds and streams all over the park.Many trails to follow in winter on foot, snowshoe, or ski.Harold Parker is worth a hike in
The large lake is a common fishing spot and the main trail runs right around it – about a one hour walk.A causeway separates the
These are also three separate areas, but connected by trails so we are showing all three as one “place” in the town of Andover. /*
This park along the river is paved, which means it is wheelchair accessible. Here is the scoop from All Trails: “Experience this 1.3-mile loop trail near
These two neighboring parks offer hundreds of acres of wetland and woods trails. Check the excellent website of the Friends of North Andover Trails for
This is not a wilderness hike, but a lovely walk around a lake and most if not all of the walk is wheelchair friendly. The
Wilmington’s Lubbers Brook is a smallish but pleasant spot with lovely views of wetlands. Like everywhere these days it is dog-friendly but only on leash.
The Maillet Conservation land is next to the Thelin Bird Sanctuary, and both can be visited, although Thelin is more bird friendly than people friendly.
Flyer’s Field contains multitudes of wildflowers.Central Field at Mary Cummings ParkAn Ice Storm at Mary Cummings ParkWetlands in Winter at Mary Cummings ParkThe large meadows
This surprising little park has a pond and many lovely views. Arlington also has connections to the Mystic Lakes, and other good walking spots. /*
Many trails run through the Fells, many of those under tall forests.The Fellsway is the road through the Fells West, and is a lovely, though
The Mystic Link Trail runs along a narrow bit of land along both lakes, and this is the Mystic Lakes State Park. The other side
Two separate but nearby North Andover parks, both overlooking lovely Lake Cochichewick. Osgood alone has 200 acres of land, and Weir adds 194 more, so
“The current name of Pomp’s Pond refers to Pompey Lovejoy, a freed slave who built a cabin near the pond on Abbot Road, fished, and
Reading Town Forest is a large wooded area in the north of Reading. It skirts the Ipswich River, and depending on weather and recent rain
This reservation runs along the Merrimack River so along with woods you can get great river views along with woods and wetlands. It was named
The entrance has a chain to prevent motorized vehicles entering.Local programs use the woods trails for enrichment programs.You can walk right through the park and
This is mostly in Burlington, but the trails take you into nice areas of Wilmington as well. /* NORTH ANDOVER */ NORTHANDOVER /* ANDOVER */
This rail trail, known as the Somerville Community Path, while hardly wilderness can be very beautiful, with big trees looming overhead and peaceful walkers and
One of the large beaver-created lakes that is too far from houses to create trouble for humans.Beaver here are free to engineer as they wish.Another
There are a whole group of wonderful open spaces in and around the Tewksbury State Hospital, including the Pinnacle Trail, the Pines Cemetery Trail and
The forest occupies land cut off from Burlington by Route 3.Parking is usually on Turning Mill Road, under the power linesThe walk starts under the
We have grouped four separate parcels into one page: they are all nearly connected, with miles of trails through woods and wetlands, with ponds here
The main parking area has a nice big sign and map to orient you.There are quite a few trails to choose from.The stones at the
A large sign welcomes you to the woods.A boardwalk takes you over a wet area – when needed.Large boulders called glacial erratics are scattered in