Explore an Accessible Trail with Pond and Pavilion at Harold Parker State Forest

In northeastern Massachusetts is a large state forest called Harold Parker, named after the first chairman of the Forestry Commission over a hundred years ago. It is a gently rolling forest land dotted with ponds, rock outcroppings, and wetlands. In the vicinity of Berry Pond is a 1/2 mile accessible trail that makes for a nice outdoor exploration.

Berry Pond, a highlight of the state forest and located at 700 Middleton Road in North Andover, has several accessible features - parking, accessible bathrooms, an accessible boardwalk to a small beach,  beach wheelchairs and a trail head for the accessible trail. This is a popular weekend swimming and picnic area open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The road into this day use area closes after Labor Day, but you can still explore the area if you park nearby.

To access the "Stone Dust Trail" at Harold Parker State Forest when Berry Pond is not open, park just up the road in a 40 car parking lot where you can see a pavilion with a mossy roof from the road. This is very near but opposite the road from the Andover Sportsmen Club at 655 Middleton Road. Yes, you may hear some target practice going on as you stroll this trail, but it will give an easy audio reference to where your car is through the woods.

Once parked at the pavilion, check out this structure - it is wheelchair accessible and a wonderful testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. Proceed on the green diamond trail, which is made of hard-packed stone dust. You'll soon come to a three-way intersection. I noticed the mitten leaves of the Sassafras tree on a tall sapling overhanging the trail just before this intersection. Go straight through a short distance to the pond, with a view over to the Berry Pond house and beach. It's a nice place to get your bearings and there is a beautiful large rock formation along the pond here. There is a grade up to this spot (7% for 90 feet) and assistance may be necessary for some.

Retrace your way back to that three-way intersection and continue to follow the green diamond trail. You will cross over two sturdy wooden bridges before reaching a paved road with no vehicular traffic. Turn right to head towards the Berry Pond picnic area. Pass around a locked gate on a paved walkway and either follow a sand path on the right or travel through the parking lot to a paved pathway towards the picnic area. You can also take the road up past the parking lot and find the picnic area that way. Click here to see the park map, though it may lack the detail you wish to see.

There is a lot of history to this area, and a good informative kiosk at Berry Pond. I was intrigued that this locale was on the underground railroad, and houses in the area were used to shelter escaped slaves.

I was also happy to see a woman walking with an older man using a walking stick here. It is always great to meet people with disabilities making use of opportunities like this one, with the assistance they need to get out on the trail.

A handful things to know before you go: There is no designated accessible parking at the Pavilion lot. If you use a lift to get in and out of your vehicle, you may want to bring some parking cones to mark off the spot next to your lift. There are no benches along the trail. The grade changes along the way are fairly gentle at 6-8%, with the longest one being 113 feet. Some wheelchair users may need some assistance in such spots. And lastly, there are no accessible picnic tables at Berry Pond. If you bring a lunch or snacks, plan to seek out a spot on the lawn or near the pond house that works for you. Remember, no bathrooms in the immediate vicinity after Labor Day.

DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to stay close to home and visit parks within walking distance or a short drive. If you plan to venture further afield, as well as on any outing, please protect yourself and others. In addition to following safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, please be sure to follow these additional DCR guidelines for safe park visiting:

• Minimize outdoor recreational time to limit potential exposure to COVID-19;
• Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of ten or more people;
• Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals;
• Administer healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing for at least 20 seconds;
• Participate in only non-contact recreational activities;
• Leave a park or area should large gatherings begin to build; and,
• Stay home if ill, over 70, and/or part of a vulnerable population