1. Vale Reservation
Vale Reservation offers a two-mile loop trail through woodlands and fields. One side of the trail follows alongside the Shawsheen River, where your dog can cool off.
I prefer to park in the dirt lot at the end of Dale Street in Tewksbury. From this access point, there is a beautiful boardwalk that crosses the river.
Of note, there is a train that passes by one side of the reservation, so if your dog is afraid of trains, this may not be a great trail option. We have only ever encountered other dogs on leash here.
2. Foster’s Pond / Goldsmith Reservation
Foster’s Pond in Wilmington and Goldsmith Reservation in Andover connect to form a beautiful network of trails with gorgeous views of Foster’s Pond.
I prefer to park in the small parking lot off Willard Circle, but there are other entry points as well. I like this trail because it is relatively quiet, and Max has made friends with other well-behaved, off-leash dogs here.
There are plenty of places where the trail follows the pond, and he is able to jump in and cool off. We have often encountered deer here.
3. Deer Jump Reservation
Deer Jump Reservation allows easy access to the Merrimack River, where Max likes to swim and fish for the occasional lost tennis ball in the water.
I prefer to park on Launching Road, but there are multiple access points to the reservation. Some areas along the abutting streams can be muddy, so I always wear my hiking boots to this trail.
I find this trail beautiful in every season. I have spotted a myriad of birds and even owls here. We have occasionally encountered off-leash dogs—always very friendly, with good recall and responsible owners.
4. Haggett’s Pond
Haggett’s Pond is very popular and often crowded. The out-and-back trail takes you along the edge of the pond and between the pond and a bog.
An abandoned rail trail, you will also see bikers pass through here. There are plans underway to pave the trail, which is unfortunate because pavement can get hot in the summer for dog paws.
You can park at either end of the trail—either High Plain Road or Haggetts Pond Road. Max likes to cool off in the pond and watch the swans that often glide across the surface of the water.
5. Harold Parker State Forest
Harold Parker State Forest has been one of our go-to places to swim for as long as I can remember. There are two trails that we tend to stick to.
Brackett Pond Loop
The first trail is the Brackett Pond loop, about one mile around the pond. This is a very popular fishing spot. The pond is scattered with lily pads, and in the spring, Max is always pleasantly surprised by the frogs that often hop in and out of the water.
I prefer to park in the new lot off Harold Parker Rd, alongside Collins Pond. You can then walk around both Collins Pond and Brackett Pond.
Field Pond Loop
The second trail I love, Field Pond, is just across the street from Collins Pond. I either park in the same lot and cross the street or park in the lot along Field Pond.
Newly added, there is a kayak launch at the entrance of Field Pond. This is also a popular fishing spot and in the winter, a popular ice fishing and ice skating spot.
It is three miles around the entire pond, but there is also a shorter loop that will take you back to the parking lot if you don’t have time for the full three miles. You can spot many beaver dams along this pond and tree trunks they have carved out.
We have only ever encountered dogs on-leash on this trail.