- 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.
The first trail is the Brackett Pond loop. The loop is about one mile around the pond. This is a very popular fishing spot. The pond freezes over in winter. 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. You can sometimes catch people playing ice hockey on Collins Pond.
The second trail I love, Field Pond, is just across the street from Collins Pond. I will 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. In the winter, this is 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 didn’t have time to do 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.
2. The Pines Trails, Tewksbury
As a prior resident of Tewksbury, this is a trail I brought Max to often out of convenience, but also because of its gorgeous views year-round. The trail takes you through pine trees, past a large bog, then out to a large field and down around a corn field. There is also access to the old Tewksbury Hospital Cemetery. We have encountered off leash dogs here a lot, but always friendly and we never had an issue. Many owners allow their dogs off leash to run down to the bog and take a dip in the water. A hidden gem is located right across the street from the cemetery parking lot: Farmer Dave’s. The open hours are less frequent in the winter- you will have to check the sign out front to catch them at the right time. This farm stand sells fresh produce and home baked goods. I always get the home made sweet potato dog treats. Even though there is food inside, they always allow Max to come in with me and offer him a dog treat!
3. 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. We have often encountered deer here. It is very quiet in the winter- we are often the only ones there.
4. Haggett’s Pond
Haggett’s Pond is very popular and often times 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 and icy in the winter for dog paws. You can park at either end of the trail, either High Plain Road or Haggetts Pond Road.
5. Mill Pond, Burlington
Mill Pond is a reservoir offering a 2 mile loop around its perimeter. This is also a popular fishing and biking trail. We occasionally encounter off-leash dogs here. There is a parking lot at the water treatment plant on Winter Street.
