Perambulating the Ponds (easyish)

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed a series of ponds and dams as part of building the infrastructure of Harold Parker State Forest. Join us for a no-worries amble around some of these in its northwest quadrant, over some of the most foot-friendly terrain the park has to offer. There are also many little boardwalks and wetland crossings, one of which is brand-new.

We'll meet at the parking area unofficially named the "Chimney" lot, which does not have any parking fees, and do anywhere from about three to five miles depending on how the group is feeling. This is a rare opportunity to walk from parking right into trails carpeted with soft pine needles and leaf-litter, without having to deal with a long stretch of gravel just to get there, and is suitable for relative newbies to the barefoot-in-the-woods thing. There are inevitably a few rooty/rocky parts, but nothing really rough.

Harold Parker spans across Andover, North Andover, and North Reading, and is easy to drive to from I-93 north of Boston. Take Rt. 125 east to the light next to the State Police barracks, take a right and immediate left onto Harold Parker Road, and the dirt Chimney lot is about a quarter-mile in on the left. (42.6113,-71.1128) The entrance is very bumpy, beware! If the lot is crowded there are a few alternative spots farther along the road.