North of Boston/Merrimack Valley

Bradley Palmer State Park

Asbury Street Topsfield, MA Phone: 508-887-5931

This 721-acre former estate features pine needled paths, acres of sunny rolling meadows and spectacular rhododendrons which line old carriage roads. Peak bloom is usually in mid-June. Hunting is allowed at Cleveland Farm. Archery hunting only at Prospect Hill. No rentals of horses or equipment available.
Recreational opportunities: pool, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (restrictions), mountain biking, picnicking skiing (cross-country) walking trails.

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest

Trotting Park Road Lowell, MA Phone: 978 369-6312

Located in three towns, this forest contains 1,140 acres including 180 acres of ponds, swamps, and wetlands. The forest has six miles of trails offering hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Hunting is permitted in season.
Recreational opportunities: nonmotorized boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (restrictions), skiing (cross-country), walking trails.

Willowdale State Forest

Linebrook Road Ipswich, MA Phone: 508-887-5931

Willowdale offers trail-use opportunities on 40 miles of trails and fishing and boating on 100-acre Hood Pond. There are no developed recreational facilities at the forest, which is two separate parcels divided by Route 1. The eastern block of the Forest abuts Bradley Palmer State Park and the Ipswich River.
Recreational opportunities: hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (west side of Route 1), mountain biking, skiing (cross-country), walking trails.