MASSACHUSETTS - North of Boston/Merrimack Valley

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.

Ten miles of groomed trails for all abilities that pass through woods, fields and streams.

Halibut Point is a beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. A Visitors Center located near the Babson Farm quarry features exhibits about the park's natural and cultural history. The 60-foot tall structure offers panoramic views.
The park is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; a parking fee is charged. The park is open sunrise to sunset from Labor Day to Memorial Day. On weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day tours of the quarry are offered. Other programs include wildflower walks and tidepool programs during the summer and seabird walks during the winter. Recreational uses: Fishing, historic site, picnicking, scenic viewing area, cross-country skiing, walking trails.

Harold Parker State Forest, which lies in Andover, North Andover, North Reading and Middleton, comprises just over 3,000 acres of central hardwood-hemlock-white pine forest. The forest has over 35 miles of logging roads and trails and offers quiet seclusion to off-road hikers and bikers. Non-motorized boating is allowed on any of the 11 ponds. No horse, boat, or bike rentals. Lorraine Park Campground, located about two miles from the Headquarters, at 133 Jenkins Road, contains 89 sizeable campsites that are spread out sufficiently to provide a real "forest" camping experience. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a grill. No electric or water hookups are available; the bathrooms have hot water showers. Camping is offered late May to early September; office hours are from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Camping office phone is 978-475-7972.
Recreational opportunities: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, camping and picnicking.

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.

This park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. Most breathtaking are the ornamental trees and masses of azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom in May and June. An exquisite place for walking, biking, horseback riding and informal picnics. Cultural events are a regular feature during the summer. During the winter a portion of the park is off limits due to roosting bald eagles, but the remainder provides excellent cross country skiing and winter walks. Parking Fee at is $2.

Natural refuge set on over 2,000 acres. Visitors here can enjoy biking, hiking and cross-country ski trails. Canoeing, fishing, and swimming areas are offered, as well as a visitor's center with historic information.

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.