Harold Parker State Forest

August 31, 2019 Sunny

Harold Parker is in Andover and covers some adjacent towns. Much of it is forested with a complex network of trails and numerous ponds and boggy areas. It also contains a campground with 89 spots, access to a pond, small beach, and hot showers.

We came to explore the trails by day and camp by night.

We started along a trail and came to a pond right away.

Along the way we noticed lots of trees that were clearly felled by the work of beavers in the area. The trees ranged from very thin to rather large, and many were chewed through and then abandoned before they were finished.

The loop trail we followed had some muddy areas but fortunately was well tended, with bridges to cross.

One of the bridges had a huge brush pile, evidence of a beaver’s diligent work.

As we returned along the loop trail we passed by a very scenic bog with reddish brown hues among the grey trunks of long-dead trees.

Unfortunately the trail was quite buggy when we visited, although not with mosquitoes as much as small gnats.

Lorraine Campground

After the hike, we returned to our campground where we had set up the tent earlier in the day. This site (site number 2) and others we toured on an evening walk seemed mainly level and had some privacy. But ours lacked a natural barrier of trees with the neighbors so was somewhat less private. On the other hand it was close to some decent restrooms with hot showers.

Each site had a bench, grill, and small firepit.

After grilling some hot dogs and roasting Smores, we turned in for the night. Unfortunately, although we had queen air mattresses and some blankets, the night was very cool (upper 50s) and we were pretty chilly all night. Except for Miles, who had a “snuggle tail” (a small, cozy sleeping bag). Note to self – follow Miles’ lead and bring warm sleeping bags next time.

But in any case we rose early to a sunny day and other adventures in the area.

Harold Parker would be better in a drier or less buggy time, or maybe for mountain biking. The campground is clean and family oriented, which is good for novice campers.
Camping was fun. The trails were nothing special.
The campsite was buggy and it was kind of cold. Overall not a very good experience. As for the actual forest, it wasn’t as bad but still buggy.
The camp site was good but buggy and so was the forest.
It was fun camping but it was too buggy.