Harold Parker State Forest

About Harold Parker State Forest

The Harold Parker State Forest, located in the eastern part of New Mexico, about 30 miles east of Albuquerque, covers an area of about 1.5 million acres (2.2 million hectares). The forest is home to more than 1,000 hectares of wildflowers, trees, shrubs and meadows.

It has 35 km of forest paths and trails and offers quiet seclusion and off-road for hikers and cyclists. Leisure activities include hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.

Motorised boating is allowed on 11 ponds, and horses, boats and bicycles can be rented throughout the grounds.

The Berry Pond is open from Heritage Day to Labour Day and is an area for daily use, and it is open all year round - but on Heritage Day and Labour Day. The pond has a picnic table and a barbecue that reflects the surface of the pond, and the place is equipped with picnic tables and barbecues. Office hours are from 9 am to 9 pm and camping is offered on the campsite, with shower and changing room and an outdoor picnic area. Although there is no electricity or water connection, the bathrooms have hot showers and some bathrooms have showers.

Those who want to picnic at the berry pond can use the barbecue and picnic table, and lifeguards are in action daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

The forest consists of rolling hills, low-lying marshes and large open grasslands. The shape of the land was created by glacial movements, and today there are indications of glaciers in the form of debris.

The area was inhabited by Pentacook Indians until it was settled by English farmers in the 1650s, and there are sawmills and farms from the 18th century. In the middle of the 19th century, agriculture was abandoned and a new forest was created. Traditionally, many houses around the forest were used as accommodation until the 1850s.

In some of the local houses, there are still secret doors and chambers, as well as the remains of a secret forest entrance from the old house.

The Harold Parker State Forest is located in northeastern Massachusetts and is frequently visited by the Bebing family. Take 93 North to Exit 41, follow 125 to North Andover, drive approximately 4 miles to State Police Barracks, then south on Route 125.

Take Exit 42 East to 495 Rte, turn right onto Harold Parker Rd, then south on Route 125 until you turn left onto the freeway and then right again onto the road.