Charles W. Ward Reservation

What a LOVELY hidden gem. Just visiting the area from out of state and was looking for a trail to get a little fresh air. I took the yellow loop and it was BEAUTIFUL!

This place really deserves its 5 stars. It has a wide variety of terrain to keep you interested. Everything from rolling meadows to ferns in deep woods, to some minor steam crossing and boardwalks. None of it is particularly hard, but just in case most of the trails are well marked with good signage. I went in early June and the bugs weren’t bad but the dog did have a few ticks on them. Parking lot is also limited.

A jewel of a bucolic park for walking and hiking. On Memorial Day weekend, we walked the width of the park to Elephant Rock practically alone. By midday, more but still few people appeared.

This reservation does not disappoint! There's an incredible variety of habitats to check out: white pine forest, swamp, red pine plantation, bog, hardwood forest, hilltop meadow. Holt Hill is the main attraction with great views of the Boston skyline in the distance and a large grassy area to frolic in. But there is so much more to see, including Boston Hill where you can see a more expansive skyline, the old lift machinery from Ski Ward and a managed habitat intended to encourage species like the frosted elfin. There's enough to explore that you'll want to come back another time. Lots of stone walls and meadows to keep sniffing dogs happy. It's $5 to park and the lot is not particularly big. Parking is not allowed in the surrounding neighborhood.

Ward Reservation is hidden gem for trail walk lovers. I went for the red trail which is 3 miles long - it took me about 1h20m to finish the whole loop. The shade gave such a refreshing feeling. It didn’t feel long at all. Depending on the direction you take; at the beginning or at the end of the trail, you will see the Skyrise view of Boston from distance. Many many cinnamon ferns, huge white oak trees, and more, but the best of all is Ghost Pipe, which I saw the first time.

The best place near Andover to have some kinds of views. If walking there the musts are the bog trail and Holt Hill. If you have more time, are running, or have a bike, there are miles of trails to explore and two more hills with views. In the winter the meadow by the private residences is a great sledding hill.

I love it here. They have a 1, 2 or 5 mile loop. It’s an easy hike for beginners. The views are pretty and it’s well maintained. These pictures were from September.

Fantastic place. The bog boardwalk is a bit sunken in places, but one can walk on the edges usually. Lots of skunk cabbage, probably buggy sometimes. Parking is $6 and the machine takes credit and debit cards.

Wonder place to explore! Parking is five bucks per car for all day! The reservation closes at sunset. One of the most beautiful places in the area! Amazing wooded trails to hike, stunning fields to explore, and streams and swamps to check out. Open year round. Bring your mountain bike in the spring and summer and your cross country skis or snow shoes in the winter!

Go there often. Have a Massachusetts Senior State Park pass. Lovely wide paths. Varied terrain. Well maintained

Truly a stunning place. The solstice stones hike is extremely special.

Beautiful! Great trail markings, but no maps at parking lot, so download one ahead of time. $5 parking fee for non-members. Bring and use bug repellent if taking any of the trails into the woods, red and blue trails especially. Have fun, be safe, and leave no litter.

My husband's all time favorite place to go for a walk. There are hundreds of acres to explore. Plenty of easier trails for those not super in shape. I like to walk there because there is a lot of shaded areas in the woods. The trustees do a really nice job keeping up with the trails and maintenance so I don't mind paying the $5 for parking to help with that. Nice place to bring dogs as well!

This is a hidden gem in the North Andover area.
There are hiking trails for everyone... boardwalks, hills, flats, open trails, wetlands, scenic vistas, and less traveled back trails that will be sure to satisfy whatever you are looking for.

Nice little hiking trail. Tough at times, but worth it for the nice views. You can see Boston from some of the hills! The dog enjoyed himself as well

I've been going to this reservation for years, and the views take my breath away every time. My parents took me there when I was little and now I take my kids there too. There is even one area where you can look out and see the distant Boston skyline.

What a gem we didn't even know was here! The Yellow loop trail was perfect in length for three sets of little legs. Lots of see and explore with a picnic partway through. We'll definitely be back

Some
Nice little trails here and plenty to see. Lots of woodland and a clear view all the way to Boston from the top of Ward Hill by elephant rock

Well maintained park with pretty views.

RUN! Don't walk to get here.....then walk around as much as you want. Great spot. Highest hill in Essex County...work on your 14 high points in every county in Massachusetts! Great views of Boston in the distance, and and old solstice rock formation, with unusual rocks (including a petrified stump) around it! Worth the visit!