Harold Parker State Forest

I just happened to drive by, noticing the small bodies of water on either side of the road. Where I stopped didn't have a lot of parking, but I was lucky to get a spot next to two other vehicles. The area seemed to fit four comfortably.

Across from where I parked is a map of the area and in that immediate location seemed to be ongoing construction. The map showed a two mile hike called "the friends loop." I began the trail just past where my vehicle was parked.

It's an easy trail that takes you along the edges of Collins Pond and Brackett Pond, beautiful the whole way. When I went it was the day after a heavy rain so some of the trail was soggy and some streams overtook the planks that would help you cross so there's some navigating and leaping along the way.

The park seems huge, happy to come again and see the rest.

If you like the outdoors and like to mountain bike, hike, fish, swim...etc. Harold Parker is the place that has something for everyone. Numerous hiking and biking trails. A number of ponds of different sizes and depths for fishing or swimming. Hunting is permitted in select areas of the park during hunting season. It is a great place to go, whether it's summer, winter, spring or fall!

Top notch place to go hiking mid week in the winter 🥶 ❄.
No crowds 🔥
No bugs 💀
LOTS of trails and ponds 😎✨

Camping here was great! It was after labor day and it was very quiet during the week. We did not stay for the weekends though. Restrooms were kept very clean and there was lots of hiking trails that were beautiful! Berry pond was gorgeous. Handicap accessible as well.

Gorgeous state park with plenty of ponds to go around. Lots of fish, turtles and recently this year spotted a beaver at Berry pond. Perch, bass, crappie I think too. Berry pond is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring. We did 3 quick loops the other day. Easy ones around the ponds. The campground is pretty awesome too. We stay there each summer even tho it's only 10mins from home. Big bass in that pond too.

A little buggy, and a bit muddy after all the rain, but it's a great spot for walking through the woods. There's picnic tables, grills, and lots of access points for fishing. Can't wait to come back!

This was my first time camping and I'm in love with this place! On our second day we reserved another trip right away. The spots are nice and big (depending which ones you book then there's more or less space between you and your neighbor), the bathrooms are clean, showers too (these are free), the staff is super friendly, is a beautiful place as well. The more towards the entrance you reserve, then the noisier will be (cause of the cars passing by). There's a picnic table, a "fire pit" and a "BBQ" in every site and you can make use of them freely. The firewood needs to be bought on site and each pack costs $7.

This is one of my favorite places to come to relax or hike. The small lakes are beautiful and the paths are kept in very good condition. The park does close at sunset but if you have a good reason for being late I’m sure the rangers will understand.

== Camping Ground ==
1: They provide firewood for 7$
2: The field pond is great. Watch out for snakes
3: Nice camping spots with lots of shade
4: Play area for kids
5: Basketball area
6: Small swimming area for kids

No frills straight up camping! By no frills I mean no arcade, no pools or food stands. It is the woods and all the activities the woods has to offer with a clean bathroom every so often. Nice hiking trails and great fishing!

Lots of easy trails with pond and forest views, easily customizable, small-ish, free parking lot. Lots of shade, which was nice - not buggy or damp either. We arrived around noon on a Saturday and had no trouble with parking.

Quite park. The pond is a bit murky but clean. The park is well maintained and patrolled throughout the day. My boys enjoyed bike ride on the roads and trails,

Harold Parker State Forest is a true treasure. The scenery is vast, changes often, and varies enough that you can go back again and again expecting to see different things.

However, I do think there are critical things to know about the forest as someone who’s gone many times before.

In the location around “Harold Parker State Forest Headquarters”, I believe there is a rifle range inside the forest or around it. This does cause a significant level of disruption throughout the immediate area, so just know that there are complaints from reviews in that area, stating that frequent gunfire is noted.

Second notable thing is parking. Some portions of this forest are immensely accessible and a breeze to park in. Other locations can become full and prevent you from hiking.

There has been numerous occasions that I went to a parking lot that was full, with no other options for trail access. Consider having a backup plan if you can’t find parking at your first option.

A lot of the trails are great for short hiking trips, or you could plan something longer. I like to use the forest for 1-3 hour hikes, and break it into smaller pieces. The good thing about the forest is that it easily connects and has a lot of good loops. Don’t feel afraid to look at the trail map and plan ahead a little. You will be able to cover more ground and feel a bit less nervous about wandering further in.

It’s not a “giant” forest by any means, but I think it’s a great starting point for anyone who might be weary about being in nature. The trails are great for beginners and often are fine to hike all year round.

We followed the Bay Cicuit trail just off the Berry Pond parking lot to the site off the soapstone quarry. Drill holes for dynamite mark some stones, piled like a giant's attempt to build a stone wall. Lots of places to climb and small hideyholes. We followed the trail to a small wetland area with bridges connecting the hummocks. The boys had a lot of fun!
Another hike on my own in the summer, I found mushrooms all along the trail.

Haven't explored the state forest yet but it's beautiful nature goes on n on. Beautiful forest to take pictures if your a photography lover like me , also very peaceful to walk, clear your mind.

Went here for a winter trail run and it was just as peaceful and enjoyable as it is in the summer. Naturally (pun intended) the trails aren't cleared in the winter. However, you'll find that there's not a lot of people around which I find nice. There's also plenty of trails that snake in all different directions. Some go over Brooks some go near the lake.

All in all I would highly recommend you give it a shot if you're looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to walk or run.

A very beautiful state forest with plenty of trails, and plenty amazing scenery.

If you like rocks and roots and technical riding this is to go to place. It's not flowly, smooth and fast. However, there are lots of fire roads which are great for folks that are not interested in singletrack technical riding. Nine ponds, and a really nice campground for those who are interested in camping.

Great forest for hiking and biking. Clean, quiet, well maintained. It even has a beach/picnic area at Berry Pond.

Gentle walking trails for an easy walk through the woods. Most people we saw were wearing masks and dogs were all leashed.