Welcome to Andover Trails
Andover Trails was founded in 1971 by Alan French and others as the Andover Trails Committee with the idea of creating an interconnecting network of walking trails through the town’s public and private conservation properties. Now, nearly fifty years later, Andover Trails is a citizens’ organization dedicated to enjoying and promoting access to our treasured outdoor resources. Andover Trails Committee, Inc. became a Massachusetts public charity on September 21, 2012 and received IRS 501(c)(3) status on July 24, 2013.
Our organization includes members of the Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS), Andover Conservation Commission, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Bay Circuit Alliance, The Trustees of Reservations, and just plain folk who appreciate the outdoor recreational opportunities of Andover. The Shawsheen Greenway is a program initiative of Andover Trails.
Our organization includes members of the Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS), Andover Conservation Commission, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Bay Circuit Alliance, The Trustees of Reservations, and just plain folk who appreciate the outdoor recreational opportunities of Andover. The Shawsheen Greenway is a program initiative of Andover Trails.
- Participate: Visit our list of Town Trails or participate in upcoming Events.
- Volunteer: Help with events and projects. Contribute to trail building and river activities.
- Donate: Contribute to the current and future use and appreciation of our natural resources and outdoor recreation.
A walk outside is good for your health! Popular trails continue to be very heavily used. Please seek out lesser used trails and bypass those that appear to have many cars in the parking lot. Many people prefer to spend time on the trails with a buddy or organized group for both safety and companionship. See our page of links for ideas.
ADVISORIES FOR SUMMER/FALL 2025:
ADVISORIES FOR SUMMER/FALL 2025:
- Due to ongoing repairs to the Mary French Boardwalk, public access is restricted until further notice. Bay Circuit through-hikers (westbound) should proceed from the Skug Reservation left/northwest on Salem Street for 7/10 of a mile, enter the Ward Reservation on the right near the intersection with Gray Road, and rejoin the Bay Circuit Trail at the top of the hill. Eastbound hikers may pass through the Ward and Great Swamp reservations to Gray Road and the intersection with Korinthian Way. Follow Gray Road, 5/10 of a mile, to the intersection with Salem Street. Left on Salem Street for 7/10 of a mile and right into the Skug Reservation.
- All trails at Andover Conservation's Wood Hill/Bald Hill Reservation have been reopened following extensive logging and timber harvesting but the parking lot at 288 High Plain Road is closed until Spring 2026 for construction at the Dog Park. Park instead at the Community Garden lot, at the top of Holmes Road or along Wedgewood Road.
- The Haggetts Pond & Rail Trail is closed from the western (Haggetts Pond Road) end until further notice for paving. A portion of the trail may be accessed from the eastern end (High Plain Road) unless closed for construction activity.
- Most trails at AVIS's Goldsmith Woodlands are closed for the construction of a new All-Persons trail. The trail from Willard Circle to Journey's End will remain open. Click here for updates.
