Directions to parking for Andover's Ward Reservation

The Ward Reservation, a stone wall enthusiast's paradise (it is alleged there are more than seventeen miles of them and all, or at least all we've seen, are of the antique "thrown" variety), home to three named hills (Shrub, Boston, and the highest at 420 feet above mean sea level, Holt Hill), a sizable wetland area, and a certified quaking bog. In other words, there's something for everyone. On a clear day the top of Holt Hill affords an excellent view of Revere Bay and the Boston skyline; it is also features a unique set of solstice stones which point to the four cardinal directions and to sunrise and sunset on the summer (21 June) and winter (22 December) solstices. Is it worth climbing the highest hill in Essex County to enjoy the view and admire the stones? We vote "Yes"!

Getting to the Reservation is straightforward in principle: just drive north on Route 93 a few miles to Route 125, continue a short distance on 125 to Prospect Street, and then meander along Prospect Street to the parking lot at its end.  But never mind principle; the devil, as always, is in the details. Here they are: either do it yourself by asking Mapquest (or your favorite alternative provider of driving directions) to route you to "98 Prospect Road" in Andover, or, try the following.

From Route 128/95

Drive 128/95 to Exit 37B, take it, and go north on Route 93 toward Concord, NH about 6 miles. This will bring you to Exit 41 for Route 125 north; take this Exit and get onto 125, being careful to aim for Andover/N. Andover. Continue along Route 125 (never giving in to the temptation to conclude you've gone too far) for 4.9 miles, past the Harold Parker State Forest, to Prospect Road. Finding the sign for Prospect Road isn't easy to do; a key landmark about a quarter of a mile before you reach it is a gasoline station on the left. When you reach Prospect Road, turn right on it and drive almost its entire narrow winding length (about 0.5 miles) to an unpaved parking area on the right. Pull into the lot and park.

Because most of the driving is at highway speeds, travel time from Route 128/95 to the parking lot shouldn't take more than about fifteen minutes under ordinary circumstances.

Good Luck !!!

To contact us call 978-808-0900