         
 | Property Description | 695 acres | Established 1940 | The Ward Reservation represents the union of more than forty separate parcels of former farm and pasture land whose stone walls, when combined, total more than seventeen miles long. These parcels include all or portions of three hills—Shrub Hill, Boston Hill, and Holt Hill—and are connected by many miles of trails, some of which are segments in the Bay Circuit Trail. The focal point of the Ward Reservation is 420-foot Holt Hill, the highest point in Essex County. The hill is named for the mid-17th-century settlement of Nicholas Holt. From the summit, visitors can see Boston's skyline and the Blue Hills to the south. The "Solstice Stones" form a compass-like arrangement of stones. The narrow stone in the NE quadrant points in the direction of where the sun rises on the longest day of the year - the summer solstice (around June 21) - and the narrow stone in the NW quadrant marks sunset on that day. At the time of the spring equinox (around March 21) and autumn (around September 23) equinox, the sun rises due east and sets due west. On the shortest day of the year - the winter solstice (around Dec 22) - the sun rises and sets along the narrow stones in the SE and SW quadrants, respectively. Located at the foot of Holt Hill is Pine Hole Bog, a rare quaking bog that features concentric rings of distinct vegetation, each characterized by different growing conditions. Visitors may enjoy exploring the bog with an interpretive booklet that follows numbered stations along a nature trail and 700-foot boardwalk. |
| | Trails | | 13 miles of trails. Moderate hiking, strenuous in places. |
| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from the bulletin boards in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. 30-minute self-guideded walking tour of Pine Hile Bog and Pond. Information available for modest charge (honor system) at parking area brochure dispenser. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Original acreage a gift, with endowment, of Mrs. Charles W. Ward in 1940 in memory of her husband. Additional land given in 1944, 1946, and 1950. Additional land given by Charles L. Ward, Jr. in 1941; Phillips Andover Academy in 1957 and 1973; Mrs. C. Carleton Kimball and Charles L. Ward in 1958; Elizabeth W. Kimball, Charles L. Ward, John W. Kimball, Richard W. Kimball, Margaret K. Montgomery, Charles L. Ward, Jr., and Thomas B. Ward in 1972; and Mr. and Mrs. Jon Swenson in 1977. Other parcels purchased from 1958 to 1978. Additional land given by the North Andover Improvement Society in 1994; Emily Walton Taft in 1995; Mark Conserva in 1997; and Robert E. Webster in 1999. Additional endowment given by members of the Ward family. |
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Telephone:
978-682-3580 E-mail:
neregion@ttor.org When to Visit:
Year-round, daily, 8am to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hours. Admission Fees & Permits:
Free to all. On-site donation welcome from nonmembers. How to Get There:
From I-93, take Route 125 north 5 mi. Turn right onto Prospect Road and follow for 0.3 mi. to entrance and parking area on right. From Route I-495, take Route 114 east 1.7 mi. Turn right onto Route 125 south and follow for 1.6 mi. Turn left onto Prospect Road and follow for 0.3 mi. to entrance and parking area (15 cars) on right. Road Map:
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