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Harold Parker State Forest – Lake Quannapowitt loop from Wakefield

Harold Parker State Forest – Lake Quannapowitt loop from Wakefield

Moderate

3.0

(22)

riders

Harold Parker State Forest – Lake Quannapowitt loop from Wakefield

02:40

61.4km

390m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

13.8 km

Lorraine Park Campground

Highlight • Rest Area

Lorraine campground can accommodate bikepackers easily in the tent sites. They also have lean-tos. mass.gov/locations/harold-parker-state-forest

Tip by

14.2 km

Harold Parker State Forest has a great network of awesome singletracks. Altogether there are about 35 miles of well maintained mountain bike trails. If you want to explore all of them just stay a whole weekend and reserve your campsite here: reserveamerica.com/explore/harold-parker-state-forest/MA/32608/overview

Tip by

18.1 km

Boston Hill Farm

Highlight • Structure

25.6 km

Town Farm

Forest

26.8 km

Smolak Farms

Highlight • Cafe

Good bike-friendly place for a coffee stop, cider, etc., with seating available outside.

Tip by

29.9 km

Curtis Property

Forest

31.2 km

Stiles Pond

Highlight • Lake

This is a popular swim spot for residents of Boxford. Guests are also allowed to dip in the pond, but for a small fee. Keep an eye out for fish and frogs who might be swimming with you.

Tip by

36.9 km

Cargill Fields Conservation Area

Highlight • Natural

Cargill Fields Conservation Area is home to Palmer School, a one-class school built in 1845. This green space is highlighted by a golden field at the southeast corner of Middleton Road and Main Street.

Tip by

44.4 km

East Street Pond

Highlight • Lake

Some things just take you by surprise now and again, and this unnamed pond on East Street is just one of them. It is such a pretty location. The section of road here is very easy on the eye too, and it's a good blast on the bike.

Tip by

45.8 km

Essex County Agricultural And Technical Institute

Nature Reserve

59.7 km

Lake Quannapowitt

Highlight • Lake

Lake Quannapowitt is a large, shallow lake at the north end of the town of Wakefield. It covers 254 acres and is about 3.6 miles around. This lake is emptied by the Saugus River.

Lake Quannapowitt is a popular setting for walkers, joggers and bikers. It is the site of many organized races from 5 kilometers race to Ultra Marathons.

Tip by

61.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

51.0 km

4.61 km

4.04 km

1.45 km

264 m

117 m

Surfaces

59.5 km

1.56 km

217 m

159 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (90 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 21 July

24°C

17°C

94 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a road cycling route that blends serene lake views with challenging forest roads, the Harold Parker State Forest – Lake Quannapowitt loop from Wakefield is a solid choice. This moderate 38.2-mile (61.4 km) ride packs in 1184 feet (361 metres) of climbing over roughly 2 hours and 32 minutes, making it perfect for cyclists seeking a diverse, mixed-surface adventure just north of Boston.

What to expect on Harold Parker State Forest – Lake Quannapowitt loop from Wakefield

This route offers a dynamic cycling experience, transitioning from the flat, paved paths around Lake Quannapowitt to the rolling hills and varied terrain of Harold Parker State Forest. You'll encounter a mix of well-paved roads and wider dirt paths, some of which are former forest roads, so a road bike with wider tires or a gravel bike is ideal for comfort. Within the forest, keep an eye out for rocky outcroppings and glacial erratics, and enjoy views of numerous ponds like Berry Pond, Field Pond, and Salem Pond. While the lake section is easy, the forest's moderate elevation changes and occasional steep uphill sections mean you'll need good fitness to enjoy the full loop.

Planning your visit

This loop is conveniently located less than an hour north of Boston, making it an accessible escape for urban cyclists. The scenery around Lake Quannapowitt changes beautifully with the seasons, offering picturesque views year-round. Given the varied terrain, ensure your bike is equipped for both paved and unpaved sections to make the most of your ride.

Trail details

Distance: 38.2 miles (61.4 km)
Elevation gain: 1184 feet (361 metres)
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 2 hours and 32 minutes

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Harold Parker State Forest – Lake Quannapowitt loop from Wakefield

Lorraine Park Campground