Quiet trails through state forest and town land serve as an important link in the Bay Circuit Trail. 

WALKING TIME 1 HOUR

SIZE 230 ACRES

OWNER COMM. OF MASSACHUSETTS, TOWN OF NORTH ANDOVER

MILES OF TRAILS 2

SUGGESTED WALKS

THE BAY CIRCUIT TRAIL A day hike on the Bay Circuit Trail provides a great opportunity to experience a long distance trail. For a longer Bay Circuit hike, park your car at your destination, and then have someone drop you off at your starting point. From the Recycling Center, follow the Bay Circuit markers north to Boxford State Forest or south to Harold Parker State Forest. Use caution when crossing Route 114 or walking along Sharpners Pond Rd.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Along with Boxford State Forest, the wetlands and vernal pools along the Recycling Center trails are designated a Priority Habitat for Rare Species by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. The special designation aims to protect the Blanding’s turtle, a rare, yellow-flecked turtle documented in this area. The turtles are particularly vulnerable, as they will often travel long distances to find suitable egg-laying locations, and do not reproduce until females are 14-20 years old.

HISTORY

The town acquired the Recycling Center land in 1977, for use as a composting area. The surrounding wetlands were known as Half Moon Meadow. After several years rerouted through the Recycling Center parking lot, a recent boardwalk project restored the Bay Circuit Trail to its original route.