Bearsden Conservation Area (parking lot) - Athol, MA
Bearsden Conservation Area: A Top Dog-Friendly Hiking Destination in Athol, Massachusetts
The Bearsden Conservation Area in Athol, MA, is a spacious nature preserve known for its extensive pet-friendly hiking trails and tranquil atmosphere. With wide, well-maintained paths, varied elevations, and dense tree cover, this conservation area is ideal for dog owners seeking outdoor adventure with their furry companions. The area is celebrated for its clean environment and beautiful seasonal blooms, offering a peaceful retreat for both people and pets.
While this is not a traditional fenced-in dog park, dogs are welcome on leash throughout the network of trails, and the space’s vastness means it’s rarely crowded. Amenities include a portapotty at the parking lot and covered picnic shelters (which must be reserved in advance, free of charge). However, visitors should note there are no trash cans, so be prepared to carry out what you bring in. Dense forest provides plenty of natural shade, making it enjoyable even in light rain. Bearsden Conservation Area stands out for its scenic hiking, remote beauty, and dog-friendly policies, making it a top destination for outdoor-loving pet owners in central Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Bearsden Conservation Area is renowned for its extensive hiking trails, varying from easy to more challenging routes.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the area has dense tree cover providing natural shade and offers reservable picnic shelters.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there is a portapotty at the parking lot.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Some trails lead to rivers and waterways, but there is no officially designated dog swimming area.
- Is parking available? Yes, parking is available at the lot near the entrance.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews mention that the area is relatively clean and well-maintained, although there are no trash bins, so visitors should pack out their waste.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the access road and some trails can be tricky and muddy, especially after rain.
- Where is the best place to park? The main parking lot at the entrance (address: JR35+W4, Athol, MA 01331) is the recommended spot.
Reviews
I reserved the Duck Pond shelter and hiked in for an overnight stay. Shelters must be reserved but are free which is nice. The area is remote, untouched, and beautiful.
I reserved the Duck Pond shelter and hiked in for an overnight stay. Shelters must be reserved but are free which is nice. The area is remote, untouched, and beautiful.
One of the best hiking places in the area! A lot of the trails are wide and straight and there’s many different routes you can take with different elevations and difficulties. The conservation area is so large, it really feels endless! It’s often empty and is a great place to walk your dog. It’s also relatively clean with minimal dog poop and is well maintained. In the spring, the flower bushes are beautiful! In the spring and summer, the tree cover is very dense, so you can generally go there in light to moderate rain and be protected. There is a portapotty at the parking lot. The road in can be a little tricky, especially after heavy rain, so be cautious when driving through. It’s only wide enough for one car for most of the way. There are no trash cans so be prepared to carry your trash.
One of the best hiking places in the area! A lot of the trails are wide and straight and there’s many different routes you can take with different elevations and difficulties. The conservation area is so large, it really feels endless! It’s often empty and is a great place to walk your dog. It’s also relatively clean with minimal dog poop and is well maintained. In the spring, the flower bushes are beautiful! In the spring and summer, the tree cover is very dense, so you can generally go there in light to moderate rain and be protected. There is a portapotty at the parking lot. The road in can be a little tricky, especially after heavy rain, so be cautious when driving through. It’s only wide enough for one car for most of the way. There are no trash cans so be prepared to carry your trash.
It was nice. It had been many years since my last visit. Early morning hike. Very relaxing. Nice way to start the day. 😊
It was nice. It had been many years since my last visit. Early morning hike. Very relaxing. Nice way to start the day. 😊
I did the round top loop around. It was mostly nice on the ascent, but there’s been a lot of recent felling of trees that overlaid the path heading back.
I did the round top loop around. It was mostly nice on the ascent, but there’s been a lot of recent felling of trees that overlaid the path heading back.
Nice place for walking the dog. Lots of beautiful areas
Nice place for walking the dog. Lots of beautiful areas