Andover Trails Committee

Thanks to heroic work by the Shawsheen River Keeper, aka Ken Doran, and a fabulous crew of volunteers, including Alex Taylor, Ralph Mason, Mark and Scott Kaluzny and Steve Golden, 4 trees blocking passage on the Shawsheen River were removed yesterday.

The section of River between Central Street and Dale Street is now free flowing and safer for paddlers. Hope you can get out soon and enjoy one of the best paddling experiences in the region.

Family Paddle on the Shawsheen River -6/7 CANCELLED due to challenging weather

Unfortunately our Spring weather is very chaotic this year and the conditions forecast for Sunday will not be conducive for this fun family friendly event. We are sorry to disappoint all those that registered as well as those on the wait list. Andover Trails working with the Andover Recreation Department made the decision in order to keep the experience of paddling on the Shawsheen safe and fun for all participants. We hope to reschedule in the Fall and sign up for our newsletter for information about other programs.

The Shawsheen River is one of Andover's great recreation and natural resource assets and encourage everyone to experience it.

Ready to bike Andover's scenic backroads?

Join us Sunday morning for "Beginner Intro to Biking". Learning to be comfortable riding bikes on roads opens up a world of opportunities. Our experienced cyclists with years of recreational riding will share tips for safely sharing the roads with cars. Andover Trails marks two Andover bike loops on quiet scenic roads and which optimize safety. The Introductory to biking session will ride the shorter loop - 9-mile, riding at a slow pace with frequent stops for instruction on safe riding. Meeting Point: Phillips Academy Bell Tower on the corner of Salem and Main. FREE EVENT. 10:00am - 12:00pm.

REGISTER HERE

Andover Trails Beginner Intro to Biking: 9-mile loop Let's explore the roads on scenic, easy bike ride!

ANDOVER’S BIKE LOOPS ROAD MARKED

Looking for bike loops close-to-home for recreational rides and training? Andover Trails has refreshed the road marking “A”s guiding riders on the 9-mile and 24-mile routes.

May is National Bike Month and the perfect time to enjoy safe recreational bike riding. The 9-mile loop is designed for riding on quiet roads with a minimum of left hand turns. The 24-mile loop is more challenging and overlaps for part of the way with the shorter route. Both are great ways to appreciate the riding opportunities in Andover.

Bicycle Routes The Andover bike loops are marked with large stenciled white "A" along the route inside the curb. The markings are located before and after each turn . There is a full 24 mile loop and a shorter 9...

Andover Trails’ “Introduction to Local Trails” walk this afternoon was fun and a great way to meet people and learn about our community. Andover is fortunate to have a great trails network. Today’s program demonstrated that the most important trails are the ones close to home that can be enjoyed with family and to make new friends.

If anyone knows who left this large boulder on the Skug Reservation thank them. It is awe inspiring.

Volunteers Needed!
River Herring are now entering the Shawsheen and we need your help. It's fun and only takes 10 minutes! Check out our information page on how to participate. https://www.andovertrails.org/rhc

Announcing an upcoming learning event:

Introduction to Andover Outdoors
March 28th: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Reserve your spot with Andover Community Services
Andover Trails and Andover Recreation invite you to Andover Outdoors, a welcoming outdoor education program designed especially for beginners. We’ll begin with a lively “classroom session” featuring an informative panel discussion led by experienced local guides.

You’ll learn:
Where to find Andover’s best trails for beginners
How to access local rail trails and multi-use paths
Safe and scenic paddling sections along the Shawsheen River
What gear you really need—and what you don’t

Your $15 registration fee also includes an introductory-level field experience at a later date, where you can put what you’ve learned into action. Choose to participate in one, two, or all three activities—hiking, bicycling, and paddling. Each outing will be led by knowledgeable Andover volunteers who know the trails, waters, and hidden gems of our town.

Come get your questions answered, build confidence, and discover how much adventure awaits right here in town.
https://www.andovertrails.org/andoveroutdoors.html

Clearly the Appalachian Trail calls to many. Last night’s Andover Trails’ sponsored event at Oak & Iron Brewing Company drew capacity to hear about the history of the AT and hear the story of 3 End-to-Enders spanning 50+ years.

While the gear has changed, as well as the volume of hikers, the lasting impact the experience leaves connecting walkers to the natural environment and grounding themselves remains indelible.

Thanks to Amber “Happy” Stearns, Liz “Fireball” Forkel, and Steve Golden for sharing their stories.

Getting outside and ENJOYING the snow is the best way to get through the winter!!!

New to snowshoeing? Let’s change that. ❄️🥾

Join AMC at Appleton Farms on Feb 16 for a beginner-friendly introduction and short trek along the Bay Circuit Trail. No experience? No problem. We provide the gear; you provide the winter spirit!

• When: Monday, Feb 16 @ 11:30 AM
• Where: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA
• Vibe: Relaxed, educational, and scenic.

Come meet fellow explorers and see the farm in its winter glory. 🌲🤍

Register here: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000010qAv2AI/act00018965

ANDOVER ALES & TRAILS (AA&T) Bonus hike on Sunday March 1st, 1:15p-3:30p.

Enjoy our beautiful snow and get out on our trails. This is a "Show & Go" Hike. No registration required. We will meet at the Oak & Iron Brewery @ 18 Red Spring Road Andover MA 01810 (978) 475-4077 @1:15 and carpool to the trail head. We’ll hike a 2.0-mile course with an elevation gain of 100 ft and be back at the Oak & Iron by ~3:30 so we can stop to enjoy some tasty beverages and food at Andover's Hometown Brewery with a warm, taproom environment.

Snowshoes or Micro spikes are required. The leaders will be wearing snowshoes and recommend them as the better option. Bring hiking poles if you have them. In your daypack bring the required essentials: water and snacks, rain/wind jacket. Dress in moisture wicking. Bring something to sit on during our breaks.