Bradley Palmer State Park

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Terrain

Gently rolling

Surface

Smooth

Scenery

Woods and pond

Auto Traffic

None after 3 p.m.

Pedestrian Traffic

Moderate

Distance

1.25 miles

Topsfield

As part of 280,000 acres managed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, Division of Forests and Parks, Bradley Palmer State Park is one of the best parks in Massachusetts to inline skate. In addition to inline skating, the park offers woods, fields and many unpaved trails to camp, fish, horseback ride, and in the winter to cross country ski and snowmobile. Surrounded by the Georgetown-Rawley and the Willowdale State Forests, Bradley Palmer State Park is a great social location, so bring a picnic meal and when you're ready to take a break from skating, kick back and enjoy the hiking trails, scenery, and wildlife.

How to Get There

From the Rte. 95/Rte. 128 juncture in Peabody, take Rte. 95 another 5-7 miles north to Rte. 1 north (exit 50). Follow Rte. 1 north towards Topsfield. In Topsfield, after crossing Rte. 97, turn right on to Ipswich Road. Follow Ipswich Road for 1.2 miles, then turn right on to Asbury Street. The park entrance is about 1/2 mile down on your left. The park phone number is 508-887-5931.

Where to Skate

As you enter the park from Asbury Street you will find parking on your left. After 3:00 p.m. the park closes to automobile traffic. The parking lot then comes alive with skaters of all abilities as well as joggers and cyclists. From the parking lot there is a 1.25 mile stretch of fresh pavement. It's a two lane shaded road that passes a pond where you can often spot wildlife. This stretch is straight with a few gently rolling hills. At the Highland Street side of the park, you'll find additional parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and a wading pool. You will also find a short uphill stretch that leaves from the parking lot. It dead ends at the unpaved hiking trails that lead to Blueberry and Moon Hills.

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Disclaimer

Printing of this page for personal use is not restricted. The use of this page for any commercial endeavor requires prior written approval and may involve some financial consideration. All material copyright 2000 by InLine Club of Boston. Reproduction of this page without this Disclaimer in its entirety is forbidden.

The materials provided here are used at one's own risk; injuries do occur while skating. By providing these materials, InLine Club of Boston and the authors makes no implicit or explicit guarantee that you will not be injured while skating at these or any other locations. Skaters should wear appropriate protective equipment including a helmet at all times and should have developed plans for what to do in the event they suddenly need to obtain medical assistance.

The ICB makes no guarantees that the information provided herein is completely accurate or current. If you know of any discrepencies, please notify us so that we may correct them.