By Lisa Roberts
You don’t have to travel far to find a place to explore. North Andover is home to more than 70 miles of hiking trails that wind throughout the community, offering everything from flat, easy walks along old cart paths to more challenging climbs that lead up scenic hilltops. Together, they offer something for every level of hiker looking to enjoy the outdoors and discover the natural beauty of North Andover.
The trails are maintained primarily by the Friends of North Andover Trails (FONAT), a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. In addition to trail maintenance, FONAT carries out its mission of “preserving and supporting outdoor spaces” by creating new trails, leading monthly group hikes, overseeing an online trail map and publishing a printed guidebook.
FONAT is part of the North Andover Improvement Society, and continues to expand its network of trails each year. It started as a town trail committee and became a nonprofit under the umbrella of the Improvement Society when that committee was disbanded. Since then, major trail projects have included the town’s trailhead kiosks and signs, the lake trail behind Edgewood and bridges along North Andover’s portion of the Bay Circuit Trail.
Volunteers keep the trails open
Interested in getting involved? FONAT is always looking for more volunteers to help in a wide variety of ways.
“We all enjoy being outside — it’s what drives our passion,” said Glen Aspeslagh, Chair of FONAT. “Whether it’s someone working behind the scenes to update a map or website, or clearing an overgrown path, we all contribute in a way that works for us.”
Meetings are held quarterly and all are welcome. Meeting dates are posted on the group’s website, FONAT.org. It’s a great way to learn about the many opportunities available to help support the trails of North Andover.
Monthly hikes and an 84-page guidebook
In 2013, the group began leading family-friendly hikes that highlight a different trail each month. The hikes were so successful that they continue today.
“These hikes are a great way to get outside, explore North Andover’s trails and meet new people. We usually hold them the first Sunday of the month,” Aspeslagh added. “It feels incredibly rewarding when we lead our group hikes on trails we’ve just worked on and see all the smiling faces.”
FONAT has pulled all of this information into an 84-page guidebook that includes 16 full-color maps, detailed trail descriptions with information on flora, fauna and area history, and stunning wildlife photos from local nature photographers. Trail entrances are clearly marked from the road with either maroon signs or information kiosks.
The guidebook can be purchased online at FONAT.org or at Rocky’s Ace Hardware, Andover Bookstore, Butcher Boy and the North Andover Historical Society. An updated version is in the works, with hopes of being out by next summer.
Information about upcoming hikes, trails, volunteer opportunities and more can be found at FONAT.org.
