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Major Trail Systems
Andover
Conservation Commission Land
AVIS
Reservations
Massachusetts
dcr
Town of
Andover Land
Trustees of
the Reservations
Other Land
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South School
Woods
Features:
Immediately
behind the playground are huge white pines, inhibiting
undergrowth with their dense shade. Elsewhere young
white pines and hardwoods create dense groves filled
with the sounds of birds.
History:
The Andover
and Wilmington Railroad ran through here from 1836 until
1848. When the playing fields were built, part of the
rail bed was covered, but much of it is still visible as
the long straight trail running south/southwest from the
playground. In 1996 Andover’s youth soccer and baseball
supporters eyed part of South School woods for sorely
needed athletic fields. South School students, however,
rallied in support of “their” woods and asked the sports
leagues to look elsewhere.
Suggested Walk:
Enter the pine
grove behind the school’s south parking lot and
playground. Trail leaves the grove south into a wide
arc, gradually turning right to reach the old railbed.
Either return via the railbed for a short walk, or
continue on the perimeter trail. A number of small
trails leave left toward private property, but continue
on the main trail as it loops around, always bearing
right, to emerge behind the playground again.
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Size:
Location:
Parking:
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