Things to Do in Topsfield

Topsfield's top outdoor things to do are three big neighboring properties: Mass Audubon's 1,978-acre Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, the state's 721-acre Bradley Palmer State Park, and Willowdale State Forest with 40 miles of trails. Add a paddle from one of the town's river landings and a ride on the Topsfield Linear Common rail trail. Each property has its own rules, and the biggest difference is dogs: allowed at the two state properties, not at the sanctuary.

1. Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary at 87 Perkins Row is the quietest of the three: 12 miles of foot trails, boardwalks over beaver wetlands, the 1905 Rockery, and canoe and kayak rentals in season ($30 members, $40 nonmembers for two hours). Admission is $7 for adults; Mass Audubon members are free. Closed Mondays except holidays. Best for birding, families with young kids and a slow walk.

2. Bradley Palmer State Park

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) describes Bradley Palmer as a former estate with 721 acres of pine-needled paths and sunny rolling meadows for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It's at 40 Asbury Street, Topsfield, open sunrise to sunset, phone (978) 887-5931. DCR lists hiking, mountain biking, biking, canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling among its activities.

• Parking: DCR charges daily from May 23 through October 12 — $5 for Massachusetts plates, $20 for others.
• Facilities: a spray deck, pavilion, picnic areas with grills, restrooms and educational programs. DCR notes peak bloom is usually mid-June.
• Weddings and events: DCR's Bradley Palmer page points to the Willowdale Estate for weddings and events.
• Access: DCR lists an accessible trail and a beach wheelchair available.
• Dogs: allowed (DCR).
• Hunting: allowed at Cleveland Farm; archery only at Prospect Hill.

3. Willowdale State Forest

DCR invites visitors to explore 40 miles of trails at Willowdale, and points visitors looking for something water-based to Hood Pond west of Route 1. Parking is free at two roadside turnouts on Ipswich Road and a third on Linebrook Road on the far side of the forest; DCR gives the address as 252 Ipswich Road, Topsfield. Hours are sunrise to sunset.

• Activities (DCR): non-motorized boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and mountain biking.
• Rules: no alcohol, no motorized vehicles, stay on designated trails and roads, no hunting east of Route 1.
• Birding: the Ipswich River Watershed Association calls Willowdale a paradise for nesting birds and habitat for eight state-listed rare species, including the least bittern.
• Dogs: allowed (DCR).

4. Paddle the Ipswich River

The Ipswich River Watershed Association lists five Water Trail landings in Topsfield: Rowley Bridge Road, Salem Road, High Street, Colt Island and Asbury Street. Essex County Greenbelt's guide describes the stretch from Rowley Bridge Road past views of the former Coolidge Estate, Meredith Farm and the Topsfield Fairgrounds. Launch your own boat at a public landing, or rent at the sanctuary. See paddling the Ipswich River.

5. Ride the Topsfield Linear Common

Mass Audubon's trail map marks the Topsfield Linear Common rail trail as a bike trail just off the sanctuary's southwest corner, near Valley Road. Bikes aren't allowed on the sanctuary's own trails, so this is where to ride.

Plan a Topsfield Day

• Morning birding at the sanctuary when the trails open at dawn (Tuesday–Sunday).
• Midday paddle: a rental canoe from the sanctuary in season, or your own boat from a Topsfield landing.
• Afternoon with the dog, or on a bike, at Bradley Palmer or Willowdale.

Not the North Reading Park

Ipswich River Park, with ball fields and a paved walking path, is in North Reading, not Topsfield. See Ipswich River Park.