Goldsmith Updates

October 8.

Twelve of an estimated eighteen weeks of construction have been completed.

September 15.

Half way there with the trail! Please visit avisandover.org/join to help fund the remainder of the trail construction and parking improvements.

September 1.

The APT construction is progressing nicely. The AMC Professional Trail Crew’s naturalizing work along completed trail is very impressive. We encourage our visitors to explore all the other wonderful open spaces in Andover while this trail is closed. Information on all AVIS reservations may be found at: www.avisandover.org/reservations. Find additional information on hikes and AVIS volunteer opportunities through the website at: www.avisandover.org.

August 7.

The project is moving along well.

July 28.

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) professional trail crew will send AVIS a summary of the work accomplished every few weeks. The first M.U.D. Report (Monday Updates & Developments) is shown below. The six-member AMC team is using small equipment and a lot of handwork to install the six-foot-wide, firm, stable, minus 3/8-inch crushed stone All Persons Trail from the parking area to Bessie’s Point.  The grade for most of the distance will be less than 5%. Lowering a few high points will be necessary to ensure the trail grade does not exceed 8%. 

JULY 9.

On July 8, 2025, the Andover Conservation Commission approved an Order of Conditions for the construction of the All Persons Trail and ADA-compliant parking improvements at the Goldsmith Woodlands.  

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s professional trail team will begin preparations for trail work on July 9, 2025. For the safety of the public and the work crew, most of Goldsmith Reservation will be closed while the trail is under construction. Access from Willard Circle to Journey’s End will remain open. 

We encourage our visitors to take this opportunity to explore all the other wonderful open spaces in Andover. Information on all AVIS reservations may be found at this link: www.avisandover.org/reservations. Find additional information on hikes and AVIS volunteer opportunities through the website at: www.avisandover.org.

Ongoing updates on the trail’s progress will be posted on this Goldsmith Updates blog. The APT trail is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The parking area improvements are currently scheduled for construction in 2026.

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June 29.

AVIS anticipates that work on the All Persons Trail in the Goldsmith Woodlands Reservation will begin in early to mid-July. The Reservation will be closed to the public during the time the trail is under construction for the safety of both the public and the work crew, currently estimated to be approximately 18 weeks.

The All Persons Trail will be constructed using minus 3/8-inch crushed stone by the Appalachian Mountain Club’s professional trail team. The trail surface will be similar to that of the All Persons Trail at Brewster’s Woods in Concord, MA, a Mass Audubon property.

We apologize for the inconvenience the trail closure causes. We love walking there too, and are looking forward to exploring the trail when it reopens. While Goldsmith Woodlands is closed, AVIS encourages visitors to take the opportunity to explore other AVIS reservations and open spaces in Andover. Visit www.avisandover.org/reservations and www.andovertrails.org.

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June 25-26.

The Goldsmith Woods trail was closed for a few days, allowing for the removal of 50 trees, 90% of which were dead, for general trail safety and in preparation for the All Persons Trail. Wherever possible, where there was no fear of falling on the trail, standing snags were left to support wildlife habitat. When a standing snag was not appropriate, the logs were left on the ground to create additional beneficial habitat for animals and plants and aid in the return of vital nutrients to the soil.