Luddam’s Ford Park, Hanover

Luddam’s Ford Park includes walking trails on both sides of the Indian Head River. Photo by Gary Higgins

As the weather warms, why spend your lunch hour stuck indoors? At Luddam’s Ford Park in Hanover you can sit back and watch the birds, hike along the Indian Head River or relax on a park bench. The park is on Elm Street, off Broadway near the Pembroke border.

Cost:$3.49 for a three-cheese flatbread sandwich at Dunkin’ Donuts, or bring a sandwich from home.

Signs make it easy to find your way around Luddam’s Ford Park. Photo by Gary Higgins

Time: 60 minutes

WALK AROUND
There are walking trails on the Hanover and Pembroke sides of the Indian Head River. Both are easily accessible with parking on both banks. As you stroll, keep your eyes open for wildlife along the trails. On the Hanover side, you’ll see rope swings that children use to fling themselves into the river. (Not that we condone it.)

The 19.5-acre site contains woodlands, open fields, a stream and a pond. See them all by following the old railroad bed on the Hanover side of the river, from Elm Street toward Water Street.

CHECK IT OUT
Luddam’s Ford got its name from James Luddam, who in 1632 carried the Massachusetts Bay Colony governor on his back as they crossed the river. Today, if you walk along the banks, you can still see remnants of the river mills, including the anchor works that forged the anchors for the USS Constitution.

QUICK BITES
Pack a lunch at home or, on your way there, pick up a sandwich and a coffee at one of the several Dunkin’ Donuts shops on Route 53. Another possibility is getting a sandwich or wrap at the Old Railroad Cafe on Route 53.

RELAX
A handful of new park benches were installed as part of a pair of Eagle Scout projects last summer, making Luddam’s Ford a great place to sit, relax and watch water flow over the Luddam’s Ford dam.