The Hanover Conservation Commission owns Luddam's Ford Park, 22 acres of open meadow and forested upland. The Curtis Anchor Forge was located here in the 1700s, and later the Clapp Rubber Mill (founded in 1873), the largest of its kind in the country. The dam on the Indian Head River fueled these industries as well as earlier mills. Now it forces migrating fish to scale a fish ladder as they swim upstream to spawn.

The pond created by the dam welcomes non-motorized boats and catch-and-release fishing. There are informal launch areas for canoes, kayaks, and small boats on both sides of the river. Due to mercury contamination from 19th and 20th-century industries upstream, fish caught here may not be consumed. When boating, be careful to stay away from the dam.

The property also features a picnic and passive recreation area. The adjacent former railroad bed provides a 2-mile walk along the Indian Head with several captivating views of the river. Walk across the bridge on Elm Street to access the Pembroke portion of Luddam’s Ford Park. Look for a historic marker at the center of the bridge, which was completed in 1894.

The Indian Head River is freshwater and attracts many different species of animals to its banks and surrounding forests. Herring and shad can be seen at the base of the fish ladder in the spring. These fish attract mammals such as raccoons, striped skunks, coyotes, minks, muskrats, osprey, and foxes. The meadow is an excellent habitat for dragonflies.

The river flows east through Luddam’s Ford Park and into the North River. The North River flows 12 miles through Pembroke, Hanover, Norwell, Marshfield, and Scituate, eventually making its way to Massachusetts Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

From the open recreation area, there are several access points to trails at Luddam’s Ford Park. One trail leads away from the river, to Water Street. Several other intersecting trails lead through the woods, between the river and the former railroad bed. The railroad bed itself is a trail that extends for two miles, to the Hanson town line, offering several pleasant vantage points.

Ambitious hikers could explore more than 4 miles of trail here. Setting off from Luddam’s Ford in Hanover, continue along the river and the old railroad bed for 2 miles, all the way to the Hanover/Hanson town line (you will have to walk on Water Street for one small section). Cross the Indian Head River on Cross Street/State Street, and look for the trailhead that takes you back into the woods. This will bring you through Hanson’s Rocky Run Conservation Area and along the river to the Tucker Preserve. Woodland trails follow the course of the river to Luddam’s Ford Park in Pembroke.

Across the street from the Hanover section of Luddam’s Ford Park, look for a short trail that extends parallel to Indian Head Drive, within view of the river, and connects with the Chapman’s Landing and Iron Mine Brook Trails, adjacent to the Hanover Public Launch.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Luddam's Ford Park.