Great Brook Farm State Park loop

This 6.7-mile (10.8 km) loop generally takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The trail offers a varied experience through open fields, woodlands, streams, and ponds. You'll find well-maintained paths with mostly gentle gradients. While many sections are wide and level, some parts, like the Stone Row and Indian Hill trails, can be rough, narrow, and include changes in elevation.

Yes, there is a parking fee required to access Great Brook Farm State Park. You can find current fee information and regulations on the official mass.gov website.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within Great Brook Farm State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for potential bugs and muddy sections, especially after rain. Winter hiking is possible, with some trails groomed for cross-country skiing, offering a different experience.

This trail is rich in both natural beauty and history. You'll pass through Great Brook Farm State Park, which includes an active dairy farm. Keep an eye out for unique geological features like a rock where Native Americans ground corn, a stone seat, and a cave. You can also discover 17th-century cellar holes and the site of 'The Garrison'. Don't forget to visit the Ice Cream Shop at the farm, which operates seasonally.

Parking is available at the main entrance of Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle, Massachusetts. There is a fee required for parking.

Yes, the route intersects with many other trails within the park's extensive network. You'll find yourself on sections of trails like Indian Hill, Litchfield Loop, Heartbreak Ridge, Turkey Run, Stone Row, High Meadow, Blue Loop Trail, Woodchuck Trail, Lantern Loop, Knoll, Pine Point Loop, and Garrison Loop, among others.

Many parts of Great Brook Farm State Park are very family-friendly, with wide and level trails suitable for all ages. The working dairy farm and seasonal ice cream stand also add to the appeal for families. However, some sections can be rougher, so choose your route based on your family's comfort level.

Yes, the park is home to an active dairy farm that features a seasonal Ice Cream Shop, which is a popular spot for hikers to grab a treat. You can also often find free guided tours of the dairy farm on weekends.

Given the trail's moderate difficulty and varied terrain, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, and insect repellent, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen is also recommended for open field sections. If hiking in winter, consider appropriate layers and traction devices.