Great Brook Farm State Park: Fun for the Entire Family

By Michele Taranto

Great Brook Farm State Park, located just over the Chelmsford border in Carlisle, is an often overlooked destination that can entertain the entire family, especially on a tight budget. This park was chosen as the Editor's Pick in 2000 in "Yankee Magazine's Travel Guide to New England," and not only boasts great local history but offers over 20 miles of trails available for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is available and one trail is lantern-lit for a "moon light" experience!

There is a farm and buildings at Great Brook Farm that represents classic eastern Massachusetts agricultural landscapes. Its arrangement of open fields, sturdy walls, diversified woodlands and historic structures are significant images of our agricultural past. An active dairy farm operates year-round and guided barn tours are available from May to October. Meadow Pond also has a canoe launch and is ideal for fishing and the ice cream stand is open through the month of October!

Parking is only $2 per vehicle. Great Brook Farm State Park is located at 984 Lowell St., Carlisle. Phone: 978-369-6312.