great brook farm state park

Visiting March 4th during a weekday there was still quite a bit of snow. The staff were helpful, the Ski trails are well groomed and varying in abilities. As intermediate skiiers, we really enjoyed skiing here. We are planning to go back to night ski; we were informed that there is a Lantern Loop that is lite in the evening 5-9pm

We take our dogs here for hikes (and sometimes hike on our own). The park is large, has a variety of terrains, and in the summer the ice cream place is open (Tasty but pricey!). I feel lucky to live near Great Brook Farm!

If you are visiting around here, you are likely seeing family, riding a bike, or a history buff. It's not an out-of-towner destination, but definitely a nice place to visit if you are in the area already. If you live near here, you should have been here already! Here is whyMiles and miles of trails, some used by hikers, bikers, skiers, horses, snowshoers, depending. There is a variety of terrain, with farmland, old stone walls, a working farm with animals, hills and ponds,and an ice cream stand. You can pick up some composted manure, too, if you are of a mind. I always enjoy the 17th century stone cellars...thinking of the folks that used to work the land, the hard way.Definitely pick up a trail map if you don't know your way around.In the winter season, you can rent skis and make a run on the groomed trails, or bring your own and do the same. Note that the portion of the park that is on the West side of Lowell St. is open for hiking, snow shoeing, and skiing without a fee. There is lantern lit skiing as well, which is fun.Kid friendly - lots of wildlife, picnic tables near the parking lot, and real restrooms. But you don't have to go far to get away from that and into some solitude..Living nearby, we often set up a telescope in the parking lot during celestial events, and usually there are others doing the same thing, no matter the time of night.Downside: Many dog owners believe that they have their animals under "voice command", when they do not. More and more often I am jumped on by dogs while their owners, taking a break from their phone, claim "don't worry, he's friendly". If you visit on a beautiful weekend day, no matter the season, expect lots of other visitors.The Ice cream is wonderful.

We come with our three year old often. Great Brook has many trails, a large grassy area with picnic tables, a pond with fish and frogs to watch, and clean restrooms on site. Best of all, though, is the on site dairy farm complete with delicious homemade ice cream! There are rabbits, cows, chickens, goats and pigs to look at and feed for the kids, and lots of indoor or outdoor seating at the ice cream stand for families. There is a $2 parking fee. I highly recommend!

I wasn't overly impressed with Great Brook Farm. It was a bit of a wet day but my partner and I and our Basenji were hopeful that we'd find some great trails. We found a ton of aggressive mosquitoes that plagued us for the entire walk. Not fun at all. We did two trails and were not that impressed. There were some nice hills but it was mostly flat. The location was packed with people so you were surrounded by other's conversations and noise which isn't really our thing. I suppose it's probably better on a summer day and sans the mosquitoes. It was a bit out of the way to get to and we're not fans of paying to park. Looks like it's well kept which is a plus. I don't see us going out of our way to go there again with so many nicer state parks in the area.

I love the variety of trails and the ice cream for post-walk treat! We head over here any time we want to go for a walk... One of our regular choices for a family outing.

this is a great place with miles of trails. Be aware that on weekend after new snow fall it can be extremely crowded- not really a problem if you take to the more advanced woodland trails- but it can be a challenge in the parking lot from mid morning to say 3 pm. Lantern night skiing available.Personally if you own skis I would head to Minute Man Battle Road, Nashatuc Hill (conservation), Estabrook or other parks to x-ski- but if you don't own skis this is a good place to rent and take off.

With almost 1000 acres of conservation land, Great Brook State Park is a terrific destination for families or individuals looking to get away from the hustle & bustle of the city. There are countless wooded paths to explore on foot or on mountain bike, and it's a dog-friendly place for the most part. Bring your bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be ferocious. At the end of your stroll, stop by the ice cream stand or take a tour of the "cows under glass" in the nearby barn.

Great place to go on a nice day with your family. There are easy walking trails, a little pond, ice cream stand (very good ice cream) Tours are well worth doing with kids - you get to see the cows being milked, see the babies/calves and learn about a working farm. Be warned, do not stand behind the cows or you may get --ahem-- soiled when their tail lifts!! Inside the ice cream stand there is a viewing area to see the cows thru a window, info about cranberry harvesting and a cool bee keeping display.

I love this place anytime of year. There is always something new to see and/or do.Most of my experiences here are during the spring, summer and fall months and I usually go very early in the morning with my dogs. The number and variety of trails is significant - enabling you to really change up your route and create new experiences. Each season brings new adventures.I've only visited a couple of times in the winter, usually when there is no snow. Once there are a few inches on the ground, most of the trails are closed for cross country skiing. Since I don't partake of that sport, it pretty much eliminates me from using the park. I've heard, however, that there are some trails on the opposite side of the road that are ok for winter hiking, even with a little snow, but I haven't tried it.I also haven't tried the ice cream yet but I've heard a lot about it.

Visited this DCR run park for the first time. There is a modest ski touring Center with friendly, helpful young people, who manage the X-country ski, snowshoe and child' pull sled rentals. Trails looked well groomed and a trail pass for adults were $10.00/day, with ski and snowshoe rentals at $13/day. Snowshoers are welcomed at no charge to use the hiking trails in the park, but are not allowed on the groomed X-country tracks. This was a fun, relaxed activity for the beginner ( which we were!), but there are more difficult trails if desired. Looking forward to visiting this park again in the summertime...looks like dogs are welcomed!

Many local people come here to walk, run, or bike ride the many miles of trails throughout this public farm. Horsemen (and women) come here too -- there is a steeplechase course. It has the quintessential New England Farm feel to it -- a very restful place to walk. Many a scout troop has done a five mile hike here to meet an advancement requirement. The ice cream is good too -- little ones love seeing the cows in the barn through the big window in the ice cream stand. The window into the bee hive fascinates everyone. Great Brook sells composted manure year during the planting season, and cranberries from the nearby bog in the fall. There is a fee to park, but it's not much -- and it is worth it!

Many, many different flavors of ice cream. See the animals while you eat - pigs, ducks, lambs, goats, cows and many nmore species. Anuimal foor vending machines give you plenty of hand food fo the kids to feed the anilmals. Nice take any time of day.After ice cream go for a walk in the Carlisle State forest - miles and miles of trails start right there at the ice cream stand.

We enjoyed our visit to the farm even though it was a very humid day.My grandaughters loved the pond and were very excited to see so many frogs which they love.The farm was very well kept and the man who works there that told us all about the farm and upcomming events.We saw goats and cows and hoped that there would be a little more animals to see.They had some bunnies in a large cage.You can feed the goats if u want.The ice cream stand is awesome but I was kind of disapointed not to see the glass bee window displaying the hives but that only happens in the spring.Very nice pond area where u can bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery.

A very manageable outing with children. Hike a little, see some animals, maybe take a barn tour, eat ice cream...perfect! Bring bug repellent