Great Brook Farm State Park
A working dairy farm meets 20 miles of trails, offering animal encounters, farm tours, and delicious ice cream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ice cream & farm fun
Great Brook Farm State Park
Best Time
Ice cream & farm fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A working dairy farm meets 20 miles of trails, offering animal encounters, farm tours, and delicious ice cream.
"This farm truly has it all. You can picnic, ride your bike, say hi to the animals, or just walk around and breathe."
Bring Quarters for Feed
Feed the goats, sheep, and alpacas! Machines dispense feed for $0.25 per handful. :moneybag:
Stroller & Dog Friendly Trails
Many farm paths are stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome on leash on park trails. :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Working Dairy Farm & Tours
Farm area
See robotic milking systems and learn about dairy farming. A must-do for an educational and engaging experience.
+1
Extensive Trail Network
Park-wide
Explore 20 miles of trails through fields and woods, perfect for hiking, biking, and dog walking.
Farm Animal Encounters
Farm area
Meet goats, sheep, alpacas, and cows. Hand-feed them with quarters for a delightful interactive experience.
Farm Fresh Ice Cream
Ice cream barn
Indulge in delicious ice cream made on-site after your adventures. A sweet reward for a day of exploration.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Farm & Trail Combo
Parking & Animal Feed Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Quarters for Feed
Feed the goats, sheep, and alpacas! Machines dispense feed for $0.25 per handful. :moneybag:
Stroller & Dog Friendly Trails
Many farm paths are stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome on leash on park trails.
Check for Events
The park hosts races and events, which can be fun but also impact crowds. :calendar:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
With 20 miles of trails, good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Quarters for Feed
Feed the goats, sheep, and alpacas! Machines dispense feed for $0.25 per handful. :moneybag:
Stroller & Dog Friendly Trails
Many farm paths are stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome on leash on park trails.
Check for Events
The park hosts races and events, which can be fun but also impact crowds. :calendar:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
With 20 miles of trails, good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
Parking Fee
Expect a parking fee, often payable via the Yodel app. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Great Brook Farm for its unique combination of a working dairy farm and extensive natural trails. The opportunity to see robotic milking, interact with farm animals, and enjoy delicious on-site ice cream are major highlights. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the variety of activities available for all ages, making it a beloved local escape.
"One of our favorite places-and how lucky we are to live nearby.
This farm truly has it all. You can picnic by the little pond, ride your bike through quiet trails, say hi to the animals (and feed them too!), or just walk around and breathe.
My daughter climbs trees, watches frogs and butterflies, eats ice cream, chases geese (sometimes 😄)-and I love watching her explore. It’s peaceful, grounding, and full of life. A little escape into nature that feels like home.
Just love this place with all my heart."
Irina Haurysh
"We first visited yesterday, July 12, 2025. We wanted to hike and found Pine Point Loop. Very nice trail and a good choice to see quite a bit of the park. We brought our dog and picniced as well. We’ll be back for sure!"
Bob Clark
"My wife grew up coming here. They have goats, sheep and alpacas you can hand feed. Bring quarters for the feed machine. It's $0.25 for a handful of feed. There are lots of cows and the calves area is right up front. We've been there when the calves have come right up to the fence. There are also beautiful hiking trails throughout the park and in the winter there is an expansive x-country ski trails."
Matt Beale
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Great Brook Farm State Park is located in Carlisle, Massachusetts. It's accessible by car, and parking is available for a fee, often managed through the Yodel app. Some visitors also enjoy biking to the park, as it's in a prime biking area with bike paths.
Yes, Great Brook Farm State Park is pet-friendly! Dogs are welcome on leash on the park's extensive trail system, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
You can explore Great Brook Farm State Park by hiking its 20 miles of trails, biking on designated paths, or even snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Absolutely! Visitors often enjoy picnicking by the little pond or in scenic spots throughout the park. It's a perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty.
Yes, Great Brook Farm State Park hosts various events, including trail races like those organized by TARC, which offer different distances for runners. Check local listings for upcoming events.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the park itself is generally free to enter, there is a parking fee. This fee is often managed through the Yodel app, so be prepared to pay for parking.
Feeding the farm animals like goats, sheep, and alpacas is a popular activity. You can purchase feed from machines for a small fee, typically $0.25 per handful. Bringing quarters is recommended.
The farm tour at Great Brook Farm is typically free of charge. It's a 30-minute informative look at how the dairy cows are managed, including their robotic milking system.
The park trails are generally accessible during daylight hours. The farm and ice cream stand have specific operating hours, which are best checked closer to your visit, especially during off-seasons.
Yes, there is a farm store where you can purchase items like meat, eggs, and sourdough bread. It's a great way to support the farm and take home some local products.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of farm animals, including cows (with a calf area often visible), goats, sheep, and alpacas. Visitors can hand-feed many of these animals.
The farm tour is a 30-minute experience that showcases the working dairy farm, including their advanced robotic milking system. It's highly informative and engaging for all ages.
With 20 miles of trails, there are options for everyone. The Pine Point Loop is a popular choice for seeing a good portion of the park. Trails vary in difficulty, offering something for casual walkers and more experienced hikers.
Yes, Great Brook Farm is very family-friendly. The farm animals, ice cream, and some of the trails are perfect for little ones. The farm tour is also engaging for kids.
Dogs are welcome at Great Brook Farm State Park as long as they are kept on a leash. They can enjoy the trails alongside their owners.
🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining
The highlight is the farm's own ice cream stand, offering delicious, freshly made ice cream. You can also find meat, eggs, and sourdough bread at the farm store.
Yes, the ice cream sold at Great Brook Farm is made on-site, making it a truly fresh and local treat.
While the ice cream stand is the main food attraction, the farm store offers items like meat and eggs. Many visitors also bring their own picnics to enjoy in the park.
The farm often features fresh baked goods like scones, croissants, pies, and sourdough bread, made in-house. Pre-ordering for holidays is sometimes available.
Yes, the farm store typically sells fresh farm products such as meat and eggs, allowing you to take a taste of the farm home with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Great Brook Farm offers numerous photo opportunities, from the scenic trails and fields to the charming farm animals and the picturesque pond. The changing seasons also provide beautiful backdrops.
Absolutely! The natural beauty, farm setting, and friendly animals make it an ideal location for capturing memorable family photos.
Yes, you can take photos of the cows and other farm animals. They are often quite curious and may come right up to the fence, providing great close-up photo opportunities.
The park is beautiful year-round. In fall, the foliage is stunning. In winter, snow-covered landscapes offer unique shots. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and blooming flowers.
The park is excellent for landscape, wildlife, family, and candid photography. The variety of scenery and activities ensures diverse photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Bringing quarters to hand-feed the animals is a must-do interactive experience. +1 And of course, no family visit is complete without indulging in the delicious on-site ice cream. It's a place where kids can learn, play, and create lasting memories in a safe and engaging environment.🐶 Dog Owners
+1 This allows for extended walks and hikes where your dog can enjoy the fresh air and diverse scenery alongside you. The park's expansive nature means there's plenty of room for dogs to roam (within leash limits, of course) and explore the fields and woods. It’s a great spot for a quality day out with your furry best friend. 🚴 Cyclists
Whether you prefer paved paths or more rugged terrain, you can enjoy a scenic ride through the Massachusetts countryside. Many visitors commute to the farm via bike, highlighting its accessibility for those who enjoy two-wheeled adventures. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
In the winter months, these same trails transform into a winter wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. When choosing a trail, consider the Pine Point Loop, which is frequently recommended for its ability to showcase a significant portion of the park's beauty.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely want to explore as much of this extensive network as possible. The Working Dairy Farm Experience
+1 This innovative approach is fascinating to observe and provides a stark contrast to traditional methods. The farm is home to numerous cows, and a dedicated calf area often allows for close-up views of the youngest members of the herd. Beyond the milking technology, the farm provides opportunities for direct interaction with other animals. You can hand-feed goats, sheep, and alpacas by purchasing feed from machines for a small fee (quarters are recommended).
Seasonal Delights and Activities
+1 This is also a prime time for enjoying the park's extensive trail system for hiking and biking. As fall arrives, the park transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, with the foliage providing a stunning backdrop for walks and photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit