Only a small, roughly 20.6-acre sliver of this 1,000-acre state park falls in Chelmsford, off Proctor Road; the main entrance, working dairy farm, and campground are in Carlisle, reached from Lowell Street.
What to expect
Trails
Part of a 1,000-acre park with more than 20 miles of trails; the Chelmsford sliver connects via Thanksgiving Forest's trail network along River Meadow Brook.
Entry fee
Parking fee at the main Carlisle entrance (payable by app per DCR's system); no fee is charged at the informal Chelmsford trail access points. checked Jul 16, 2026
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leash on park trails.
Accessibility
The main Carlisle entrance and Hart Barn area have separate accessibility info through DCR.
Managed by
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No drinking water
Not documented for the Chelmsford portion specifically.
Worth knowing
- Most of what people picture as Great Brook Farm State Park, the working dairy farm, ice cream stand, and campground, sits in Carlisle; the Chelmsford portion is a quiet trail-only wedge of the same reservation.
Common questions
Not within the Chelmsford parcel itself; the park's campground and dairy-farm attractions are on the Carlisle side, reached from the main Lowell Street entrance.
Do I have to pay to park if I enter from Chelmsford?
The informal Elm Street and Janet Road trail entrances in Chelmsford let you reach the trail system without passing the fee booth used at the main Carlisle entrance.
Is there an entry fee at Great Brook Farm State Park?
Parking fee at the main Carlisle entrance (payable by app per DCR's system); no fee is charged at the informal Chelmsford trail access points.
Can I bring my dog to Great Brook Farm State Park?
Dogs are welcome on leash on park trails.
Is Great Brook Farm State Park wheelchair accessible?
The main Carlisle entrance and Hart Barn area have separate accessibility info through DCR.