Overview
Bedford is a town in Massachusetts with a population of 14,000 (2020).
Carlisle is a town with a population of 5,000 (2020). A low population density gives the town a rural feel, and it's known for outdoor activities including hiking and biking.
2 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Bedford
Great Brook Farm State Park
Hike or bike 20 miles of trails around operating farm fields and through the forest. There is a boat launch onto a small pond for canoes and kayaks. Come in the winter for cross-country skiing when there is sufficient sn…
Great Brook Cross Country Ski Touring Center
One of the few cross-country ski areas in the Boston area. Only open when there is snow on the ground. Night skiing available a few nights a week.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Mar.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 2 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
Driving is the easiest way to get to Bedford and Carlisle. If coming from the Boston area, take MA-2 and Lowell Rd, or from I-95, and take the exit for MA-225 west.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Great Brook Farm State Park
- Lunch Great Brook Dairy Farm
- Afternoon Great Brook Cross Country Ski Touring Center
- Dinner Kimball Farm Ice Cream
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Driving is the easiest way to get to Bedford and Carlisle. If coming from the Boston area, take MA-2 and Lowell Rd, or from I-95, and take the exit for MA-225 west.
By bus
The MBTA operates the 62 bus to Bedford Monday through Saturday, service every 50-75 minutes.
By bicycle
Bedford and Carlisle are popular destinations for cyclists. Many enter on Concord Rd or Bedford Rd. The wildly popular Minuteman Bikeway begins in Cambridge and terminates near Bedford Center. Several options like the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail branch out from there.
By plane
Get around
Given the infrequent nature of the 62 bus, driving and biking are the easiest ways to get around.
Do
Town owned conservation lands can be found throughout Carlisle and all areas have hiking trails.
Do Great Brook Farm State Park
Hike or bike 20 miles of trails around operating farm fields and through the forest. There is a boat launch onto a small pond for canoes and kayaks. Come in the winter for cross-country skiing when there is sufficient snow cover. During the spring, summer, and fall the farm offers tours of the dairy barn and there is also an ice cream stand.
Buy
Shop Ferns Country Store
This "olde tyme" general store sells great sandwiches, soups, and snacks to hungry travellers. You'll also find a trail guide and map for sale here. It covers all the nearby conservation lands in some detail.
Eat
Eat Great Brook Dairy Farm
Ice cream stand located at Great Brook Farm State Park. Look at and feed farm animals and get a tour of the dairy barn.
Eat Kimball Farm Ice Cream
Seasonal.
Sleep
Go next
Concord is the town directly to the south of Carlisle, known for its history in the American Revolution and for its famous authors. Lowell is a 20 minute drive north of Carlisle Center.
Nearby
Lexington
City / town · 36 listings · 4 mi away
Concord
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Billerica
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Woburn
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Wilmington
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Acton
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Arlington
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Waltham
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My experience
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