******** Canceled Due to Nor’easter ********
Double Sundae Sunday Saunter

Sunday, September 27, 2026

On Sunday September 27, the Trails Committee will lead a marathon walking and ice-cream-eating extravaganza starting 11 a.m. at the Carlisle School parking lot and returning to the school at around 4 p.m. Here is the schedule for those preferring to do only part of the seven-mile walk: 11 a.m.: Meet at Carlisle School parking lot. Walk 3.5 miles to Great Brook Farm ice cream stand, via Conant Land, Old Morse Road, and Fern Loop trails, arriving around 1pm. Buy ice cream and relax on the grassy hillside by the pond. 1:30 p.m.: Leave Great Brook and walk 2.8 miles to Kimball’s via Pine Point Loop, Heartbreak Ridge, and Cutter’s Ridge trails. Buy more ice cream and eat it at leisure at a picnic table or on the grass. Walk the short distance back to Carlisle School parking lot. Spot a car or meet at Great Brook Farm to do only half the walk. Sunscreen, drinking water, trail lunch, and bug spray are recommended.

For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisletrails@comcast.net 

Forest Plants at Towle

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Join the Carlisle Trails Committee on Sunday, June 14, at 10 a.m., for a plant walk at the Towle Conservation Land led by Maddie Kiszewski, local botanist and owner of the Backyard Invasives Project. During this walk, Maddie will identify indigenous uses of forest plants, highlight species that indicate clean land, and point out various edible plants. Meet at the Towle parking lot off Westford Street. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisletrails@comcast.net 

Trails Committee Moonlight Walk

Saturday, January 3, 2026

On Saturday, January 3, at 7 p.m., the Carlisle Trails Committee will lead a public walk/cross-country ski/snowshoe under the nearly full moon starting at the Foss Farm parking lot on Bedford Road. The walk will be about 2.5 miles, from Foss Farm into Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge (dogs are not allowed in the Refuge), with a shorter option of about one mile also available. Families are welcome. Dress for the winter weather and bring a flashlight. Refreshments will be served afterwards, with a marshmallow-toasting fire. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisletrails@comcast.net 

Post-Thanksgiving Walk

Friday, November 28, 2025

The public is invited to join the Carlisle Trails Committee for a post-Thanksgiving walk 

showcasing some of their recent projects. Here’s your chance to work off some of that turkey and stuffing. Starting at Malcolm Meadows, the walk will cover about 3.5 miles on the Malcolm loop, Two Rod Road, Davis Corridor and Woodhaven Farm trails, taking approximately 2.5 hours. A shorter option will be available if there is interest. The walk departs from the Malcolm Meadows parking lot on Stearns Street at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28. As always, there will be refreshments at the end. Heavy rain cancels the trip. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisletrails@comcast.net

Boardwalk Rebuild at the Twin Peaks Trail

Completed

The deteriorating boardwalk on the Twin Peaks Trail off West Street was demolished, and a new 120-foot boardwalk was completed Sunday June 8, 2025. This project took three- and one-half workdays to complete after several weeks of designing, planning and organizing. A total of 19 Trails Committee members and volunteers participated in the effort! 

Double Sundae Sunday Saunter

Sunday, June 22, 2025 

For more information, contact Steve Tobin at sptobin@comcast.net

Trail Work Volunteers Needed

Saturday May 31 and

Sunday June 8, 2025

The Carlisle Trails Committee could use your help with a project to rebuild the deteriorating boardwalk on the Twin Peaks trail off West Street. We will be demolishing and clearing away the existing boardwalk on May 31, and then building a new one on June 8. Work will start on both days at 9:00 AM and continue for most of the day. If you’d like to work for just the morning or afternoon, that is fine. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes and bring work gloves, drinking water and insect repellent. We will be working in wetlands so it may be muddy. The Trails Committee will have spare tools available, but useful equipment will include shovels, crow bars, pry bars, rock bars and pick-mattocks for the demolition; hammers and crow bars for the boardwalk building. Meet at the small parking spot on West Street opposite Applegrove Lane, or follow the signs for overflow parking. Don’t park on Applegrove which is a Private Way. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisetrails@comcast.net

Vernal Pool Walk

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Bryan Windmiller, founder of the Headstart program for Blanding’s Turtles, will lead a vernal pool walk at the Greenough Land on Sunday, April 6, starting at 10:30 A.M., hosted by the Carlisle Trails Committee and the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Learn about some of the fascinating creatures, such as frogs, salamanders and aquatic bugs that make use of this habitat. The program will last about two hours; it is about a half mile walk to the pool. Meet at the main parking lot opposite 811 Maple Street. If you have any questions, contact Alan Ankers by e-mail at alankers@comcast.net 

Trails Committee Moonlight Walk

Saturday, January 11, 2025

On Saturday, January 11, at 7 p.m., the Carlisle Trails Committee will lead a public walk/cross-country ski/snowshoe under the nearly full moon starting at the Foss Farm parking lot on Bedford Road. The walk will be about 2.5 miles, from Foss Farm into Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge (dogs are not allowed in the Refuge), with a shorter option of about one mile also available. Families are welcome. Dress for the winter weather and bring a flashlight. Refreshments will be served afterwards, with a marshmallow-toasting fire. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisetrails@comcast.net

New Year's Day Walk

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

The public is invited to join the Carlisle Trails Committee for a New Year's Day walk to work off some of those holiday treats. The walk departs from the Cranberry Bog House parking lot on Curve Street at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1. As always, there will be refreshments at the end. Heavy rain or snow cancels the trip. For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisetrails@comcast.net

Post-Thanksgiving Walk

Friday, November 29, 2024

The public is invited to join the Carlisle Trails Committee for a post-Thanksgiving walk. Here’s your chance to work off some of that turkey and stuffing. Starting at Malcolm Meadows, the walk will cover about 3.5 miles on the Two Rod Road, Davis Corridor and Woodhaven Farm trails, taking approximately 2.5 hours. A shorter option will be available if there is interest. The walk departs from the Malcolm Meadows parking lot on Stearns Street at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29. As always, there will be refreshments at the end. Heavy rain cancels the trip.

For more information, contact the Carlisle Trails Committee at carlisetrails@comcast.net

Riverfest Walk

Sunday, July 21, 2024

Join the Carlisle Trails Committee on Sunday July 21 in a celebration of our local Wild and Scenic River as part of RiverFest 2024. The public is invited to a 3.5 mile walk through meadows and forests on trails paralleling the Concord River. We will start at the Foss Farm conservation land and pass through Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge and the O’Rourke farm on the way to scenic Greenough Pond in the Greenough conservation land.  If the water level is low enough, we will return through the floodplain via the River Trail, or else retrace our steps. The walk starts at 1:00 pm and should finish by 4:00. A shorter walk will also be offered if there is interest. Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot, 0.3 mi west of the Concord River bridge on Rte. 225. Waterproof shoes, sunscreen, drinking water and insect repellent are recommended.  Refreshments will be served at the end of the walk.  Please note that dogs are excluded from the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

For information, email Alan Ankers at carlisletrails@comcast.net

June is Carlisle Trails Month 

In honor of National Trails Day on June 1, the Select Board has proclaimed June 2024 as Carlisle Trails Month. The Carlisle Trails Committee has teamed up with CCF to provide information and opportunities for residents to enjoy and appreciate the more than 60 acres of protected public trails we have in town. 

While you explore Carlisle trails, keep an eye out for local landmarks while playing a game of Trail Marker Bingo 

Double Sundae Sunday Saunter

Sunday, June 23, 2024 

On Sunday June 23, as part of the Old Home Day celebrations, the Trails Committee will lead a marathon walking and ice-cream-eating extravaganza starting 10 a.m. at the Carlisle School parking lot and returning to the school at around 3 p.m. Here is the schedule for those preferring to do only part of the seven-mile walk: 10 a.m.: Meet at Carlisle School parking lot. Walk 3.5 miles to Great Brook Farm ice cream stand, via Conant Land, Old Morse Road, and Fern Loop trails, arriving around noon. Buy ice cream and relax on the grassy hillside by the pond. 12:30 p.m.: Leave Great Brook and walk 2.8 miles to Kimball’s via Pine Point Loop, Heartbreak Ridge, and Cutter’s Ridge trails. Buy more ice cream and eat it at leisure at a picnic table or on the grass. Walk the short distance back to Carlisle School parking lot. Spot a car or meet at Great Brook Farm to do only half the walk. Sunscreen, drinking water, trail lunch,

For more information, contact Steve Tobin at 

sptobin@comcast.net

Vernal Pool Walk

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Bryan Windmiller, founder of the Headstart program for Blanding’s Turtles, will lead a vernal pool walk at the Conant Land on Saturday, April 20, starting at 10:30 A.M., hosted by the Carlisle Trails Committee and the Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Learn about some of the fascinating creatures, such as frogs, salamanders and aquatic bugs that make use of this habitat. The program will last about two hours; it is about a half mile walk to the pool. Meet at the main parking lot behind Town Hall. If you have any questions, contact Alan Ankers by e-mail at alankers@comcast.net 

Trails Committee Moonlight Walk

Saturday, March 23, 2024

On Saturday, March 23, at 7 p.m., the Carlisle Trails Committee will lead a public walk/cross-country ski/snowshoe under the nearly full moon starting at the Foss Farm parking lot on Bedford Road. The walk will be about 2.5 miles, from Foss Farm into Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge (dogs are not allowed in the Refuge), with a shorter option of about one mile also available. Families are welcome. Dress for the winter weather and bring a flashlight. Refreshments will be served afterwards, with a marshmallow-toasting fire. For more information, contact Steve Tobin at sptobin@comcast.net.

Town Forest Storm Clean-Up and Boardwalk Repair

A storm on September 8 resulted in many fallen trees in the Town Forest. Several large pines fell directly onto the boardwalk on Sandy's Path near trail marker F6 at the junction with the Hurricane Alley Trail. Not long after the storm, the Trails Committee along with help from the local mountain bike community cleared these fallen trees enabling hikers to walk this section of the trail.

On a very cold December 7, Alan Ankers, Steve Tobin, Marc Lamere, Warren Spence and Gordon Means of the Carlisle Trails Committee made all necessary repairs to the boardwalk. Photos below of the storm aftermath, repair in progress, and completed repair work.

Riverfest Walk: Foss Farm to Elliott Preserve

Saturday, June 18, 2022

To celebrate Riverfest, the Carlisle Trails Committee will host a walk to visit two Concord River access points: the landing on the north side of Route 225 and, after a short walk down Skelton Road, Sudbury Valley Trustees’ Elliott Concord River Preserve. This includes a prominent wooded bluff overlooking the Concord River that defines the view to the south from the Route 225 bridge when entering Carlisle, as well as mature woodlands, fields and a lovely stream. The walk will last about two hours. Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot on Bedford Road, Carlisle (route 225, just west of the Concord River bridge) at 1:00PM. Be prepared for wet conditions underfoot, bring drinking water and insect repellent. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the walk. For more information, contact the Trails Committee at carlisletrails@comcast.net 

2021 Trekker Awards

There are now 59 recipients! Congratulations to the following who received this prestigious award in 2021:

Beth Clarke

Ginny Lamere

Peter Burn 

Next Trails Committee Meeting

Please visit Town of Carlisle website for the date, time, place and agenda.

2020 Trekker Awards 

The pandemic of 2020 has brought unprecedented levels of trail use. Many folks have taken advantage of the time to earn their Carlisle Trekker Award, bringing the total number of recipients to 56. Congratulations to the following who received the award in 2020: 

Lisa Ankers

Matthew DeKock

Otto Judicke

Nancy Kuziemski

Scott Simpson

Aileen Schwann

Jake Schwann

Alex Parra

Sarah Hart

David Hart

Manuel Crespo

Martina Rozumerkova

Nancy Hartle

Russell Street Trails 

A new trail loop is now in place at the Russell Conservation Land surrounding the Garrison Place conservation cluster development on Russell Street (shown as a proposed trail on page 47 of the “Trails in Carlisle” book). In November 2020, the Trails Committee constructed a staircase to provide easier access down the rocky slope from Russell Street. A short boardwalk is planned for construction in spring 2021 to replace the temporary log bridge crossing the stream.

*Please note that the driveway to Garrison Place is private, and there is no trail parking.

Tobin Bridge Rebuilt 

Over two weekends in September, socially distanced and masked volunteers completed the reconstruction of the 162-ft long boardwalk at Great Meadows (O’Rourke). This was the first boardwalk built by the Trails Committee, in 1998, (link to Mosquito article)

and was rapidly deteriorating. Soon after its construction, beavers had used the boardwalk as the basis for a dam, submerging the boardwalk and necessitating the addition of a second deck, which became known as the Tobin Bridge for its resemblance to the highway bridge in Charlestown (and Steve Tobin being the Trails Committee leader). The old boardwalk was completely removed with the exception of the concrete bumper foundations, and replaced with new construction, including an engraved bench. Materials funding was provided by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Chain Saw Workshop

Saturday, November 2

The Carlisle Trails Committee is offering a chain saw workshop on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10 am at the Town Hall parking lot. All are welcome. Demonstrations will be given by professional arborist (and former Trails Committee member) Bob Eaton covering safety, maintenance, and tree cutting methods. Both gas and electric chain saws will be covered; there’s no need to bring yours. The workshop is expected to finish before noon. In case of rain we will adjourn to a covered location. For more information, contact Steve Tobin at sptobin@comcast.net. 

Carlisle Community Trails Day Challenge

Saturday, May 18, 2019

(Rain Date Sunday, May 19)

The Carlisle Conservation Foundation and Carlisle Trails Committee challenge Carlisleans of all ages to collectively walk all the trails in Carlisle in a single day. Individuals, families, neighborhoods, school classes & community groups are invited to participate.
We’re encouraging everyone to experience our wonderful natural environment, build some community, and have fun!

To learn more about this event and how to sign up for a walk 

click here.

To learn more about this challenge, click here to visit the Carlisle Conservation Foundation website.

Adopt a Trail

Would you like to help the Trails Committee in maintaining Carlisle's trails?

Consider adopting a trail!

Click here for trail maintenance guidelines.

Interested? Have questions?

Contact the Trails Committee at carlisletrails@comcast.net to learn more.

Riverfest Walk, Foss Farm & Great Meadows

Saturday, June 16 

Join the Carlisle Trails Committee in a celebration of our local Wild and Scenic River as part of RiverFest 2018. The public is invited to a 3.5 mile walk through meadows and forests on trails paralleling the Concord River. We will start at the Foss Farm conservation land and pass through Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge and the O’Rourke farm on the way to scenic Greenough Pond in the Greenough conservation land.  If the water level is low enough we will return through the floodplain via the River Trail, or else retrace our steps. The walk starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday June 16 and should finish by 4:00. A shorter walk will also be offered if there is interest. Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot, 0.3 mi west of the Concord River bridge on Rte. 225. Waterproof shoes, sunscreen, drinking water and insect repellent are recommended.  Refreshments will be served at the end of the walk.  Please note that dogs are excluded from the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. For information, email Alan Ankers at carlisletrails@comcast.net.

Benches - Where Next?

Over the last couple of years, the Trails Committee has installed a number of wooden benches at strategic locations. If you have any suggestions for other bench locations, please let us know!

Carlisletrails@comcast.net

New Rangeway Boardwalks Completed

On Saturday October 24, the Trails Committee and a group of enthusiastic volunteers constructed 2 new boardwalks at the Rangeway Conservation Land (Chestnut Estates) off Rutland Road.

New Trails!

In the fall of 2015, two new trails were constructed as Eagle Scout projects.

James Sibley cleared a new trail to be called the Coyote Rock Trail creating a new loop off Hurricane Alley in the south west corner of the Town Forest.

Matt Roberts cleared a new trail and constructed a boardwalk on the Spencer Brook Reservation, leading to a scenic overlook of the marsh.

New Trail Markers

The Carlisle Trails Committee has begun installing numbered intersection markers on trails in Carlisle.  Each conservation parcel has its own letter (e.g., T for Towle Land and F for Town Forest) and each marker has a unique number.  The next version of the town’s trail maps will include the marker numbers.  Beautiful nature-themed art work on each marker has been created by students in the Middle School Art Club of the Carlisle Public School, under the direction of teacher Rachel Levy.  Each piece is signed by the artist.

Enjoy your walk in nature, and enjoy the art work!