Foss Farm

Carlisle's Foss Farm Conservation Area is located on Route 225 in Carlisle, about a quarter mile west of the Concord River, on the right. It is separated from Carlisle's Greenough Land Conservation Area by a portion of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, the three together forming a large contiguous parcel through which runs an uninterrupted woodland trail from Route 225 to Maple Street. We think you'll love walking and/or riding there!

Getting there, generally speaking, becomes a problem of getting from your starting location to Route 225 in Bedford, then westbound through Bedford to Carlisle. For those inclined to take a chance on us, our advice is:

From Route 128/95

Drive to Exit 31 (Routes 4/225/Lexington and Bedford) and exit westbound toward Bedford. Take Route 225 west from Bedford Center toward Carlisle. The Farm is 2.1 miles west of the point where Routes 4, 225, and 62 part ways. A landmark for this parting is a pair of auto dealerships, one selling Chrysler, another Volkswagen/Oldsmobile products. Route 225 breaks off to the left. Take it. When you cross over the Concord River you're getting close; Lee's bicycle odometer says the Farm is 0.35 miles west of the exact center of the bridge. Look for a dirt road on the right leading to a dirt parking lot. There's a sign saying "Foss Farm" at roadside but, as you probably suspected, this being Massachusetts, it's only clearly visible to motorists coming in the opposite direction of travel. Don't be dismayed by this. Turn right and park.

Travel time is, very roughly, 15 or 20 minutes from 128/95 to Foss Farm.

From Burlington

Cross to Bedford on Route 62, go right on 225 when they intersect. Follow 225 as above.

From Winchester

Take Johnson Road (becomes Maple Street at the intersection with the Middlesex Turnpike) straight to 225 (Massachusetts Avenue) in Lexington. Turn right, turn right again at the Minuteman statue and follow 225 into Bedford. Estimated travel time, 40 minutes.

From Lexington

Take Massachusetts Avenue west, go right at the Minuteman statue, and follow 225 into Bedford. Estimate travel time, 30 minutes.

From Concord

Drive to Bedford on Route 62, turn left at its intersection with Routes 4 and 225, then bear left again in a hundred meters or so as 225 goes west toward Carlisle. Cross the Concord River and, 0.35 miles later, turn right into the Farm. Alternatively, you might consider driving Monument Street/River Road to Route 225 in Carlisle, turning right, and then driving downhill a short way to the Farm ... it'll be on the left.

Travel times estimated above are very rough and can depend a lot on traffic. We encourage you to check your suburban Boston maps and on-line mapping outfits to see if you can find better, faster ways.

!!! Good Luck !!!

For those navigating to the start with a GPS system:

1137 Bedford Road, Carlisle, MA 01741 or N42 30.670 W71 19.002

To contact us call 978-808-0900