Summit Trail

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Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance · Views

There is plenty of parking at the beginning of the trail. There appears to be no fees or restrooms. There are small cafes and pizza places in Brimfield and an even larger selection in nearby Sturbridge.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this climb. Even though the name of the trail is "Summit Trail," the area was so heavily forested I wasn't sure I would see anything from the summit once I arrived.

The trail starts at a small pond with a beautiful stone dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). You begin a steady but not steep climb through heavy vegetation and old forest. Although there are many downed trees, the trail has been well-maintained and there is no problem negotiating it.

The trail is not marked, but it is well-worn, so there is no problem following it. At about the 0.75 mile mark, the trail comes to an old road. Turn right and then after a short way, there is a left, not marked but easy to find. You'll pass a shelter (originally built by the CCC). Continue up and just when you think there is nothing to see, take a left onto a small trail and you'll come to the scenic overlook.

There are unobstructed views to the northeast, including a view of the small town of Brimfield, with its quintessential New England common and white church. I am looking forward to a run here in the fall.

This trail is a part of the Brimfield State Forest and one can easily make a day of running the network of trails here.

There are many ferns, mountain laurel, mushrooms, and the common central New England trees. There are many downed trees, some as a result of a recent tornado that came through the area, and others much older. Because the forest was so dense, I was unable to see any wildlife, but there was plenty of evidence of deer, coyote, porcupine, squirrel, and woodland birds.