Brown Trail

Brown Trail is an easy out-and-back hike in Massachusetts, about 1.5 miles from the town of Groton. The trail is 2.3 miles long and climbs from a low point of 301 feet to a high of 368 feet, with a total elevation gain of 215 feet over the round trip. That makes it a short, steady walk rather than a steep climb, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.32 miles in, with a grade of 6 percent. The most comfortable months for a visit are late spring and early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 69°F in May and 75°F in September, while July highs average about 85°F. The station sits about 188 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the trail run slightly cooler. The hike takes about an hour to complete. Within a couple of miles are the J. Harry Rich Trail for cross-country skiing, the Marsh Trail for mountain biking and Dan Parker Road for more skiing. Climbers can head to Chimney Boulders, about 3.9 miles away.