Mount Greylock: A Visit to the Vibrant Fall Colored Mountain

Mount Greylock State Reservation is not only home to Massachusetts tallest mountain but also to the state’s oldest wilderness park. The summit of Mount Greylock itself sits at 3,491 feet and awards views of 5 states on a clear day. Known as one of the best hiking locations in Massachusetts its 50-miles of trails offer amazing views of old growth forests, waterfalls, overlooks. It is during the Fall season that the park really shines; when its trees turn a vivid array of colors and its rolling mountain sides become a scene made for poets.

 

Need to Know

Location

 

Mount Greylock State Reserve is located in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, just south of North Adams and north of Pittsfield.

 

Hours

 

The park is open from dawn till dusk. The roads are open from late May – October.

The Visitor Center is only open from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

 

Cost

 

Entering the park is free, as well as parking at the visitor center and trailheads. If you wish to drive to the summit and park, the summit parking lot costs $5 for Massachusetts residents, and $10 for non-Massachusetts residents.

 

When to Visit

 

One of the many waterfalls within Mount Greylock State Reservation.

The Visitor Center and park are open year around, but the roads are only open from late May – October. Leaf Peeping Season is the optimal time to visit Mount Greylock as that is when the leaves are turning, and the mountain and surrounding areas are full of color. The season runs from late September through October with the prime time being around mid-October. If just getting in a nice hike is what you want, then Spring and Fall are the best times. Both seasons still have nice cool weather, and the trees will either be lively green or vivid fall colors. Summer can also be a good time for a hike, but it can also get fairly hot during mid-day. The park is also open for the winter if you wish to snowshoe or cross-country ski, but there will not be car access past the visitor center.

 

What to Do

 

Hiking

 

Mount Greylock is beautiful during the Fall season.

Hiking is at the heart of Mount Greylock State Reservation. The park has 50 miles of trails, including 11 miles of the Appalachian Trail, that snake their way through the forest. Many of the trails lead their hikers up the mountain towards the summit, but there are a few that lead off to other sites like waterfalls and overlooks. Mount Greylock State Reservation is a beautiful place to hike, especially in the Fall when the leaves change to an array of yellow, orange, and red. Any trail during this time of the year will get you some amazing views of the fall colors. A popular hike to the summit is from the Campground Parking Lot, up Campground Trail to Hopper Trail to Appalachian Trail to the summit. Easy to moderate, the trail is a great hike up the mountain and passes a number of small waterfalls and streams. The Overlook Trail is also great way to come down if you wish to switch it up a bit, but it can get a little wet at times.

 

Biking Up the Mountain

 

With 50 miles of trails in the park there is something for everyone.

If you wish to get out on a mountain bike, then Mount Greylock State Reservation has a few trails for you too. Along the western side of the mountain are a few trails and dirt roads that are designated for mountain bike use. If hitting the trails isn’t your thing, then a ride up the paved road to the summit would be a great way of taking in the views of the forest.

 

Veterans War Memorial Tower (Summit)

 

The Veterans War Memorial Tower at the summit of Mount Greylock is a beacon to the surrounding area.

 

Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, sits at 3,491 feet and on a clear day can offer a 360-degree view for up to 90 miles away. There are several vantage points on the summit but by far the best is from the observation deck of the Veterans War Memorial Tower. Built in 1932, this 110-foot tower has served as a memorial and beacon for those that served their country during World War I. On the bottom floor of the tower is a memorial to those that served. 93 feet up a spiraling staircase will bring you to a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain sides.

 

Take a Scenic Drive

 

There are so many great views within the park.

The Berkshires are a beautiful mountain range, and their crown is Mount Greylock. Whether you wish to drive to the summit or through the park the scenery is amazing. The drive is very popular during the Fall when the leaves are changing colors and the summit can get very crowded. If you wish to drive and park at the summit, know that there is a fee for parking and, if during leaf peeping season, there will be a line waiting for others to vacate their parking spots. Otherwise, if you just wish to drive through the park, it is a fantastic 13-mile drive from north to south.

 

Enjoy the Visitor Center

 

The displays within the Visitor Center are well worth a read.

The  Mount Greylock State Reservation is a great place to start your adventure within the park. If you have not planned out your hike you can take the chance to pick up a trail map and speak to a park ranger about the best trails to explore and what the trail conditions are. There is also a giant 3D model of the reservation with the trail systems marked out in lights that will light up when push the button for each trail. If you are into history there are also two sections that speak about both the human and biological history of the area.

 

Where to Eat

 

There is nothing like a great view for a picnic.

Within Mount Greylock State Reservation there is only one place to buy food and that is at Bascom Lodge located at the summit. They serve lunch and dinner Wednesday – Sunday on the patio overlooking the countryside. There is also a café at the lodge. I highly suggest bringing food for a picnic at the summit. There is a great hillside below the Veterans War Memorial Tower that has a great view but remember that you should take whatever you bring back with you. If you do not wish to eat within the park then there are a lot of restaurant options in Pittsfield to the south and North Adams to the North.

 

Where to Stay

 

Mount Greylock State Reservation has one campground within the park. Available by reservation, Sperry Road Campground is open from Mid-May through Indigenous Day Weekend. All sites are walk-in only and can be accessed by a 1.3-mile hike from Campground Parking Lot or a 2.4-mile hike from Hopper Road Trailhead in Williamstown. There are 18 tent sites that cost $8/night for Massachusetts residents and $20/night for non-residents and 9 group sites that cost $35/night for Massachusetts residents and $100/night for non-residents. All sites have bear proof lockers, fire rings, and potable water. There are also 5 hike-in lean-tos within the park that are available year around with no reservation.
 

View of Bascom Lodge from atop the tower.

 

If camping is not your thing, then there is also the Bascom Lodge located at the summit. They offer overnight stays from mid-May through October. They have group bunk-bed rooms for $45, private rooms for $135, and family rooms starting at $150.

 

How to Get There

 

There is no public transportation to the park so you will need your own car to get there. There is a train station in Pittsfield, but you will still need to rent a car to get to the Mount Greylock.

 

Driving

 

From North Adams: Simply need to drive up the Notch Road south to reach the cut off for the summit.

From Pittsfield: Take Highway 7 north through Lanesborough. Once through the town you will take Main St as it veers off to the left. Shortly after you will take a right on Greylock Rd and then a left on Rockwell Rd. You will then follow this to the summit. 

What was your favorite thing about Mount Greylock?

 

Join my mailing list