Hiking to the Summit of Mount Greylock in The Berkshires
Hiking to the summit of Mount Greylock is a captivating experience that showcases the natural beauty and rich history of the Berkshires in Massachusetts. As the highest point in the state, standing at 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock offers stunning panoramas and an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of hikers. This destination not only attracts outdoor enthusiasts but also holds historical significance, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Adventure Guide To Hiking to the Summit of Mount Greylock
Warner Hill Trail
This moderate 4.5-mile trail is renowned for its gradual ascents and diverse flora. Beginning at the parking area on the Greylock summit road, this route offers an immersive journey through the dense forests, ultimately rewarding hikers with exceptional views of the surrounding landscape from the top.
Thiel Trail
A more challenging option, the Thiel Trail spans approximately 2.5 miles and features steeper sections that are ideal for seasoned hikers. The trail is characterized by rocky outcroppings and stunning view points. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are greeted by views that stretch for miles, particularly stunning during the fall foliage season.
Summit House
At the summit, visit the historic Summit House, which dates back to the 19th century. This structure is the highest building in Massachusetts and features an observation deck that provides breathtaking vistas. The house is often open seasonally, adding a unique cultural element to your hiking experience.
Local Insights
Did you know that Mount Greylock has inspired literary figures like Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne? Its distinction as a place of inspiration is coupled with the fact that it bears a resemblance to the landscapes of the great national parks, providing visitors with a taste of wilderness not far from urban areas.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall for optimal weather and trail conditions.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views.
Driving Directions: From the Berkshires Region, take Route 7 North to the junction with Route 8. Follow signs for Mount Greylock State Reservation. The drive typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
Adventure Map
Reviews
James Fox2 months ago
On October 15th my wife and I took a day trip ride to Adams MA. area from CT. We originally set off to catch some nice fall colors in the Berkshires. Well the day itself was cloudy and very windy and it seemed to further north we went the less the vibrant colors we were looking for were. We made a few stops along the ride and then inquired at a local restaurant where can we go to see some colors? The person I was talking with was very nice and spent time trying tom direct me somewhere to see colorful trees. She then said Mt. Greylock, is a wonderful spot to see foliage, but it may be busy there, but with the weather the way it was she said you may luck out. Man o man was she right, we did luck out, the trees were mot all that spectacular but on the way up the mountain the temperature dropped from 43 down to 36 and as we approached the top all the trees were coated with a frosty combination of frost and a light snow. offering a great opportunity to take some photos.My wife has a bad ankle so she didn't want to chance slipping and hurting it more, so I ascended to the Memorial tower and walked up the stone then turns to a spiral staircase to the top. What a view with the new frosty coating it was great. as we departed Adams., MA. on our way back home the cloudy then sunny skies opened up with a quick blast of rain, we were on the edge of this weather front and were then treated to a spectacular double rainbow. I followed the rainbow til we got close to where we were going to get on the highway home a caught another view of the rainbow over the highway. The colors were the most vibrant I had ever seen. Great day trip, parking can be tough at the top of the mountain. There are many spots but I imagine on a very nice day it would be maxed out.
Bill Barnsley3 months ago
Mount Greylock, topped by the 93-foot-tall Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower, is Massachusetts's tallest point. The views from the top are almost endless. In places, the Appalachian Trail crosses the road to the top, and some visitors hike a section of the trail to the top.
The endless sea of colorful foliage can be beautiful in the early autumn.
Lion Evercrest2 months ago
Beautiful and historic, a land rich with folklore and legends. The trails are vast, the views are beautiful. And the ghosts that linger between the trees don't bother you much.
Alexander Shyshlaa month ago
Beautiful mountain with gorgeous views! Great place to catch sunset or sunrise! Nice trails. It's definitely worth coming and spending some time with friends and family! You can go on a very top veterans war memorial tower and see beautiful views from above.
vaia4 months ago
what a WONDERFUL place. it was very clean, the summit was beautiful, views from EVERYWHERE. did a one hour hike since i got there a little late but it was so beautiful and honestly a little difficult! went on a weekday and there was still a good amount of people there. thankfully there was fresh water because the water bottle i had was running low. going to the top of the tower was easy but it did feel a little claustrophobic, the place is quite small but still worth seeing the view from up there!
