Mount Greylock State Reservation

Rising 3,491 feet above the Berkshire County landscape, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts — and one of the most rewarding climbs in New England. Spread across 12,455 acres of rugged terrain, this state reservation delivers panoramic views that stretch across five states on clear days, from New Hampshire’s peaks to Connecticut’s rolling hills.

The summit is crowned by the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower, a striking 93-foot granite beacon visible for miles. Nearby, Bascom Lodge — a rustic 1930s stone lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps — offers overnight stays and meals during the warmer months, making it one of the few places in the state where you can sleep at the top of a mountain without a tent.

Hikers have roughly 70 miles of trails to explore, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that traverses the summit ridge. The Thunderbolt Trail, once a competitive ski run, is the steepest and most challenging route up. For a gentler approach, the Hopper Trail winds through old-growth spruce forest — a boreal pocket that feels more like Vermont than Massachusetts. Birding, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and wildlife watching round out the seasonal offerings.

Visit late September through mid-October for peak foliage that sets the entire mountainside on fire with color. Late May through June offers wildflowers and migrating warblers without the summer crowds. An auto road reaches the summit seasonally for those who prefer the view without the vertical gain.

Explore Nearby

• Bissell Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Silk Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Green Mountain National Forest — National Forest in Vermont
• Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Mohawk Towpath Byway — Scenic Byway in New York