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Mount Greylock, Massachusetts |
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Massachsetts highest mountain (3491 feet/1064 meters) offers fine views if the weather is clear, and 40 miles (64 km) of hiking trails no matter what—but it's closed until 2009. |
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Five miles east of Williamstown along MA 2 east, in North Adams, a road goes off to the right, climbing the slopes of Mount Greylock (tel 413-499-4262; 3491 feet/1064 meters), the highest point in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, the summit, Bascom Lodge and several other facilities are closed until 2009 for road and other repairs. When the summit reopens, if the weather is clear, drive the 10 miles (16 km, 30 minutes) to the top, where you'll find marvelous views, Bascom Lodge, and a curious, imposing 92-foot-high war memorial that was originally designed as a lighthouse. The summit and the memorial are open to the public for a $2-per-car parking fee. Other roads (also closed until 2009) approach the summit from the south, starting from US 7 at New Ashford or Lanesboro. While you're up here, explore some of the 40 miles (64 km) of hiking trails (including part of the Appalachian Trail) which thread through the forest of the Mount Greylock State Reservation's 11,000 acres (4452 hectares). When it reopens in 2009, Bascom Lodge (tel 413-743-1591), operated by an organization named Nature's Classroom, can provide a simple bed, or sell you a simple but satisfying and portable trail lunch, or a filling family-style dinner. Reservations are required for beds and meals. |
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Bascom Lodge as seen from the top of the War Memorial at the summit of Mount Greylock.
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