You’re driving through the Berkshires, maybe headed toward North Adams for some art at MASS MoCA, when you see it. It looks like a giant, stone lighthouse sitting on top of a mountain. But you’re nowhere near the ocean. That weirdly majestic "lighthouse" is actually the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower, and it sits right on the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.
Standing at 3,491 feet, Greylock isn't exactly Everest. Honestly, if you compare it to the 6,000-foot monsters in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, it might seem like a bit of a hill. But don't let the numbers fool you. This place has a vibe that’s totally different from anything else in southern New England.
It’s Like Traveling to Maine in 20 Minutes
One of the coolest things about Greylock is the "ecological island" effect. Basically, as you drive or hike up the mountain, the environment changes so fast it’s like you’re teleporting. At the base, you’ve got your standard oak and maple trees. But once you hit the upper slopes, everything shifts.
The air gets noticeably colder. The trees turn into balsam fir and red spruce. You’re suddenly in a taiga-boreal forest, a type of ecosystem usually found way up in northern Maine or Canada. It’s the only place in the entire state where this happens. There’s even a spot called The Hopper, a massive natural bowl on the western side, that holds some of the oldest old-growth forests in the region. Some of those trees have been hanging out there for over 350 years.
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The View from the Top (and the "Lighthouse")
If you get a clear day—and I mean a really clear day—you can see up to 90 miles away. You’re looking at five different states: Massachusetts (obviously), New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.
Then there’s the tower. Built in 1932 using granite from Quincy, it’s 93 feet tall and acts as a memorial for those who died in war. It actually has a beacon at the top that shines at night. People always ask why there’s a lighthouse on a mountain, and the answer is basically "to be a symbol of hope." If you aren't afraid of tight spaces, you can climb the 89 spiral steps to the observation deck. The wind up there is no joke.
Getting to the Summit: Lazy or Leggy?
The best part about the highest point in Massachusetts is that you can choose how much you want to suffer to see it.
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The Easy Way
You can literally just drive. The Mount Greylock Scenic Byway is a 16-mile paved road that snakes up to the top. It’s usually open from late May through November 1st. If you’re not a hiker, this is the way to go. Just be prepared for some hair-raising curves.
The Hiking Way
If you want to earn the view, there are about 70 miles of trails. The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs right over the summit. If you’re looking for a classic route, the Cheshire Harbor Trail is widely considered the "easiest" long hike to the top—it’s roughly 6.6 miles round-trip and not too steep.
If you want something more intense, the Thunderbolt Ski Trail is legendary. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s for downhill ski racing. It drops 2,000 feet in less than two miles. People still backcountry ski it today when there’s enough snow, which takes some serious guts.
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Literary Ghosts and "Old Coot"
Greylock has some weird history, too. It’s been a bit of a muse for famous writers. Henry David Thoreau spent a night on the summit in 1844, sleeping in a wooden observatory that was there before the current tower. He supposedly woke up above the clouds and felt like he was in another world. Herman Melville actually looked at the mountain from his window in Pittsfield while writing Moby-Dick; he thought the snowy silhouette of the mountain looked like the back of a great white whale.
And then there are the ghost stories. Some locals talk about "Old Coot," a hermit and supposed Civil War vet who lived on the mountain and now haunts the trails. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the woods up there get pretty spooky when the fog rolls in, which happens a lot.
Practical Stuff You Should Know
If you're planning a trip, keep these things in mind:
- Bascom Lodge: There’s a rustic stone lodge at the summit where you can actually get a meal or stay the night. It was built in the 30s and has that "National Park" feel with big stone fireplaces.
- Parking: There’s a fee to park at the summit (usually $5 for MA residents, $20 for out-of-state).
- The Weather: It can be 75 degrees in the town of Adams and 55 degrees at the top. Bring a jacket even if you think you don't need one. Honestly, just throw one in the car.
- The Beacon: The light at the top of the tower is turned off during bird migration seasons (spring and fall) so it doesn't confuse the birds.
What to do Next
If you want to experience the highest point in Massachusetts for yourself, start by checking the official Mass.gov page for the Mount Greylock State Reservation to make sure the roads are open. If you're hiking, download an offline map like Gaia GPS or AllTrails, because cell service is basically non-existent once you start climbing. Pack plenty of water, especially if you're hitting the steeper trails on the western side like the Hopper or Money Brook.