Thursday, September 8, 2011

Mount Greylock


At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. Rising above the surrounding Berkshire landscape, dramatic views of 60-90 miles distant may be seen. It became Massachusetts' first wilderness state park, acquired by the Commonwealth in 1898, to preserve its natural environment for public enjoyment. Wild and rugged yet intimate and accessible, Mount Greylock rewards the visitor exploring this special place of scenic and natural beauty.

The roads to the summit are open seasonally from late-May through November 1; weather permitting into fall, please call ahead for current road conditions.  Following the two-year Historic Parkway Rehabilitation Project the newly restored road system offers numerous opportunities for scenic viewing along this state-designated Scenic Byway. Bascom Lodge and the Veterans War Memorial Tower are open seasonally. The Mount Greylock Campground (primitive overnight area) is accessible by hiking only.

The Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower (shown at left, in winter) was built in 1932 and crowns the highest point in the state. The memorial was dedicated in June 1933 as a tribute to courage, endurance, loyalty and self-sacrifice, wherever these qualities have been shown, by the state’s men and women in the uniform of the state or nation.



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