Today I hiked up to the top of Mt. Greylock in Adams, MA. This is an extremely challenging hike, at least for me. It may be less of a challenge for you, if you are younger and in better shape. The last 0.5 mile is grueling, and the last 0.2 mile will have you questioning your life choices. When I got to the top, it was 50/50 as to whether or not I would barf. It took me about 4 hours round trip, but about 1/2 hour of that was breaks on the way up.
We begin at the Bellows South Trailhead. The small parking lot fills up fast, and overflow stretches down the street, so get here early.
Based on the signage along the hike, this a popular spot for skiing during the winter, for folks who are willing to carry their skis to the top.
Were I to go again, I might try the Cheshire Harbor Trail, which is supposed to be somewhat easier, although you’re still climbing about a half a mile up no matter which trail you take, so I’m not sure how much easier it could be.
I don’t normally take a lot of pictures along a hike, because one wooded area looks very much like another, but there are a lot of pretty spots like this along the way.
This is the view from quite near the top, when you first cross the access road.
Here’s the view from the busy Scenic Overlook™ area. You can definitely see for miles.
This is a panorama I took at the Scenic Overlook™ area, from the spot where I sat to eat my sandwich, drink a beer, and decide if I was going to puke from the climb. I was pretty well gassed at this point. (Click to enlarge.)
The veteran’s war memorial, which sits atop Mt. Greylock. Originally built in 1932, it was condemned and torn down in the 1960s before being rebuilt in 1975. More recently, it was closed for repairs in 2013, to the tune of $2.5 million, and reopened in 2017.
If you are okay with tight spaces, there is a spiral staircase that will take you to the top. I managed to make myself dizzy on the way down.
Bascom’s Lodge, photographed from the tower. The lodge has nine rooms which can be reserved for overnight stays, as well as a restaurant.
A view to the west, taken from inside the tower. There is a path that loops around to the west of the summit, that has a scenic overlook as well. I had thought to visit that area, because it seems like a nicer view and would probably have fewer people, but I was too pooped from the climb up.
I returned to my car via the Gould Trail, which was much less well-traveled. I had it to myself for the most part. It seems like it would be an easier ascent via this route, although the Cheshire Harbor Trail is supposed to be the easiest.
This is a picture of Mt. Greylock from the end of the Gould Trail, right before I got back to my car.
Would I hike Mt. Greylock again? On the one hand I’m glad I did it (for the second time), but on the other hand…probably not. There is a point at which a worthwhile challenge becomes punishment, and if I’m being totally honest the view from the summit wasn’t really worth the effort. There are nicer views to be had here in CT, at the end of much less challenging hikes. Not to mention the fact that the summit of Mt. Greylock is driveable, so after you put in all that effort you are met with throngs of casuals at the top.
If you live in the area, or don’t mind a two-hour drive (or more) from Connecticut, maybe you’d like to give it a try. You’ll probably be glad you did, and you’ll probably also be glad when it’s behind you.