At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. It is also the highest mountain in southern New England and offers incredible views of five states up to 70 miles distant.
The Mount Greylock State Reservation became Massachusetts’ first wilderness state park in 1898, to preserve the mountain’s natural environment for public enjoyment. It is wild and rugged, yet accessible to visitors for hiking, camping, and overnight meals & lodging at the summit.
There are two ways to reach the peak: drive up the road or hike a grueling section of the Appalachian Trail. Both options will lead you to spectacular views, a historic lodge, and the iconic Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower.
Mount Greylock is an ecological island looming above the Berkshires landscape, characterized by a climate similar to Canada’s boreal forest. This type of forest is unique to the region, and provides a habitat for rare plants and animals not found elsewhere in Massachusetts.
In the past, logging, charcoal burning, and tourism had a negative impact on the mountain, causing soil erosion and landslides. Eventually, businessmen formed the Greylock Park Association and purchased 400 acres around the mountain to prevent further ecological damage.
Today, the park remains a natural preserve and is open to the public for day-use activities such as scenic drives, sightseeing, hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The reservation also features a visitor center, a historic lodge and campground, and a 93-foot-tall Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower.