Mount Greylock

Mountain Massachusetts' highest summit with historic veterans' memorial

Western Massachusetts’ highest summit, Mount Greylock offers long ridgeline trails, a summit war memorial and Bascom Lodge; hikers and drivers come for panoramic views and Appalachian Trail access.

Main image

Mount Greylock is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and forms the core of Mount Greylock State Reservation. The summit area includes a veterans memorial tower and visitor facilities and is a well-known destination for hikers, drivers, and scenic viewing.

The summit is accessible by a paved auto road in the warmer months and by an extensive network of hiking trails year-round; the Appalachian Trail traverses the mountain corridor. Visitors come for panoramic views that can extend across multiple states on clear days, and for the historic lodge and summit memorial structures.

The mountain is part of a state-managed reservation with trails, picnic areas, and seasonal visitor services. It is located in northwestern Massachusetts within driving distance of several small towns and is a regional recreation hub.

  • State high point: The mountain is the highest point in Massachusetts and offers multi-state panoramic views from clear-sky vantage points at the summit.
  • Long-distance trail: The Appalachian Trail passes near or across the summit area, making it a frequent destination for long-distance hikers as well as day visitors.

What to See #

  • Veterans War Memorial Tower: A stone-and-brick memorial tower at the summit commemorating war veterans and serving as a visible landmark above the treeline.
  • Summit lodge: A historic mountain lodge offering food and overnight accommodation near the summit, operated seasonally and serving hikers and visitors.
Mount Greylock
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Williamstown, MA 01267, United States
42.6372, -73.1659
State park parking/entry fees may apply; Bascom Lodge accommodation fees vary seasonally.

How to Get to Mount Greylock #

Mount Greylock State Reservation is reached by Route 7A/102 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The summit auto road (Seasonal) leads toward the Veterans War Memorial Tower; public parking and trailheads are available near the visitor centers. The nearest train/bus hubs are North Adams and Pittsfield; local bus service is limited.

Tips for Visiting Mount Greylock #

  • Drive the auto road (if open) for fast summit access, but walk some trails - the best views are earned on foot.
  • Sunset and dawn are spectacular - plan an overnight if sunrise clouds often fill the valleys.
  • Visit the historic Bascom Lodge (if open) to get a sense of the mountain's CCC-era architecture and park history.

Best Time to Visit Mount Greylock #

Fall is the best time for foliage and clear vistas; summer is good for hiking, while winter offers snow sports with more limited access.

Fall
September-November · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Brilliant foliage and stable weather make fall the most popular season.
Summer
June-August · 8-24°C (46-75°F)
Warmer weather and open trails for hiking; busy on weekends.
Winter
December-March · -10 to 2°C (14-36°F)
Snowy and windy; winter sports available but travel may be limited.

Weather & Climate near Mount Greylock #

Climate

Mount Greylock's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1368 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

-9°
Feels Like Freezing
-9°C
Temperature
-14° -4°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-13° -2°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 23°

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (129 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-10° -1°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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