You and your family can enjoy outdoor adventures in Adams in all seasons. From hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling and even hang-gliding, to gentler nature walks, bird watching and picnicking, Adams offers many options. In addition to the trails at Greylock Glen and the adjacent Mount Greylock State Reservation, Adams also has the popular Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which traverses the town center along the Hoosac River.
Situated at the base of Mount Greylock, the tallest mountain in all of southern New England, Greylock Glen consists of 1,063 acres (1,000+ of which are under Article 97 protection) contiguous to the 12,500-acre Mount Greylock State Reservation, the Commonwealth’s flagship state park. Whether you want the challenge of skiing the Thunderbolt, or just want to relax by one of the ponds or waterfalls, you are welcome to visit Greylock Glen.
Hikers, skiers, snowshoers and bicyclists will enjoy the many trails accessible from Greylock Glen. Many of these trails connect to the extensive trail system within the State Reservation, including the Appalachian Trail. Several trails will lead to the summit of Mount Greylock and other peaks within the Reservation. In addition, Greylock Glen boasts beautiful open meadows, ponds, waterfalls and wetlands. Unguided nature walks offer birding, wildlife viewing, rare plants, wildflowers and trees, trees, trees!
Opened in October 2024, the Glen Center has become a year-round destination for breathtaking special events with a view like no other in the Berkshires. Whether you’re planning a private dinner, celebration of life, corporate gathering, team meeting, or community program we have flexible spaces inside and out for events of all kinds. The Center is open to the public as a gathering space for the community, a gateway to the mountain, and hosts programs throughout the year for locals and visitors. Tour our Exhibit Hall, relax before or after a hike or a ride by the fire or on our outside patio, and join the thousands of visitors every year who find a bit of mountain magic from the comforts of our spectacular Center. Handicap accessible restrooms, water fountains, as well as trail maps and information on area establishments are available during open hours. In the future, we hope to offer retail and dining options as well as more educational opportunities. Visit our Events page for more information.
Directions to the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center:
"The Most Excellent Purple Majesty of Greylock..." - Herman Melville
At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is not only the tallest mountain in Massachusetts but also the tallest in all of southern New England. The 12,500-acre Mount Greylock State Reservation is the oldest wilderness reservation in the Commonwealth. The park spans five towns, with the Mt. Greylock summit as well as the Greylock Glen both in Adams. The Reservation includes the state’s only subalpine taiga-boreal forest. Old-growth forest, including remarkable stands of red spruce up to 120 feet, can be seen.
From late May through early November, you can drive to the summit on the historic and recently restored road, Mount Greylock State Parkway (weather permitting) from the Lanesborough, MA side of the mountain. The views are spectacular from the summit and several other spots along the roads. Two interesting structures dating from the 1930s are found at the summit as well. The Veterans War Memorial Tower was completed in 1932. The recently restored tower stands 93 feet tall, with a beacon that emits a total of 1.9 million lumens – visible from 75 miles under the proper weather conditions. Bascom Lodge, completed in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is a rustic lodge built from stone and red spruce from Mount Greylock. Bascom Lodge is open seasonally for dining, lodging and events.
There are more than 50 miles of trails on Mount Greylock including a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (on designated trails) are permitted. Nature lovers will enjoy the rare plants, bird watching, waterfalls and wildlife. Park staff offers a full calendar of interpretive programs, guided hikes and other events. The summit is a popular launch area for hang gliders and para-gliders.
The Thunderbolt Ski Trail is the last remaining backcountry Class A ski slope in New England. It runs down the precipitous east face of Mt. Greylock and was originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail is renowned for its challenges. In the 1930s and 40s some of the best skiers in America came to compete in races held on the trail. College teams from Dartmouth and Williams challenged local ski clubs, and in 1938, Germany sent a team of world championship skiers to compete.
Adams, Massachusetts is a picturesque valley town in beautiful Berkshire County, founded in 1778 and named after Revolutionary War patriot Samuel Adams. Nestled between Mount Greylock (Massachusetts’ highest peak) and the Hoosac Range, the town looks out on some of the best scenery in the Berkshires. Start your adventure at the Adams Visitors Center, located at 3 Hoosac Street.
Adams is rich in cultural and historic resources like the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum, the Quaker Meeting House, the Thunderbolt Ski Museum, the Adams Theater and many historic homes and buildings. Adams boasts a Victorian era downtown with many architectural treasures. It is also home to Berkshire Scenic Railway – Hoosac Valley Train Rides, which offers scenic train excursions between downtown Adams and North Adams offering seasonal rides and special themed events.
Over the past few years, Adams has seen an increase in restaurant and arts venues, demonstrating a new energy with plenty of future opportunity for growth. Adams also offers a full calendar of community events for all ages throughout the year. For a comprehensive view of all that Adams has to offer for residents, visitors, and businesses please visit ExploreAdams.com.
Access a curated list of businesses in and around Adams you may want to visit while you’re here.
