Mount Greylock Veterans War Memorial Tower Road
Bay State's highest peak with lighthouse tower summit
The 8-mile road to Mount Greylock’s 3,489-foot summit winds through dense Berkshire hardwood forests before emerging at the granite Veterans War Memorial Tower, visible for miles across western Massachusetts. Built in the 1930s, this paved mountain road climbs steadily from Adams through mixed forests of maple, birch, and spruce, passing Sperry Road Campground and multiple overlooks. The tower itself, modeled after a lighthouse, serves as both memorial and the highest point in the Bay State.
Easy difficulty suitable for any vehicle, though the steep grades and tight curves demand attention. The road typically opens April through November, with occasional winter closures during heavy snow. No permits required, but campground reservations recommended for overnight stays. Clear days offer views across five states from the summit, while the surrounding Mount Greylock State Reservation provides hiking trails and backcountry camping. A classic New England mountain drive that proves Massachusetts has more vertical relief than most realize.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Paved |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3489 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Adams, Massachusetts |
| Land manager | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Good |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.