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 |
| Official sources | mass.gov |
| 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can a regular sedan or minivan handle this road?
Yes. The summit road is fully paved and graded — any street vehicle can make the drive without issue. No clearance or 4WD needed whatsoever.
When does the summit road open and close each year?
The road typically opens in mid-to-late April once snow and ice clear, and closes for winter around late November. Exact dates shift year to year — check the DCR website before you go.
Is there a fee to drive up Mount Greylock?
There's a day-use parking fee at the summit, currently a few dollars, collected at the lot. The road itself is free to drive. No permit required.
What's the hardest part of this drive?
There isn't one — it's a paved scenic road start to finish. The only real challenge is fog or ice if you catch bad weather, which can kill visibility completely near the summit.
Is there actual camping on the mountain, and do you need a reservation?
Bascom Lodge at the summit has rooms and a hostel-style bunk setup, and there are backcountry tent sites on the reservation reachable by trail. Reservations are strongly advised for the lodge, especially weekends. Dispersed camping is available but check current DCR rules on where exactly it's permitted.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.