Mount Greylock

Mount Greylock is the tallest peak in Massachusetts, rising above North Adams, Adams and Williamstown in the northern Berkshires. The summit stands at about 3,491 feet and is crowned by the Veterans War Memorial Tower, a granite lighthouse-like monument that offers a viewing platform over the surrounding ranges. On a clear day the panorama stretches across the Berkshires, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Taconics in New York and sometimes the Catskills and the Adirondacks.The state reservation protects more than 12,000 acres of forest, ridges and cliffs, with miles of trails including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. A paved road climbs to the summit in the open season, usually from late spring to late fall, so visitors can drive up for the view, picnic on the lawn and walk a short loop. Bascom Lodge, built in the 1930s from stone and timber, serves meals and offers overnight stays in season, giving hikers a classic mountain hut experience.

Choose your approach. The easiest option is to drive the summit road when it is open, park near the tower and walk a few minutes to the viewpoint. Fall foliage season is especially spectacular, with the slopes ranging from red to gold, but weekends can be busy and cars queue on the way up.

Weather on the summit differs from the valley, with wind, cloud and sudden cold even in summer, so carry a jacket.Hikers have many choices, from short walks around Stony Ledge, which looks into the Hopper, to a strenuous climb from Adams on the Cheshire Harbor Trail or the Appalachian Trail through the notches.

Trails are rocky and steep in places, and signal can be poor. Carry water and a map, wear sturdy shoes and tell someone your plan. The summit road is closed in winter, when the mountain becomes a destination for experienced skiers and snowshoers.Bascom Lodge is a sound base for sunrise or sunset viewing, and an overnight in the lodge or a nearby campsite avoids the daytime crowds. The lodge's menu and bed availability change by season, so reserve in advance.

The tower is open in good weather, and the interior stair is narrow, so younger children need supervision. Dogs are usually permitted on leash.Combine Greylock with MASS MoCA, the Clark Art Institute or a night in North Adams or Williamstown. A good day pairs a morning drive up the mountain, lunch in Adams or Williamstown and an afternoon at one of the museums.

Private guided hiking options in the region offer help with route choice and local knowledge. Check conditions with the park office, since roads and trails sometimes close for repairs, storms or mud season.

Safety deserves attention. Mountain weather changes quickly, and cloud can cover the summit when the valley is sunny. Carry a map, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra food and water on long hikes, and do not rely on a phone for navigation. Ticks are common in summer, so use repellent and check clothing afterward. In autumn the days grow short, so start early. If you drive the summit road, watch for cyclists, descend in low gear and use pull-offs to enjoy views. The reservation staff and Bascom Lodge can give current trail advice.