Hike Mount Greylock via Thunderbolt Trail
4.8 Miles
2275 Feet
Hiking
Intermediate
Year Round
Out-and-Back
Located in the Berkshires, Massachusetts' high point will not disappoint. From the summit, views are possible into five different states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
This hike starts in Adams, Mass on Thiel Road. You can drive the road as far as you can until you reach a barrier. There is plenty of room to park off the road on both sides. You will walk he road for 0.5 miles until you meet the foot trail, marked as Thunderbolt.
The Thunderbolt Ski trail was originally built in 1934 and rerouted in 1937. It was the site of Massachusetts State Downhill, Eastern Downhill Championship, and various local time trials and trophy races throughout the 1930's and 40's.
Climbing the eastern side of the mountain this is the steepest trail up Mount Greylock (Massachusetts high point 3491 feet). At about the 1 mile mark from your car the trail becomes considerably steep and heads toward the summit ridge. At approximately 1.9 miles you reach the summit ridge known as Hadley Lookout with beautiful views of the town of Adams below. The last 0.5 mile stretch is along the Appalachian trail. The trail will pass a small warning hut shelter.
The summit features A Veterans War Memorial Tower and Bascom Lodge featuring overnight accommodations and meals May - October. There is a road to the summit as well opened seasonally.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Disappointing
Unfortunately, the Thunderbolt Trail was one of my least favorite hikes. The beginning of the trail was very hard to locate since the vegetation grew over all the markers—and the trail itself gets to be a very steep incline of dirt with little roots/rocks to grip along the way. Even though the summit views are definitely worth it! Be prepared for a crowd since anyone can drive up to the summit.
Big Risk, Big Reward
The thunderbolt trail was challenging with near vertical trails towards the summit. A bit more nerve racking for me as I was leading a group of teenagers up it, but was well worth the accomplishment. Greylock offers phenomenal views from the top.
