Reprinted from a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management and Appalachian Mountain Club brochure.

Mt. Greylock

At 3,491 feet, Mt. Greylock is Massachusetts' highest peak. In the heart of the Berkshires' cultural mecca, the mountain has a long and colorful history of inspiring poets and writers. Herman Melville may have been sparked to write about Moby Dick from seeing the snow-draped mountain rise from the valley like a giant white whale.

While paved road reach its summit, Mt. Greylock contains some of the wildest land in Massachusetts. In an area known as the Hopper, ancient spruce trees date back almost two centuries, and 1,600 acres of the Reservation hold National Natural Landmark status. From the summit, spectacular 100-mile views of the Taconic, Catskill and Housatonic ranges - as well as glorious sunsets - can be enjoyed.

The Mount Greylock State Reservation, which surrounds Bascom Lodge, covers more than 11,000 acres. Hikers can enjoy 50 miles of trails over a variety of terrain, including a section of the Georgia-to-Maine Appalachian Trail. For those who enjoy natural history, a variety of birds, trees, mammals and geological formations are found within the park.

Located at the summit of Mt. Greylock, Bascom Lodge is within easy reach of Tanglewood, Williamstown Theatre, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Jacob's Pillow, the Norman Rockwell Museum and other points of interest. The rustic stone and wood Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s to provide accommodations for hikers, vacationers, and nature enthusiasts. Stone fireplaces, high ceilings with handcut oak beams, and a porch with large windows provide an ideal atmosphere for dining, relaxing after a hike, or just enjoying the finest views in the Berkshires.

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has operated Bascom Lodge since 1982, in partnership with the Mass. Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

• Bascom Lodge accommodates 36 guests - four private rooms sleep two each in double or twin beds, and four co-ed bunkrooms accommodate from six to nine guests each. Bathrooms are shared. Blankets, sheets, and towels are provided.
• The Lodge is open daily from mid-May to mid-October. Breakfast and dinner are served family style and are guaranteed to satisfy the heartiest appetite. Reservations are required for meals and lodging.
• A snack bar serves a variety of trail snacks, beverages, and sandwiches, and the Lodge's trading post is stocked with hiker supplies, maps, T-shirts, postcards and guide books.

Whether traveling in a group or solo, by car, bike, or by foot, Bascom is a great place to experience the magic of the mountains.

The Mt. Greylock Visitor Center, at the southern base of the mountain, provides information, gifts and maps, snacks, nature exhibits, restrooms and a great view. Kids of all ages can explore the Discovery Room, with its hands-on nature displays. The Visitor Center is open year-round.

There are many events at Bascom and the Visitor Center that are open to the public:

• Enjoy a 360-degree, 100-mile view of five states from the top of the 100-foot Way Memorial at the summit.
• Nature walks and guided hikes - look for ravens, listen for the white-throated sparrow, and touch centuries-old spruce trees.
• Tuesday night barbecues at the summit are sure to satisfy.
• Music nights - on Fridays local folk and jazz musicians provide mountain-top music.
• Volunteer Trail Crew - learn how to maintain the many trails in the area and give something back to the mountain.

AMC Naturalists at the Lodge and Visitor Center provide programs such as guided walks, educational displays, evening campfires, and group hikes. One and two-day workshops are offered throughout the season and include birdwatching, backpacking, geology, photography, literature, and painting.

Since 1876, The Appalachian Mountain Club has promoted the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers, and trails of the Northeast. Our 65,000 members, in 11 Chapters from D.C. to Maine offer a wide range of recreational opportunities from hiking to biking, rock climbing to canoeing.

A variety of educational programs and outdoor skills workshops are offered at both Bascom Lodge on the summit of Mt. Greylock and at the Visitor Center at the southern base of the mountain. The Mt. Greylock State Reservation, which surrounds Bascom Lodge, is owned and maintained by the Mass DEM. The AMC is a nonprofit membership organization whose programs and facilities are open to members and nonmembers alike.

From the Mass. Turnpike, take exit #2 in Lee. Follow Rt. 20 north to Rt. 7. Continue north to Lanesboro. Watch for the Mt. Greylock Reservation and Visitor Center signs on the right, 2 miles north of Lanesboro. Turn right at North Main St. and follow Mt. Greylock and Bascom Lodge signs 9 miles to the summit. The Visitor Center is on your right just before entering the gates to the Reservation (about 20 minutes from the summit).

From Rt. 2 in North Adams, look for the Mt. Greylock Reservation sign on the left just west of the town center and turn left onto Notch Road. Follow Notch Road 9 miles to the summit.