Mt. Greylock

I chose Mt. Greylock as the sixth peak in my hiking challenge—it’s the highest point in Massachusetts, and even the drive there is a treat, with scenic views along the way. I arrived at the Mt. Greylock Glen Outdoor Center parking lot at 9 AM. The facility itself is well-maintained, and it offers a stunning view of Mt. Greylock in the background.

It was a beautiful October morning—sunny but chilly, with temperatures in the low 40s (°F). I started my hike by walking along Thiel Road toward the Thunderbolt Trailhead, where the real climb began.

The trail was already covered with dry autumn leaves, making the path harder to follow and requiring some effort to stay on track—especially with so many intersecting trails. The hike was a steady, steep ascent through the trees. While there weren’t many loose rocks, the consistent uphill grade made it a challenging trek for a beginner like me.

I reached the summit just before noon, where I found a mix of hikers and visitors who had driven up the toll road. Although the foliage was about a week past its peak, the colors in the valley and the town below were still vibrant and beautiful.

I took a well-deserved break and enjoyed my lunch at the summit while soaking in the sweeping views. For the descent, I followed the Gould Trail and made it back to the base after a two-hour hike.