Mount Greylock, Bash Bish Falls and other Massachusetts, MA Off The Beaten Path Tips

Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, is often missed but shouldn't be. There's a long winding road to the top but it's paved and the views that await you--almost 360 degrees--are worth the climb. There is an AMC lodge at the top that offers shelter from the cold and a roaring fire in a fireplace located in a rustic room. The AT runs along the top and the through-hikers that one meets offer interesting and informative conversation.
Another sparkling view is that from Mt Washington (aka Mt Everett/Mt Race) in the lower part of Berkshire county. Getting there is half the fun, and again, the AT runs over this hill so it's easy to meet interesting people from all walks of life. There is a rather bumpy dirt road to a lookout area that faces West to the Catskills in NY state. From there you can hike the relatively easy half mile to the very top--you can find large outcroppings of granite and sandstone that are ideal for sitting down with a picnic. I have enjoyed a leisurely meal there watching the sun set over the hills, and then a mad scramble follows to race to the bottom before they close the park gate. Try it--it's fun. And the sunset is always worth it! Small admission fee on weekends.
Close to Mt Washington is the locally infamous BashBish Falls (the picture doesn't do it justice). The walk to the falls along a crystal clear river is worth it. The Falls themselves are beautiful and on a hot summer day one can stand in the mist of the water and cool off. The water is spring-fed--cold and green-blue in color in it's deepest places. Swimming is forbidden since some fatal accidents involving diving from the falls, but people have been known to 'fall in' clothes and all, just to get the feel of the knock-your-breath-out cold of the water. It's also a fantastic walk in the Autumn. The trail dips close to the river and I have taken my kids there often to play. No admission fee.
(*AT=Appalachian Trail, AMC=Appalachian Mountain Club)

Leave a Comment