Website design By BotEap.comAt the western edge of Massachusetts, at the northern edge of the Berkshires, is Mount Greylock State Reservation. This preserve has more than 12,000 acres of pristine New England forest, 50 miles of hiking trails, and more than 1,500 acres recognized as a National Natural Landmark. Marking the top center of this reservation is the highest peak in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock. At its nearly 3,500-foot summit is the historic 100-foot war memorial and rustic stone lodge, both nearly 100 years old.

Website design By BotEap.comUnlike most other hiking areas in the region, the southern section of Mount Greylock State Reserve does not use the Appalachian Trail as its main trail and very few significant side trails actually branch off from it in this area. . One caveat about the area though is that the trails in this area range from very easy to very difficult. It’s not always easy to discern which is which from the trailhead, and a novice hiker who’s already beaten an easier trail can find himself in trouble if he’s not careful.

Website design By BotEap.comProbably my favorite trail in the area is the Round Rock Trail. It’s a simple one mile round trip hike with a few nice extras. Short and nice, this trail is perfect for a brisk afternoon hike or to burn off some calories if you happen to be nearby. Now, when most people go on nature hikes, they specifically don’t want to see man-made intrusions, but two of those elements make this trail unique, especially considering how short it is. If you head uphill from the south trailhead, the first thing you’ll come across is the Old Town marker. Erected in 1912, this pillar designates the New Ashford-Cheshire town line. I know it seems simple enough, but things like this in the middle of nowhere always catch my eye.

Website design By BotEap.comJust a few hundred feet further on, you will come across the site of a tragedy. In 1945 a small plane crashed here and all that remains is the rotted frame and a small wooden cross. Although sad, one cannot help but wonder what the story behind the accident was, if anyone survived or how many perished. I know it’s morbid, but places like this or an old abandoned house in the middle of nowhere appeal to the mystery lovers in all of us. By the time you’ve finished pondering the problem, you’ll be back in the parking area and probably thinking you got a lot out of such a short drive.

Website design By BotEap.comAnother trail that adds a bit of man-made flavor to the scenic beauty is the old Dynamite trail. About a mile and a quarter long, this trail runs parallel to the Appalachian Trail, however the two intersect at the south trailhead. Not far from this intersection, you’ll see the old storage box used in the early 1930’s to store the dynamite used to carve the area’s roads.

Website design By BotEap.comIf you’re in the mood for more scenic adventures, we recommend starting at the top of the southern section at Mount Greylock. In addition to the lodge and war memorial, the summit itself offers spectacular views. If you follow the trails to the southwest of the mountain, you’ll find at least half a dozen intersecting scenic trails. However, it’s easy to get lost among so many intersecting trails that vary in terms of difficulty, so it’s best to keep an eye out.