Mount Greylock Ramble
We did it! We were part of the 41st annual Mount Greylock Ramble. The event occurs each year on Columbus Day. Hikers climb the Chesire Harbor trail to the summit of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, located in the Berkshires. Even a section of the Appalachian Trail passes through the Mount Greylock State Reservation. The first 2000 people to the top get a certificate of completion upon registering at the Bascom Lodge. Jennifer and I were hikers 145 and 146 in the log book that day.
We decided to stay in Adams, Massachusetts because in front of the Adams Free Library, buses pick people up and take them to the trail head. We ended up finding a place called the Mount Greylock Inn. It is located in the Historic District of town. Plus, it was only a five minute walk to the library. If you are going to the event, this is the Inn to stay at. It only has four rooms, so call early. The innkeepers will make you feel right at home. The homemade muffins were delicious.
We took the 9 am bus to the trail head. The trail itself is not easy, but it is definitely not the hardest. It is a bit long at 6.6 miles round trip and maintains a steady incline to the summit. The fall foliage surrounding the trail was absolutely incredible. It was at it’s peak.
I really like any event that motivates people to get outside and do a little exercise. We saw people both old and young. We saw mothers and fathers carrying their children on their backs. We saw grandparents with their grandchildren. We even saw a pregnant woman who was in her last trimester. Unbelievable! There really are no excuses for getting out and enjoying life.
Once you reach the top, be sure to register at Bascom Lodge to get your certificate. Don’t forget your t-shirts either. The first thing you see once at the summit is the huge war memorial tower. You can take a spiral staircase to the the top to enjoy an unobstructed 360 degree view of five states on a clear day. Be sure to check out the circular room at the base. A fantastic quote runs the length of the room up high: “Those immortal dead who live again in minds made better by their presence.” Who says you can’t live forever?
There were hundreds of people at the top. Not everyone hiked up, some took the Mount Greylock Scenic Byway. Many enjoyed a picnic on this wonderful Fall day. The breeze was cool, but the sun kept you warm. We stayed up there at least an hour. The views were spectacular. You could see rolling hills of red, orange, and gold as far as the eye could see.
