Mount Greylock State Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Greylock State Reservation |
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Winter view of the War Memorial at the summit of Mount Greylock
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 Mount Greylock State Reservation
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Adams, Cheshire, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams, Williamstown, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 12,455 acres (50.40 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,081 ft (939 m) |
| Established | 1898 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Mount Greylock State Reservation |
Mount Greylock State Reservation is a super cool place in Massachusetts where you can explore nature and have fun! It's located on and around Mount Greylock, which is the highest point in the entire state. This park covers about 12,000 acres (that's a lot of space!) across several towns like Lanesborough, North Adams, and Williamstown. It was first created way back in 1898 to help protect the forests.
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A Look Back in Time: The History of Mount Greylock
Mount Greylock State Reservation became a protected area in 1898. The state government decided to set aside $25,000 to buy land for the park. They also created a special group called the Greylock Reservation Commission to look after it.
Building the Veterans War Memorial Tower
The tall Veterans War Memorial Tower stands proudly at the very top of Mount Greylock. This tower is about 93 feet (28 meters) high. It was built between 1931 and 1932 and officially opened on June 30, 1933. It's a special monument to remember veterans.
How the Civilian Conservation Corps Helped
During the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked hard at Mount Greylock. From 1933 to 1939, these workers built many important things. They constructed the Bascom Lodge, which is a place where visitors can stay. They also created the Thunderbolt Ski Trail and improved the roads to the summit.
Making the Park Roads Better
In 2008 and 2009, a big project took place to fix up the park's roads. This project made it easier and safer to drive through the reservation. Now, you can enjoy amazing views from many spots along the scenic roads.
Fun Things to Do at Mount Greylock
Mount Greylock State Reservation offers tons of activities for outdoor lovers! The roads that lead to the summit are open during certain seasons, depending on the weather.
Staying at Bascom Lodge
At the very top of the mountain, you'll find Bascom Lodge. This lodge offers a cozy place to stay overnight and serves meals. It's open during the warmer months, so you can enjoy the summit views.
Exploring the Trails
The reservation has about 70 miles of trails! These trails are perfect for many activities:
- Hiking: You can explore beautiful paths on foot.
- Mountain Biking: Ride your bike on exciting trails.
- Back-country Skiing and Snowshoeing: In winter, you can glide through the snow.
- Snowmobiling: Some trails are open for snowmobiles.
A famous part of the park's trails is an 11.5-mile section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This is a very long hiking trail that goes through many states! There's also the historic Thunderbolt Ski Trail for winter fun.
Camping and Outdoor Adventures
If you love camping, you can try primitive camping here. This means you'll be staying in a more natural setting. You can camp at the Mount Greylock Campground or at special shelters along the trails. Remember, these spots can only be reached by walking! Hunting is also allowed during certain seasons.
