Western Massachusetts: Mount Greylock Camping Trip

Thank you for waiting an extra week for this post! If you glanced at my Facebook and Instagram stories and posts you would know that I decided to join Jay on his trip out to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. Last minute I was able to order an Exped MegaMat. I knew that if I got this sleeping pad in time it would give me more confidence during the trip that my neck and shoulder wouldn’t act up from sleeping on a harder and less comfortable surface, and let me tell you folks, I would camp and sleep on this pad forever if I had the budget for it. At first I wasn’t sure if the pad would come in time, but it did! Because I was in such a remote place, I was jumping in and out of service constantly, and so this post was postponed. Next week I’ll be recalling all the happenings of my adventure to the Sierras and National Forests of the area, but for this week I’ll be jumping back six years to the month of may, when I had just completed my first year at the University of Maine.

During my first year of college I was fortunate enough to have so many wonderful people in the same department and even some studying for the same degree as I. Several of those people became good friends of mine, two of which were also from Massachusetts and decided to do a camping trip with me! I lived in Massachusetts for 18 years but never once, not even as a baby, went to Mount Greylock. It is known as the highest mountain in Massachusetts, and when I looked at the map for our hike in to the campsite and up to the summit, I found out something I hadn’t known about the mountain. Let’s dive in to the story of my first camping and hiking experience at Mount Greylock!

As you can see by the above photo, it was a bit of a shock when we found out that you could drive up the mountain. It’s always a shame when parks decide to do this. Now don’t get me wrong, I think it is wonderful that those who are handicap can still get to the top of a mountain this way and see the view, but it takes the wilderness away from the experience, you no longer feel as connected to the woods and a away from civilization as you once were.

Once the shock of the road to the top dwindled I decided to still enjoy myself and enjoy the views and fun time I’d have with my friends. So my memory is a bit hazy on the exact details of the trip, but I believe we ended up camping somewhere near where the green circle is on the above map. I’m getting ahead of myself though! The trip began when my friend (Cat) came to our family house out in Groton, MA. From there my mother drove us to Mt. Wachusett where Cat and I switched cars and began our road trip with another close friend (Max) from University.

After claiming a campsite and setting up our tents we headed off on our hike to the summit. On our way up we came across this little shack in the photo above. We didn’t go over to it and I’m still not entirely sure what it’s used for. We continued our hike and at one point popped out on to the road up the mountain before going back in to the woods on the trail up to the top. It’s still strange coming across a road on a hike, especially if it’s paved. Once we reached the top we explored all over. We hung out a bit in the Bascorn Lodge, as you can see by the photo below.

The summit of Mount Greylock is filled with interesting things to see such as buildings, maps, interpretive signs, a veteran monument, and of course the almost 360 degree views. We spent quite awhile exploring the summit, taking photos on the monument, watching max kill it at summit posing, eating lunch near the edge, and watching the sunset.

The trip was just the pick me up I needed! Back at school I had gotten to know so many people and felt like I was part of a large family of people who liked spending time with me. When I got back home it was just my parents around all day every day. I don’t mind their company, but it does get lonely very quick. These two though are of the most interesting, sweet, genuine, and absolutely hilarious individuals that I’ve met.

The sunset wasn’t the most colorful I’ve seen but definitely worth the extra hours we stayed up on the summit. After watching the sun go down over the horizon we made our way back down the mountain to our campsite. Once again, I am not entirely sure of the details or the timeline exactly, but I believe the next morning we packed up our gear and made the drive back to Groton, MA.

The trip was short but definitely an adventure I won’t soon forget. Cat and I have stayed in touch over the years because we graduated the same year with the same degree and stayed friends throughout our college career. Max and I haven’t stayed as in touch, or really at all. He left UMaine part way through and we didn’t really have a connection outside of school, however we spoke briefly before I published this post and he seems to be doing well! To both of you though, if there are any details I completely got wrong or missed, message me and I’ll change or add them!

Weekly Question: How do YOU feel about roads up mountains? Any stories or experiences you’d like to share?

Thank you all for reading this weeks post about the Mount Greylock camping trip adventure that Cat, Max, and I went on several years back! Next week I’ll be discussing my adventure that I just got back from at 2am in the morning this past Sunday night/early morning. Since it’s still fresh in my mind, be prepared for a 2 or even maybe 3 part post on the adventure. See you all next week! Stay safe.

Mahalo and Kia Ora!