Mt. Greylock North Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

15.1
PDI
9 mi
DISTANCE
2,777 ft
GAINED
5.7 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Drew Peterson, MA, USA; Fran Armentano, North Granby, CT.

INTRO

This is the highest road and hardest bike climb in Massachusetts.  This bike climb is also one of the greatest iconic cycling finishes in the US. Towards the top of the climb and at the top there are exceptional views to the west towards the New York border and Adams to the east and far below. 
“The northern approach to Mount Greylock is very likely the most difficult climb in Massachusetts...The hill is solid immediately as you pull away from State Street. Soon bear right on Reservoir Road and find continued double digit grade. This section quickly becomes quite variable with shallow riding interspersed with double digit ramps..." (This quote is provided with approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in the Northeast, pg. 72.)
This climb strikes at the outset with the steepest quarter-mile at 12.2% beginning about 300 yards up from the start.  The steepest mile begins at mile 1.9 and is also double digits at 10.2%.  17% of the climb is at or above 10%. 

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.
Roadway:  As of 2020, the roadway was in fairly good condition. 

Traffic:  Traffic is light to moderate depending on day, season, and time of day - traffic is not a problem on this climb. 

Parking:  We park just up from the start of the climb in an open area on the right - but do not block the gates (Map;  Street View).  There are also a couple, but not many, small spots along the first half-mile of the climb to park at or park in North Adams and ride a short distance to the climb - Google Parking Map
It can be foggy and cold at the top of the climb so be sure to check the PJAMM Weather Tool for conditions at the top around the time you expect to finish and pack accordingly. 
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
The two times we have cycled Greylock we have stayed in Williamstown at the Williamstown Motel, which has great ownership and is a nice and reasonable place to stay.  House and cottage rentals are also available in the area. 

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Challenging
4
Road
4.7
Traffic
4.7
Scenery

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Northeast Fall Colors
United States (MA,ME,NH,NY,VT)
24 ROUTES
37 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
98
mi
DISTANCE
35,116
ft
ELEV. GAIN

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Feb 26, 2024
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 3
Feb 26, 2024
scenery: 5
traffic: 4
road: 3
Tackling Mt. Greylock from the north is much harder than from the south. The south has a steep start, but the rest isn't too bad and that includes a flat, slightly downhill part in the middle. The entire climb from the north side gives you no time to relax.
Aug 6, 2023
difficulty: Moderate
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 4
Aug 6, 2023
scenery: 5
traffic: 5
road: 4
Cool
Jun 9, 2021
difficulty: Strenuous
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 5
Jun 9, 2021
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 5
In September 2020 I made goal of traveling to MA and conquer the north side of this climb. Switched gears from a 25 to a 30 and lost over 30 lbs in my return on June 6, 2021. Started at nearby Big Y onto the Mohawk Trail for about a mile then a left turn onto Notch Road. Western Mass was experiencing a heatwave with surface temps into the 90's. At the summit it was in the 70's. The ride down was equally fun.
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - bike parked in front of Mount Greylock State Reservation sign 

Cycling Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.

Ride nine miles gaining 2,772’’ at 5.7% average grade.

Mt. Greylock is a fun, scenic and fairly challenging bike climb in the Mount Greylock State Reservation, Massachusetts.  The climb has some sections that hit 15%, the steepest quarter mile is 12.2%, and one mile averages 10.2%

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, signs for Mount Greylock, Mt. Greylock Veterans War Memorial Tower

The climb is through Mount Greylock State Reservation.

The Appalachian Trail crosses Mt. Greylock.

We finish our climb at the spectacular Mount Greylock Veterans War Memorial Tower.

“The northern approach to Mount Greylock is very likely the most difficult climb in Massachusetts...The hill is solid immediately as you pull away from State Street.  Soon bear right on Reservoir Road and find continued double digit grade.  This section quickly becomes quite variable with shallow riding interspersed with double digit ramps.  At mile 2.3 turn left to continue as you enter the Mount Greylock State Reservation.  The route heads into deep woods here and the road narrows and begins to twist up the hill.

The next several miles are solid overall and through multiple S bends that carry you higher up the mountain.  Beyond this quite solid slope the grade eases a bit but the route remains tight and twisty.  A nice view appears briefly to your right as you approach the junction.  At that junction, turn left to continue over mild grade and with nice views to your right.  Near the very top the road splits and the listed climb ends very near the top of the mountain at the top of the circle.  The descent of the north side of Mount Greylock is a challenging one in places…” (This quote provided with approval of John Summerson, from his book, “The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in the Northeast, pg. 72.)

Climb summary by PJAMM’s John Johnson.

Before heading out on your Mt. Greylock cycling adventure, be sure to rely on our list of Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip, and use our interactive checklist to ensure you don't forget anything.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - bike parked in foliage on roadside next to sign for Mt. Greylock, Scenic Byways; PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Climb is on MA Scenic Byway

Climb summary by PJAMM Cycling contributor Drew Peterson:

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts - views of steep, one-lane roadway, shrouded in brightly colored New England Fall Foliage; PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Climb begins at the western edge of North Adams

by riding south up Reservoir Road where the road pitches UP!

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, views of one-lane roadway shrouded in brightly colored fall foliage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

First half of the climb.

Mt. Greylock is an example of quintessential New England climbing -- climbs rarely ascend more than a couple thousand feet, but roads were also cut in the days before graded roads, so paving crews made do with what mother nature gave them and the results are at times brutally steep. Starting from downtown North Adams you'll climb about 2,800 feet at an average of 6%, but there are long stretches north of 10%, and short pitches well into the upper teens. Notch Road is closed to traffic from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but can be ridden year round as long as it's snow free (though particularly in the spring you'll need to watch for debris on the road before it's opened).

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - bike parked on guardrail next to sign for Mt. Greylock Scenic Byway, one-lane narrow road surrounded by lush greenery

Enter the State Reservation at about 2.5 miles.

6.7 miles at 6.1% from here.

When the road is open there's a visitor center selling food and beer/wine, and with a water faucet on the back right to fill water bottles if this ascent is part of a multiple-summit ride (this faucet is unfortunately shut off when the road is closed). This is a popular tourist destination, so exercise caution on weekends and holidays, but mid-week it's usually quiet.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, route map and gradient, fall foliage lining roadways, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Middle section of the climb.

The most popular route up the mountain (and the route of an annual time trial held in September) begins in Heritage State Park in downtown North Adams (where there's ample parking), running up Reservoir Road to Notch Road and the state park. While the pavement on Reservoir Road is in places a little rough, Notch road is immaculately maintained -- in spring of 2019 I spotted a pair of frost heaves on the downhill side that would require a little attention but that was it. The pavement is unbroken, smooth, and rolls fast.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage showing ample signage throughout climb, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

You’ll have a hard time getting lost. 👍

The climbing is front-loaded -- the first pitch on Reservoir Road is in the mid-teens, and while you get about a mile's recovery after that, it picks right back up on Notch Road and the next two or so miles are a pretty steady 8-10% with steeper switchbacks.There's a brief respite at the second hiker crossing around the 4.5 mile point, and then when you hit a scenic overlook around the 6 mile mark (offering a view of the summit) the climb eases up a bit before the final 3/4 mile pitch to the summit after Notch Road merges with Rockwell Road coming up from Lanesboro.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - sign and views at an unnamed viewpoint about 6 miles into the Mt. Greylock bike climb, views include expansive views of fall foliage in the hills, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Unnamed viewpoint at mile 6.1

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - Adams Overlook

Adams Overlook at mile 8.4 (6/10’s of a mile from the top).

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, Mt. Greylock Veterans Memorial tower, road sign reading "Welcome to Massachusetts", and bike parked against sign saying "Welcome! Mt. Greylock Summit Elevation: 3,491'"

Highest point in all of Massachusetts.

The payoff? Sweeping views of Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York from the open summit (explore the wooded paths to find boulders inscribed with Thoreau quotes), and a rollercoaster of a descent. When the road is closed and conditions are good, if you don't mind throwing your bike around a little in the corners you can pick up some serious speed bombing back down into North Adams.

MT. GREYLOCK SUMMIT

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - PJAMM Cyclists stand with bikes in front of the Veteran's Memorial Tower

The Veterans World War I Memorial Tower was approved by the Massachusetts state legislature in 1930 and built 1931-1932 with an operating beacon that could be seen for 70 miles.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, bikes leaning against railing overlooking views from summit, bikes in front of Veterans Memorial Tower, and plaque at top of climb, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - bike in front of Veterans Memorial Tower

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - markers for the Appalachian Trail atop Mt. Greylock

The Appalachian Trail crosses the top of Mt. Greylock.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - topographical model of area atop Mt. Greylock, informative inscription and plaques

There is a topographical model of the area at the top with informative inscription and plaques.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - informational signs at the Mt. Greylock Veterans Memorial

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - informative plaques displayed at the Mt. Greylock Veterans Memorial

The Memorial Tower also has informative plaques displayed on it.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, Bascom Lodge at climb's summit, cyclists standing in front of Lodge, informational plaque and sign, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner

Bascom Lodge at the summit

MT. GREYLOCK FROM THE AIR

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - aerial drone view of Mt. Greylock during fall, bright New England Fall Foliage, Appalachian Trail in middle and Rockwell Road on right

Appalachian Trail middle, Rockwell Road right.

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts - aerial drone view of Veterans Memorial Tower at climb's summit

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - aerial drone views of Veterans Memorial Tower atop climb's summit, fall foliage

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - aerial drone view of Veterans Memorial Tower, fall foliage

Appalachian Trail appears in the second half of the clip.

MT. GREYLOCK SOUTH

Cycling Mt. Greylock, Massachusetts  - photo collage, Mt. Greylock South climb during fall

Ride 8.9 miles gaining 2,279’ at 4.5% average grade.

The climb from the Lanesboro side is worth doing too.  This climb is about a mile longer but starts from a higher elevation so it comes in at a more gentle ~4% from Route 7. There's parking at the Visitor Center at the base of Rockwell Road, though the steepest pitch of the climb is the road up to the visitor center, so you'll want to backtrack to the highway and ride back up for the full effect.  The first two miles and the last three miles of the climb from the visitor center are easily the steepest (around 7-8%), but there's about a two mile flat section in between. Remember when you merge with Notch Road and the North Adams ascent that any rider you see at this intersection is coming off a sustained flat section whereas you're not, as it's a little demoralizing otherwise seeing riders ripping around the corner as you grind your way up to the intersection.