History of
Mount Greylock and the Mount Greylock Reservation
When I first traveled to Mount Greylock, I did not realize that State
Reservation meant State Park. I was looking for a casino. Well,
you won't find any casinos on the Mount Greylock Reservation. The
following history is taken from the
Mohawk Trail
web site.
The 3,491-foot peak, accessible by car, is the highest peak in Massachusetts,
and offers visitors views of up to 100 miles. The 92-foot high War Veteran's
Memorial Tower, built in 1932 and restored in 1975, is open daily during the
summer and fall. The scenic overlook and Bascom Lodge at the summit are
wheelchair-accessible. The Appalachian Mountain Club runs Bascom Lodge, which
was built by Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. The lodge provides
accommodations for 32 people from mid-May through mid-October. [Call (413)
743-1591 for information and reservations.]
The Visitors Center on the Lanesborough side of the mountain,
off Route 7 and Rockwell Road, provides exhibits and information on the park
and surrounding area, and is wheelchair accessible.
Park History
In the early 19th century, local people referred to Mount Greylock as
Saddleback Mountain for the way its outline appeared when viewed from the
south. The origin of the name Greylock is uncertain. It may have been named
for the gray, frosty clouds that surround the peak during the winter. Another
tradition has it that the mountain was named after Gray-lock, believed to be
the leader of the Waranoak Indians, who inhabited the Connecticut Valley
region. Another mountain in the reservation has since been given the name
Saddle Ball.
By the 1800's loggers had stripped timber from the entire
east face of the mountain, resulting in serious erosion. In 1885, local
residents formed the private Greylock Park Association to purchase 400 acres
around the summit for public recreation. The venture failed to turn a profit
and in 1898, the property was given to the Commonwealth. The gift carried the
stipulation that the state acquire additional land to [protect Mount Greylock
and adjacent parks.
Today the park covers more than 11,000 acres. DEM foresters
use forest management techniques such as cutting, thinning and pruning to
provide a continuing supply of wood products, and to enhance and protect plant
and wildlife habitats.
Natural History
Mount Greylock State Reservation includes Mount Prospect, Mount Fitch, Mount
Williams and Saddle Ball Mountain as well as Mount Greylock. Hardwoods such as
red oak, beech, birch, hemlock and maple, and conifers including red spruce
and balsam fir grow here.
A variety of birds are found near and around the reservation, including
thrushes, grouse, owls, turkeys and ravens. Hawks can be seen riding the air
currents. Large mammals such as deer, bear and bobcats inhabit the area, as do
smaller animals such as porcupines, raccoons, snowshoe hare, woodchucks, and
red and gray squirrels.
The Hopper natural area is a unique geological formation
shaped by Mount Greylock, Mount Williams, Mount Prospect and Stoney Ledge, and
contains an old-growth forest where trees are more than 150 years old. The
society of American Foresters has recognized The Hopper as a natural area
since 1978. It is protected under DEM's Massachusetts Wildlands Program, and
the National Park Service has designated it as a National Natural Landmark.
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