Albany, NY: Mount Greylock via Stony Ledge

This 9-miler parallels a stream and passes a ski area nestled into the Taconic Range before tackling a 1,200-foot climb up to Stony Ledge (good views of the day’s summit await). From here, the climb continues east on Hopper Trail to Mount Greylock (3,491 ft.), the highest point in Massachusetts. The peak offers big views to the neighboring Berkshires, and another state highpoint checked off your lifelist. Backtrack to the trailhead, or take an alternate loop down on the Overlook Trail.
-Mapped by Trung Q. Le

Trail Facts

• Distance: 7.2

Waypoints

MGS001

Location: 42.6376609802246, -73.2194976806641

Park at the turnout near the end of Roaring Brook Road and walk parallel to Roaring Brook down a path towards the trailhead.

MGS002

Location: 42.637321472168, -73.2187728881836

Cross a small footbridge over Roaring Brook. From here, the trail criss-crosses the stream en route to the next major trail intersection.

MGS003

Location: 42.6348991394043, -73.2137985229492

Cross another small footbridge over Roaring Brook; depending on the season, a local ski area may be visible to the south.

MGS004

Location: 42.6352310180664, -73.2127532958984

Cross another small footbridge over Roaring Brook.

MGS005

Location: 42.6352005004883, -73.2122268676758

Continue straight (bearing left @ the Y-junction) on Stony Ledge Trail. The Roaring Brook Trail continues to the right, offering an alternative approach to Greylock that circumvents this route’s 1.5-mile, 1,200-foot ascent to the top of Stony Ledge.

MGS006

Location: 42.6452484130859, -73.1949996948242

Continue straight @ 3-way junction on the Stony Ledge Trail. The Haley Farm Trail shoots off to the north.

MGS007

Location: 42.6442985534668, -73.1938018798828

Stoney Ledge overlook: Look East to see Mt. Greylock’s Orb Tower. From here, go to descend along Sperry Road, a wide dirt road. There are several campsites alongside the road.

MGS008

Location: 42.6337509155273, -73.1888809204102

Continue straight on Sperry Road. The Hopper Trail shoots off north.

MGS009

Location: 42.6328811645508, -73.1880798339844

Continue straight on Sperry Road. To the right, Roaring Brook Trail rejoins this route, and to the left the Hopper Trail continues south after a brief strech on Sperry.

MGS010

Location: 42.6321296691894, -73.1872634887695

Continue straight on Sperry Road. The March Cataract Falls trail shoots off to the left.

MGS011

Location: 42.6309013366699, -73.1871795654297

From here, numerous trails intersect in several different directions. Continue on Sperry Road and look for Hopper Trail signs on the left. Turn left on Hopper to leave Sperry Road behind and continue east on a gentle uphill grade.

MGS012

Location: 42.6339683532715, -73.1768188476562

Go right @ 3-way junction to continue on the Hopper Trail.

MGS013

Location: 42.6329002380371, -73.1768188476562

Turn left to continue on the Hopper Trail.

MGS014

Location: 42.6329498291016, -73.1743011474609

Go left @ 3-way junction, continuing on the Hopper Trail. The Cheshire Harbor Trail shoots off to the southeast.

MGS015

Location: 42.6339492797852, -73.1717300415039

Continue on the Hopper Trail, passing a small pond with a shelter on the eastern end.

MGS016

Location: 42.6340713500977, -73.1706466674805

Cross the road and continue straight on the trail.

MGS017

Location: 42.6372489929199, -73.1658325195312

Mount Greylock summit (3,491 ft.). Continue back down the way you came or take the Overlook Trail and rejoin the route at Waypoint 12.