The Steepest Highway in Massachusetts Is a Terrifyingly Treacherous Path

Navigating steep grades can be a white-knuckle experience, even for the most intrepid drivers and cyclists. Steep roads, whether ascending or descending, demand careful control and attention. Drivers and cyclists should be prepared for sharp turns, sudden changes in elevation, and the potential for reduced visibility. Mount Greylock Road near Lanesborough, Massachusetts is no exception. Whether behind the wheel or pedaling, respecting the road’s demanding topography is essential to ensure a safe journey along the steepest highway in Massachusetts. Continue reading to learn more about this terrifyingly treacherous path.

The Steepest Highway in Massachusetts: Mount Greylock Road

Mount Greylock Road, in the Northwestern part of the state, is the highest paved road in Massachusetts. With grades of 10 to 12% Mount Greylock Road is also the steepest. Mount Greylock is located in the Berkshire Mountains. Mount Greylock Road is the primary access route to Mount Greylock, which is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet (1064 m). The road provides access to the summit of Mount Greylock and is a popular destination for cyclists. The road to Mount Greylock starts in Lanesborough and winds its way up the mountain.

Mount Greylock Road is a scenic drive that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is a popular destination for leaf peepers during the fall foliage season. The road provides access to the summit of Mount Greylock, where visitors will discover the War Memorial Tower. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for taking photographs.

In addition to the road, there are several hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount Greylock. The Appalachian Trail passes through this area, and hikers often use it to reach the summit. Mount Greylock Road is open seasonally, from late spring to early fall. However, the exact dates of opening and closing vary depending on weather conditions. Popular activities on and around Mount Greylock include camping, bird watching, and stargazing.

Highway Grading

You can determine the steepness of a road by taking the percentage of vertical rise divided by the horizontal distance. Generally:

• Mild Slope, 0% to 5%: These are gentle slopes and are typically easy to walk, cycle, or drive on.
• Moderate Slope, 5% to 10%: These slopes are noticeable but still manageable for most vehicles and pedestrians.
• Steep Slope, 10% to 15%: Slopes in this range can be challenging, especially for vehicles, and may require careful driving or road design considerations.
• Very Steep Slope, 15% to 20%: Roads with grades in this range are quite steep and may be difficult to navigate for some vehicles. Special engineering and safety precautions are often necessary.
• Extremely Steep Slope, Over 20%: These are extremely steep and can be very challenging, often requiring specific measures such as switchbacks, retaining walls, or other engineering solutions.

Mount Greylock Road contains a nine-mile stretch of road with 10-12 % grades, which is steep! So, navigating Mount Greylock Road would require extra caution when driving, cycling, or walking on it, depending on the specific circumstances, the type of vehicles, and the fitness levels of the pedestrians involved.

Wildlife and Fauna

Mount Greylock and its surrounding area in the Berkshire Mountains offer a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the wildlife species you might encounter while exploring the region include:
White-tail deer roam in the forests and meadows around Mount Greylock. They are one of the most abundant and easily recognizable large mammals in the area. While black bears are somewhat elusive, they do inhabit the forests around Mount Greylock. Coyotes are adaptable predators living throughout Massachusetts, and Mount Greylock has its share. Red and gray foxes are present in the region, though they are quite elusive.

The area is a haven for birdwatchers. Olive-sided flycatchers, red-breasted nuthatches, brown creepers, winter wrens, Swainson’s thrush, and golden-crowned kinglets are common at Mount Greylock. Hawks, eagles, owls, and woodpeckers may also fly through the area. The most opportune time for birding at Mount Greylock is late May through mid-July.

The forest is thick with balsam fir, mountain ash, red spruce, yellow birch, and stands of American beech, paper birch, and black cherry. These trees provide an inviting habitat for the area’s wildlife.

Mount Greylock’s meadows and wildflower-rich areas are attractive to a variety of insects and butterflies. Flowers bloom from when there is still snow on the ground until the leaves begin to fall. Trout lily, squirrel corn, and Dutchman’s breeches are among the first blooms of spring. Then wild ginger, trillum, and rue bloom in early summer. St. John’s wort, stinging nettle, and Joe Pye weed bloom in late summer. Asters, knapweed, thistle, and goldenrod are visible in the fall.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Samantha Jo/Shutterstock.com

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