Overview
Adams is a small town in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts. It features the summit of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 ft (1064 m), which is on the Appalachian Trail.
6 sights · 5 things to do · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Adams
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace
Mount Greylock State Reservation
West Mountain Rd. to Cheshire Harbor Trail (for hike). Run by the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources, this 12,500 acre (50.6 km²) area features the state's only sub-alpine forest and includes the highest point…
Quaker Meeting House
Maple Street. Memorial Day to Labor Day 1PM-4PM. Large wood frame building built in 1782 by early settlers.
Victorian architecture homes
Summer Street. A National Register Historic District.
Headquarters/visitor center
In Lanesborough. Memorial Day to Labor Day: from 9AM-9PM; Labor Day to Columbus Day: 9AM-7PM; Winter hours, Columbus Day to Memorial Day: 9AM-4PM. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Has park trail maps an…
Visitor center/Western Gateway Heritage State Park
Has park trail maps and orientation, regional tourist information. Exhibits focus on the histories of North Adams and the Hoosac Tunnel and local railroading.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 16°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby Albany)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ALB Albany International Airport, Albany — 36 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BDL Bradley International Airport, Hartford — 52 mi away (major hub). Directions
Adams is on State Route 8. State Route 8 can be accessed from Dalton Avenue in northeast Pittsfield, from which you need to drive north to reach Adams.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Quaker Meeting House, Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
- Lunch Chee's Chinese
- Afternoon Mount Greylock State Reservation, Fall Run Weekend and Motorcycle Ride
Day 2
- Morning Susan B. Anthony Birthplace, Headquarters/visitor center
- Afternoon Susan B. Anthony, Mount Greylock Ramble
Day 3
- Morning Victorian architecture homes, Visitor center/Western Gateway Heritage State Park
- Afternoon Adams Agricultural Fair
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
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Photos
Map
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Get in
Adams is on State Route 8. State Route 8 can be accessed from Dalton Avenue in northeast Pittsfield, from which you need to drive north to reach Adams.
Get around
The downtown area is small, but if you are anywhere outside that immediate area, it is best to have at least a bicycle to get around. Route 8 is not pleasant to walk on, while the cars speed past you.
Most non-hikers will probably prefer to drive to the summit of Mt. Greylock, though it is also possible to cycle up the winding roads.
See
See Mount Greylock State Reservation
West Mountain Rd. to Cheshire Harbor Trail (for hike). Run by the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources, this 12,500 acre (50.6 km²) area features the state's only sub-alpine forest and includes the highest point in Massachusetts. About 70 miles (110 km) of trails traverse the mountain, including the Appalachian Trail. Five lean-to shelters are available for backpacking. The summit features Bascom Lodge which was built from local materials in the late 1930s and offers lodging and good hot food. Also at the summit is Veterans War Memorial Tower, a 93-ft-tall (28 m) Quincy granite tower with possible 90-mile views. Make sure to bring warm clothing even in the summer; it can be quite windy at the summit.
See Headquarters/visitor center
In Lanesborough. Memorial Day to Labor Day: from 9AM-9PM; Labor Day to Columbus Day: 9AM-7PM; Winter hours, Columbus Day to Memorial Day: 9AM-4PM. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Has park trail maps and orientation, regional tourist information. Exhibits focus on the natural and cultural history of the park.
See Visitor center/Western Gateway Heritage State Park
Has park trail maps and orientation, regional tourist information. Exhibits focus on the histories of North Adams and the Hoosac Tunnel and local railroading.
Do
Do Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
A 10-foot-wide, 11-mile paved rail trail path. The Ashuwillticook (ash-oo-will-ti-cook) Rail Trail runs parallel to Route 8 through the towns of Cheshire, Lanesborough and Adams. The southern end of the trail begins at the entrance to the Berkshire Mall off Route 8 in Lanesborough. The northern end is at Adams center. The trail passes Cheshire Reservoir, the Hoosic River, and several wetland habitats with abundant wildlife. Parking lots and restrooms are available along the way. A pamphlet with maps is widely available.
Events
The Western Mass Athletic Club runs numerous road, trail and snowshoe races along Adams streets and at the Greylock Glen area at the foot of Mount Greylock.
Do Fall Run Weekend and Motorcycle Ride
Benefiting Shriners Children's Hospital in Springfield, in September.
Do Mount Greylock Ramble
On Columbus Day. Crowds of hikers come to mark the end of the season for driving to the summit. Massachusetts Veterans Memorial tower and Bascom Lodge at the summit also close at this time.
Buy
Shop Berkshire Outfitters
Aside from selling an excellent selection of outdoor supplies, they also rent bicycles, $25/3 hours and $35 for the whole day. The bicycles are in excellent condition, and the personnel are very nice and happy to adjust the bikes and let you try them out for a few minutes in the parking lot without starting the clock, before you ride them off the premises, such as on the nearby rail trail. If you miss your turnoff, they are happy to provide directions when you call. There are also two friendly store dogs.
Eat
Sleep
Go next
Nearby
Cheshire
City / town · 37 listings · 5 mi away
North Adams
City / town · 12 listings · 5 mi away
Florida
City / town · 4 listings · 6 mi away
New Ashford
City / town · 11 listings · 6 mi away
Williamstown
City / town · 40 listings · 7 mi away
Lanesborough
City / town · 30 listings · 9 mi away
Dalton
City / town · 51 listings · 11 mi away
Hancock
City / town · 25 listings · 12 mi away
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