Mt Greylock

Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, is a state-park mountain flying site with a paved road, parking lot ($2 fee) and a public lodge with bathrooms, food and souvenirs at the top. USHPA rates the site H4/P4 — H3/P3 pilots may fly it only with a USHPA advanced observer, examiner or advanced instructor present every time. The park opens in mid-May and closes late October. The 1,053 m launch works on northeast through south flow. The main LZ is not visible from launch (another mountain blocks the view) and is roughly 3,000 feet lower, four miles northeast just off Route 8 at 'The Range' — a golf driving range with mini-golf and batting cages. A bailout LZ sits about 2,000 feet below launch on a 2:1 glide, surrounded by tall trees and power lines — hang-gliders may need the full field length. Non-flying park visitors and a ranger presence mean respect and awareness are part of the site protocol.

Launch & conditions

The site requires an H4/P4 rating for solo flight, or H3/P3 with a USHPA advanced observer, examiner or instructor present at every launch. This is not a walk-up: the paved road with parking makes access easy, but the level of the flying — and the complexity of the LZ approach — is what limits the site to advanced pilots. Non-flying visitors are common on top; keep launches clear and courteous.

Getting there & local rules

Greylock is a 3,491 ft AGL summit in Adams, Massachusetts, with a paved access road to the top and a $2 parking fee at the summit lot. The main LZ is 3,000 feet lower, four miles northeast, just off Route 8 at 'The Range'. Before landing, still about 500 feet above the LZ, yell down to alert people on the ground. The bailout field has tall trees and power lines around it — set up your approach with obstacles in mind. Park opens mid-May, closes late October — outside those dates the road may be gated.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Mt Greylock, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Mt Greylock with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.