We started with a Starbucks run and a quick stop at Target for some supplies just outside Albany. Soon enough, we were headed southwest. After crossing into Massachusetts, we entered the Berkshire Mountains and arrived at Mount Greylock State Reservation. At 3,491 feet in elevation, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts and southern New England. It became Massachusetts’ first wilderness state park in 1898. We stopped at the visitors center and then began the 16-mile scenic route up to the summit then down into North Adams, MA.
The leaves began mainly yellow (and green) which cast a golden light across the road. As our elevation increased, more reds and oranges began to come out. The Jones Nose Trailhead's parking area was nearly full this morning as dedicated hikers trekked into the woods. An overlook further up the road allowed for a view of the valley to the west and we were even treated to a classic car speeding along the road in front of us. Carolyn's clothing choice of the day ended up being spot-on as well, especially when she unknowingly became a model for me. Additional pull-offs and overlooks on up the mountain provided excellent leaf and valley views.
Just before reaching the summit, we hit a fog bank which reduced the normal 90-mile view down to about 100 feet. We stopped at Bascom Lodge and enjoyed a wonderful lunch as the fog continued to blow past the windows, lifting occasionally. Leaving the summit, we continued north, this time going down the mountain and we soon arrived in North Adams where their Fall Foliage Festival was being celebrated with a parade through downtown. We didn't get a chance to stop to watch, but the sounds of marching bands, cheering crowds, and laughter wafted through our open windows and sunroof!
Heading east out of North Adams, we began driving the Mohawk Trail which "opened in 1914 as one of the first auto-touring roads in the country. This 69-mile scenic byway meanders through deep forest and historic towns, and dramatic vistas, all the while criss-crossing and paralleling five major rivers." Our first vista was the Hairpin Turn which "has served as the gateway to North Adams since the trail's opening. Next up was the Elk on the Trail Monument, "designed by Eli Harvey in 1923 and commemorated to those who lost their lives in World War I." A short trek off the road led us down a mountain grade to the Deerfield River and the Hoosac Tunnel, a railroad tunnel built between 1851 and 1875. It's still active so we didn't want to get too close, but that didn't stop others. As we were leaving the area, I discovered a bridge across the river which was nice to walk across, as long as I avoided the rotted parts. It offered some great views of the river and surrounding foliage.
After turning north at Shelburne Falls, we headed towards Vermont and while Carolyn and I were talking, we missed a turn. This ended up being fortunate as our workaround took us to the Arthur A. Smith covered bridge. We turned west at Wilmington and were treated to church carillon announcing the 5 o'clock hour with a tune that bathed the downtown area with musical notes. As we continued west on Highway 9, we turned on a whim into Woodford State Park. Almost like a "meant to be" we stumbled across the Adams Reservoir which was lined with a great variety of trees changing colors, but combined with great reflections on the water below.
Just before sunset, we pulled into Bennington and we chose The Publyk House for our dinner spot. This place was hopping on a Sunday night and it took me several minutes (and lots of circling) to find a parking space. Once seated we were treated to an amazing view of the western sky as the sun set over New York state. Our food was fantastic and we were soon headed to our hotel in Rutland. The sun is forecast to be out tomorrow and we should rebound into the lower 60s. We head into New Hampshire tomorrow afternoon.
