Berkshires Hiking: Mount Greylock’s Hidden Gem with Big Views and an Easy Hike - Rounds Rock Loop

While there are some hikes make you work hard for the payoff, this hike – the Rounds Rock Loop from Rockwell Road – isn’t one of them! This short and easy hike from the summit road of Mount Greylock will surprise you with wide-open views without the crowds you’ll find at the top of Mount Greylock.

Rounds Rock Trailhead

Rounds Rock Trail DescriptionThe Rounds Rock Trail climbs as you leave the road and in about two tenths of a mile you come to an unmarked trail junction, which is where the Rounds Rock Loop begins. We hiked the trail counterclockwise and after finishing it later, this would be the way we would recommend hiking the loop. The ascent is more gentle and it’s a relatively easy hike up to the height of land and vistas. From there, you’ll climb a bit more on the return and then drop more quickly back to the trail junction and then out to the car.

From the trail junction that begins the Rounds Rock Loop, the trail climbs, not a lung-buster, but a steady uphill that threads through mossy boulders and a pleasant forest. Before reaching the open blueberry patches and then vistas, the trail descends a bit to a muddy area, where you’ll find a small memorial to the pilot who was killed in a plane crash that occured at that spot.

From the plane crash memorial, the trail climbs gently again and you’ll soon come out into several relatively open blueberry patches. If you visit this area in late July and August, there should be a ton of wild blueberries to enjoy.

The trail comes to the second trail junction, this time with the Northrup Trail. You’ll stay to the left on the Rounds Rock Loop and very shortly come to the next trail junction with the side trail that descends a bit to the first view. This view is well worth visiting.

Returning to the Rounds Rock Loop you’ll continue hiking for a few tenths of a mile and then come to the next trail junction with a side trail to the second view. This view is even better than the first, with expansive views to the south.

You’ll return to the Rounds Rock Loop trail and descend a bit and pass through some swampy spruce forests. The forested height of land is the top of the “Rounds Rock” but there’s very little to see there besides forest. From there you’ll begin descending back down to the first trail junction and then follow the trail out to Rockwell Road and your car at the trailhead.Rounds Rock Loop Trip Notes

Hikes Near Rounds Rock Loop

• Mount Greylock Loop Hike
• Bash Bish Falls

For More Information on Hiking the Rounds Rock Loop

• AMC’s Berkshire Trail Maps
• AMC’s Massachusetts Trail Guide
• Hiking the Berkshires Guidebook
• On the AllTrails app

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