After decades of stalled plans, ambitious proposals, and abandoned projects, Adams, Massachusetts, has finally taken a giant leap toward realizing its vision for the Greylock Glen. This past October, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, the first tangible development in the 1,063-acre parcel at the foot of Mount Greylock.
A Seventy-Year Pursuit
Adams has been chasing the promise of Greylock Glen for nearly seventy years. Earlier visions, including a tramway to the summit of Mount Greylock, never materialized. Private developers attempted to transform the area multiple times, but financial and environmental concerns repeatedly halted progress. It wasn’t until 2005 that Adams struck an agreement with the state to take the reins and steer the project toward a more sustainable and community-focused future.
Since then, the town has worked through years of planning, public meetings, and funding negotiations to shape a vision that balances recreation, conservation, and economic development.
A New Era for the Glen
The $7.3 million Outdoor Center is the first major step in bringing this long-awaited vision to life. Funded primarily by the state, with federal and local support, the center will serve as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and visitors looking to explore the area’s trails, wildlife, and scenic beauty. Though the building won’t be fully open with programming and amenities until spring, its completion marks a significant turning point for the project.
Future developments planned for Greylock Glen include:
- An amphitheater, offering a natural setting for concerts, performances, and community events.
- An outdoor educational center, with programming supported by Mass Audubon to highlight the region’s rich ecology and history.
- A trail network, expanding access for hikers, bikers, and outdoor adventurers.
- A lodge, providing overnight accommodations to enhance the Glen’s appeal as a destination.
Adding to the sustainability efforts, a solar carport project will be installed and operated by a designated solar company, designed to power the center while maintaining a low environmental footprint.
The Next Chapter
While the Outdoor Center is only the beginning, its completion signifies that Adams has finally found a path forward for Greylock Glen—one rooted in community-driven development, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation. The town has also secured agreements with Mass Audubon for educational programming and an Agawam-based catering company to provide food services, ensuring a well-rounded visitor experience.
With Director Michael Wynn and Building and Grounds Superintendent Robert Wojcik now on board, and construction on the campground expected to begin this year, the pieces are coming together to make this long-held dream a thriving reality.
For those who have watched the project evolve (or stall) over the years, the Greylock Glen is no longer just a plan on paper. It’s happening. And for the town of Adams, that’s a victory worth celebrating.