Thunderbolt Ski Trail

The Thunderbolt Ski Trail on Mount Greylock's eastern slope is one of New England's most storied historic ski runs. Cut in 1934 by the Williams Outing Club and the Civilian Conservation Corps, it was among the premier downhill racing venues in the Northeast during the 1930s and 1940s, hosting the prestigious Eastern Amateur Ski Association championships multiple times. Today hikers and trail runners ascend a steep, unrelenting pitch that drops roughly 1,600 feet over just 1.4 miles—a gradient that once terrified Olympic hopefuls. The wide, grassy corridor cuts a dramatic swath through dense northern hardwood forest, offering expansive sky views and a clear line of sight up and down the mountain. In summer, the open slope bursts with goldenrod and aster wildflowers. The footing is firm when dry but slick after rain, and the pitch demands careful footing on the descent. Starting from the trailhead on Gould Road in Adams, the trail passes interpretive signage explaining the Thunderbolt's racing history before the real climbing begins. This route is a genuine challenge and rewards those who push to the top with a connection to Greylock's athletic heritage and stunning views east toward the Hoosac Range.