North America – USA – Massachusetts

Site Information

Greylock is a state park and the highest point in Massachusetts. It is one of the few places in the northeastern United States where the public can see hang gliding up close. It is located in Adams, Massachusetts.

There are two launch sites and two landing areas for hang gliding and paragliding at Greylock:

• Hang gliding launch: A short flat slope located just off the mowed grass area on the southeast side of the mountain. The launch coordinates are 42°38’12.3″N 73°09’54.9″W or 42.636757, -73.16525. The launch elevation is 3480ft MSL.
• Paragliding launch: A slight slope to cliff located about 400 yards north of the hang gliding launch. The launch coordinates are 42°42’00.9″N 73°03’53.4″W or 42.700238, -73.064830. The launch elevation is 2170ft MSL.
• Amy’s Field: The primary landing area for both hang gliding and paragliding, located behind the McCann trade schoo. The landing coordinates are 42°39’35.4″N 73°06’08.3″W or 42.659842, -73.102316. The vertical distance from the hang gliding launch is 2760ft or 6.8/1 glide ratio. The vertical distance from the paragliding launch is 1400ft or 13:1 glide ratio.
• Greylock Glen: An alternative landing area for paragliding only, located directly below the paragliding launch. The landing coordinates are 42°37’41.6″N 73°08’20.0″W or 42.628215, -73.138899. The vertical distance from the paragliding launch is 2300ft or 3.4/1 glide ratio.

Flying Conditions and Restrictions

The flying conditions at Greylock are generally good year-round, but depend on the wind direction and speed. The best wind direction for both hang gliding and paragliding is east, but northeast to southeast winds are also possible. The hang gliding launch requires a minimum of 10 mph of wind, while the paragliding launch requires a minimum of 8 mph of wind. The maximum wind speed for both launches is 25 mph.

The restrictions at Greylock are as follows:

• The rating for hang gliding is advanced, and the rating for paragliding is advanced or intermediate with exceptional ground handling skills. HG and PG intermediates may fly under direct supervision of a qualified USHPA observer, examiner, or advanced instructor.
• Pilots must sign in at the parking hut each flying day and sign a permit/waiver once per calendar year.
• No top landings are allowed on the mountain.
• No commercial tandem flights are allowed.
• Launch and landing areas are on state or city property, so no camping, fires, littering, or tree/bush cutting are allowed.

Best Times to Fly and Visit

The best times to fly at Greylock are late spring, summer, and early fall, when the weather is mild and the views are spectacular. The park is closed from late October to mid-May due to snow. The site is open from dawn to dusk.

More Information

For more information about hang gliding and paragliding in Massachusetts, you can visit the following websites or contact the following people:

• Massachusetts Hang Gliding Association (MHGA): A local club that represents and educates pilots and the public about the sport of hang gliding and paragliding in western Massachusetts. The website has descriptions and info for various flying sites in the region, as well as news and events. The state liaison for Greylock is Gary Trudeau, who can be reached at (413) 822-4860.
• Hang Glide New England: A company that offers tandem hang gliding flights near Boston, Hartford, and Providence. The website has information about prices, booking, location, and FAQs. The phone number is (603) 690-5200.
• FlightNotch: A website that provides reviews and guides for hang gliding locations around the world. The website has a post about the best hang gliding locations in Massachusetts, including Mount Greylock.