ADAMS, Mass. — The town, in conjunction with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, will begin construction on Phase 1 of the Greylock Glen trail system this spring.

 

As the nicer weather returns, DCR will commence construction of the 2-mile, Class 1 "Glen Meadow Loop" trail in the center of the glen development area.

 

"I’m ecstatic," Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco said. "If I could do backflips I'd be doing them right now ... the credit goes to  [Director of Community Development] Donna Cesan. Her decade-plus worth of work is finally making this project a reality."

 

The trail is expected to be 8-10 feet wide crushed stone surface — the class 1 trails will be optimal walking, hiking, and biking, cross country skiing and even carriage and sleigh rides.

 

Eventually, work will continue to a 30-mile improved trail system for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and skiing.

 

The state is investing some $3 million in the slightly modified trail system approved by the Conservation Commission last year. The original proposal was unvieled in 2009.

 

Cesan said in a press release that Phase 1 of this project will be the first part of the $50 million Greylock Glen resort project.

 

"Getting a jump start on construction of the trails system will not only be a boon for public enjoyment but help the Town attract private developer partners for the other components of the Glen resort development," Cesan said. 

 

Half of the trails will be built over existing trails and the other half will be new construction in fields or woodlands.

 

There will be multiple trails of different difficulties for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing and snowmobile connections. 

 

"We are incredibly excited to begin on-the- ground trail construction at Greylock Glen as a part of this model for environmental conservation, active recreation, and economic development," DCR Commissioner Leo P. Roy said in a press release.

 

The glen project has been designed as an environmentally sustainable ecotourism destination that will include a lodge and conference center, a campground, an outdoor recreation center and environmental education facility, a performing arts amphitheater, an environmental art garden and dozens of miles of multi-use trails.

 

The glen site in total is 1,063 acres and approximately 95 percent of that is permanently protected. Fewer than 50 acres will be developed, with the town as the lead developer.