ADAMS, Mass. — The Thunderbolt Ski Runners opened new beginner-friendly recreational trails at the Greylock Glen.

 

The Thunderbolt Ski Runners announced Monday that they have completed two to three miles of new trails on Mount Greylock using a $50,000 MassTrails grant.

 

In all, the new trails include 1-mile connecting to the Gould Trailhead parking lot on West Mountain Road, and over a mile of resurfaced trail across the street from the Gould Trailhead. However, the new flow trail at Hemlock Brook Hollow is still under construction.

 

"Many of the existing trails in the Glen were built from old logging trails and can be too technical or difficult for beginners," Trails Coordinator for DCR, Becky Barnes said. "We're excited to add this new trail because it'll allow kids and beginners to build skills and confidence biking." 

 

With this addition, the Greylock Glen will now feature a total of 19 miles on 27 trails encompassing all ability levels.

 

These are the first machine-built trails in Berkshire County.

 

Barnes and DCR worked closely with the Thunderbolt Ski Runners volunteers to improve and expand the existing trail network through this project.

 

"A lot of places have mountain bike trails, but not a lot of places can boast that they have professionally built machine groomed flow trails. These new trails will be a game changer," Joshua Moran, president of the Thunderbolt Ski Runners said. 

 

The new trails were designed and are being built by Pinnacle Trail Design, a trail building company out of Chatham, N.Y.

 

Thunderbolt Ski Runners members have committed to matching the $50,000 grant with an in-kind donation of 450 volunteer hours though maintenance of the existing mountain bike trail system as well as assisting with the new trail construction. 

 

Please visit, https://thunderboltskirunners.org/the-club/become-a-member/, for more information on how to get involved with Thunderbolt Ski Runners.