Western Summit Overlook

A paved pull-off on Route 2 sits just above the Hairpin Turn, and the sequencing matters for riders coming from the west: the overlook comes first, giving you a chance to park, cut the engine, and actually take in what you came to see. The view opens wide to the west — North Adams below, Williamstown beyond it, the Taconic Crest in the distance, and Mount Greylock, Massachusetts's highest peak, standing out clearly across the valley. Native Americans called this high point Spirit Mountain, and the west-facing orientation means the light is best in the late afternoon when the sun drops toward the Taconic ridge.

The pull-off has two lots — an upper gravel area and a lower paved lot — along with picnic tables right at the vista. The overlook also marks the trailhead for the Mahican-Mohawk Trail, so it gets foot traffic alongside the car and bike crowd. Route 2 through here is the Mohawk Trail corridor, a road with a long history as a scenic highway, and the summit stop functions as a genuine pause point before the descent. Riders heading east should note that the Hairpin Turn below carries a posted 15-mph limit and warrants full attention on the way down.