What You Need to Know About Bash Bish Falls. After 30 minutes of waiting in the New York lot, I drove up the road to find the Massachusetts lot with Jeff patiently waiting in it. Bash Bish Falls In the very southwest corner of the state, near the New York state line, is Bash Bish Falls, the largest waterfall in Massachusetts. Turn right onto NY 344 (one of several roads also marked as Old Rt. Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset, weather and conditions permitting. Such a beautiful hike. Our elementary age children walked the trail easily. A story about the situation that appeared in the August 27, 2020 issue of The Columbia Paper, reported that officials received complaints from Copake Falls residents because when park visitors could no longer find a parking spot in a parking lot, they parked along State Route 344 and secondary roads on property that belonged to residents. That way, morons like me who didnt read the map at the kiosk wont get lost.). Bash Bish Falls is located in Bash Bish Falls State Park. . A story headlined "'Hordes of people breaking every single rule' pack Bash Bish Falls" clocked in at number 4 on The Edge's top 25 most-read stories of 2020. Deer and Bear archery season (early bow): 10/1 to 11/20. I appreciate your help in identifying a place to stay at. Nearby, Taconic State Park in New York state offers more visitor amenities, picnicking, and camping. First with my parents and now with my family. [2], Bash Bish Falls has been a popular destination for visitors to the region since the 1800s, when a Swiss-style chalet was perched atop the falls. Another story is about a tightrope walker. Access is open all the way down to the falls. The water feeding the C Clark Art Institute Even if you're not an avid art lover, don't miss this gem, set on 140 gorgeous acres of expansive lawns, flower-filled meadows and rolling hills. No need to talk about the beauty of the falls, its just gorgeous. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Thank you for the info. Some were due to drowning, but most were due to rock climbing, rock jumping, and falls. Out is up hill and back down hill. Respect the dangers without taking risks. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Since youre hard core, youll just walk right past it. Is playing in the water allowed anywhere in the park? Last edited on 25 September 2022, at 11:12, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, List of old growth forests in Massachusetts, "Bash Bish Falls State Park, Mt. People will be allowed down to. Park police from New York State and park rangers from Massachusetts joined in an effort to increase patrols, according to the story. We will return in late spring and repeat our walk to enjoy the flora. below to park at the appropriate location for your hike. Over the weekend, Massachusetts State Police patrolled the park. Just because its a waterfall doesnt automatically make it unsafe. Sounds like a more straightforward journey now you can skip to Step 7 below, since Steps 5 and 6 are now obsolete. Hunting: Park Permit Required. The N were planning to do the hike with our 1 year old (with a hiking baby carrier). The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. Turkey, archery and shotgun: Fall season: 10/17 to 11/1 Spring season: 5/1 to 5/31. Jug End State Reservation & Wildlife Management Area. Six walk-in Tentrr sites are located in a large field with easy access to swimming areas, Copake Iron Works Historic Site and the trailhead to Bash Bish Falls. Beginning Monday, April 10, 2023, and continuing. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}42647N 732943W / 42.11306N 73.49528W / 42.11306; -73.49528, Bash Bish Falls, a waterfall in Bash Bish Falls State Park in the Taconic Mountains of southwestern Massachusetts (Berkshire County), is the highest waterfall in the state. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. 1. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. Restrooms. The fun doesn't end in wintertime. No migratory birds. I have a 3 year old and he often walks the shorter hikes or does a combo of walking and on my back. The trail was covered in ice with a layer of snow on top of it which made it a bit more difficult but it was still manageable and the falls at the end was the perfect payoff. Get directions. I was feeling a little less than hardcore (I worked the night before) so, I took the easy way from the New York parking lot, which is a pleasant walk through the woods right along the creek. For more information see firewood restrictions. From the upper parking area (on the Massachusetts side), the trail is shorter, but goes more steeply down to the falls. Someone on the trail told us that the New York trail to the falls was 3/4 mile each way but it was a much easier hike so we hiked back to our car & went just down the road to the NY parking lot. Just head uphill for a couple of minutes and youll get to the end of the trail, corralled on all sides by the guide wires. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We were only at Bash Bish falls. One visitor writing on Facebook and describing the scene as Hordes of people breaking every single rule, said he saw picnic tables, loud music, alcohol and marijuana. Ive been going here since I was a child. All cabins have electricity, lights, hot and cold running water,a kitchen with a refrigerator and stove, a dining area, a picnic table, and outdoor camp fire ring with grill. It was a half mile in & a half mile out but it was very steep. Some page levels are currently hidden. Washington, MA, they are more easily accessed from Copake Falls, NY. If you need assistance, please Learn About DCR| Mass.gov. Check your sources, there have been many deaths here over the years. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. While he was making my BMT, I asked him what was the one thing he would see in this area if he had limited time, and he quickly replied Bash Bish Falls. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Pretty amazing to see a mostly completely frozen over waterfall. The falls are beautiful, well worth this short little walk in to see them. Clean up after your pet and remove waste off site. Happy Bash Bishing, everyone! We like to consider this waterfall a NY beauty all the same. I dont think we would have found the NY trail today without it! I forgot my spikes in the car but didn't really need them. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. When you get the MA border your 2/3 of the way to the falls. The message Mr. Rickard wants visitors to get is: stay on the trails, dont go in the stream, dont bring chairs or coolers. Please adhere to the appropriate regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. No coolers. The falls are right on the MA and NY border. The falls are beautiful and well worth the walk. Sorta nearby address for your GPS: The Copake Falls Post Office is about two miles from the MA trailhead, and a mile from the NY trailhead. Too muddy around this time since we didn't have much snow and we just had rain. Thanks for being awesome! Where you park determines your hike to the falls. Although Bash Bish Falls are located in Mt. Luckily this plow truck with a mountain of man operator came by. Either way, youll be glad you paid Bash Bish Falls a visit. I dont recall of a death here ever, whereas there have been numerous deaths at Kaaterskill. The number of visitors to Bash Bish Falls is now regulated from both sides of the New York/Massachusetts border after serious issues erupted due to overcrowding. We are in the process of density reduction of Bash Bish Falls due to the pandemic and overcrowding and abuse of the natural resource. Did not see any attempt to enforce the rule. Thanks, this is very useful, as I couldnt find a trail guide at the Bash Bish Falls State Park site. Still a nice hike but something had to be done. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Advanced features of this website require that you enable JavaScript in your browser. Hooray! From Copake Falls, follow Route 344 into the hollow, passing the Iron Works Museum on the right, and then pull into the large parking area, also on the right. This is a beautiful waterfall along the NY & NE border. If you wanted to play it safe and give your three-year-old more of a chance to roam, the New York trailhead would probably be a better bet. Bring a rake, broom or shovel if you have one! Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals). Would highly recommend. No swimming or diving. The steps are blocked and will be removed because of some careless individuals, Bash Bish Falls (Mount Washington) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. There are rules that help to keep it safe and pristine for all but particularly nature. Despite repeated attempts over three days by phone and email to get answers to questions regarding the new policy and closure, the press secretary for the Massachusetts DCR did not provide any information by press deadline. Thank you for posting this. Super-cool (and somewhat wriggly) Google Earth flyover of hike route: (Also somewhat wriggly) Google Terrain Map of hike route: Related resources: If youre looking for actual facts and/or useful information, visit these resources: Want to support trails in the Hudson Valley? Photo courtesy Wikipedia The hike was nice & the falls were beautiful! However, right when her canoe tipped over the edge, a halo of butterflies appeared. Parking is free at the parking lot on Falls Road in Mount Washington, MA, limited to 24 cars. This year's projects include cleaning up our beautiful kiddy pool, spreading mulch in our playground, cleaning out flower beds around the park and sweeping off the camping platforms! It does make for make nicer picture without all the people there. New York Trails South Taconic Trail - 21.3 . I cant wait to visit the Bash Bish Falls. Please leave a comment! New! You can do the round trip in about 30 minutes from the NY trail head, but youll want to spend some time at the falls. While Massachusetts officials have placed orange and white barricades at the top of the stairway that leads down to the falls and have posted patrols there to enforce the rules, the adjoining Taconic State Park in New York is mirroring its neighbors efforts and has law enforcement personnel patrolling along the brook, Mr. Rickard said. (NEWS10) The Bash Bish Falls access point in Berkshire County is closed for the next few months. Theres a wide trail with a huge informational display and map kiosk marking the trailhead. Bash Bish Falls can be accessed from Copake in Columbia County or Massachusetts, with the actual Falls being located just over the New York border in Berkshire County. You used to be able to take the stairs down to the base of the falls and enjoy the beauty from that level. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. One story includes a 15-year-old who, several decades ago, almost fell off the Falls, but was caught by the wrists and pulled to safety. Washington, MA, they are more easily accessed from Copake Falls, NY. An additional four walk-in sites can be accessed from the parking area at the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, a paved biking and hiking trail on an abandoned portion of the New York and Harlem Railroad that extends from the Hamlet of Wassaic to Copake Falls. [10] This is a very dangerous area as rocks are slick, the gorge is deep, and pools are shallow. Deer and Bear regular season (rifle/shotgun): 11/21/20 to 12/13/20, Deer and Bear muzzle loading season: 12/14/20 to 12/22/20. I bet the Parks Service could be of assistance, though theyre right next to the falls. Use this button to show and access all levels. what trail should we take? I believe it was fairly flat from the NY trailhead to the overlook where you could see the falls. Rules exist for a reason. Washington, MA But there is also a parking area in NY off of route 22. To plan your hike refer to All Activities - Hiking below. I followed the guide wires to the right and got to see that beautiful gorge! Lower Bash Bish is closed, but for the short hike down it was worth it. It is a hike to experience Bash Bish Falls. No reptiles. Where is the handicap entrance to the falls and is there a bathroom next to the falls? Visiting Bash Bish Falls is no longer fun. Get Directions. That was still very refreshing on a hot June day. How long does this hike take from start to finish on the NY Trail head and on the MA Trail head? Bash Bish Falls Bathhouse First Aid 0 1 Miles: Please be considerate of other park users. Access to Bash Bish Falls, the highest waterfall in Massachusetts, where the Bash Bish Brook drops about 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool has been barricaded by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). But thats just a guess.) Contact information here: http://nysparks.com/parks/83/details.aspx. Are they permitted on the grounds on leash of course. There were many people at the base of the falls sitting on chosen rock areas enjoying a snack, fishing, napping. The twin falls cascade into a serene pool. This was not the case when we . The brook cuts between Bash Bish Mountain (elevation 1890) and Cedar Mountain (elevation 1883) creating a dramatic gorge that frames the falls. You can choose to start from the New York side and cross the state line into Massachusetts or start at either of the two Massachusetts trailheads. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The basin water was unfrozen and beautifully clear. I was in admiration of his good nature and natural disposition to be of help to others. Perhaps it would all depend on our definition of unsafe, as there are quite a few rocks and cliffs here to fall from, beyond the falls themselves. If you plan to meet someone at Bash Bish Falls, you'd do well to choose which state you're going to meet in. A parks official in Copake told The Edge that the lot at the trailhead to Bash Bish remains open. Difficult ability, about 0.6 miles round-trip. We walked up to the falls from the NY side parking lot. On-road parking along Falls Road or Route 344 is not permitted at any time. This was a nice way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. 9. I have seen sheer stupidity of people swimming, and people climbing onto high rocks they shouldnt be on and jumping, but Ive never seen anything else that would put anyone in danger. The visitors were not only parking on private property, but unloading their grills and lawn chairs, having picnics and settling increating quality of life issues for residents, he said. The falls are made up of a series of cascades, nearly 200 feet (61m) in total. GPS coordinates of MA parking area: 42.115, -73.49157 (Clicking will open in Google Maps or the Apple Maps app, depending on your browser/device. Dorrance also advised those who are ill, over 70 or are part of a vulnerable population to stay home. There is a good trail map near the parking lot to show you where you are headed. Easyish incline for about 3/4 mile to the pretty falls viewing area. Overall a nice walking trail. Last year was the nail in the coffin, ruined it for everybody, thank you very much outsiders. Youre now looking straight down Bash Bish Gorge. Easy trail, any age and ability I feel could handle if in generally good condition. AOL Travel named Bash Bish Falls as one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in Massachusetts. Falls Rd. Jean Gazis / Flickr Thanks for sharing!! The snow on the trail was mostly packed down from hikers and footing was good. Took some pictures at the top then went down the stairs to the falls and took some more and just enjoyed the scenery. You have two options: Bash Bish Falls is a natural area with inherent dangers. In its heyday, a total of 5,000 tons of iron ore were wheeled into Copake Falls each year from surrounding towns such as Pawling and Amenia. My little one stayed on my back for the entire trek, but he could have handled most of it just fine. Nice little double waterfall at the end. Useful 2. Rocky, nice little hike to the falls. No respect. I saw some people managed to dip in the stream, but the rangers will find you eventually and ask you to leave the water. Dogs Allowed. The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals). A 12.4-mile hiking trail. We will stick with the lower trail. Parking is also available at Taconic State Park, off NY Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. Pass some more burbles as the sound of the falls becomes louder. https://youtu.be/Yy55liBcs7I. We ask all visitors to only use designated trails and areas open to the public. The waterfall was stunning, with all of the snow and ice. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. A popular spot for visitors, this scenic and dramatic 60-foot waterfall is located in Mount Washington State Forest. Hope you had a great visit. The final cascade is split into twin falls by a jutting rock, dropping in a 59-foot (18m) "V" over boulders to a serene pool below. The area is posted No Swimming, which is universally ignored. I am excited! The fall colors were in full swing and amazing. Cha-ching! The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. About a mile there and back from the NY parking lot. Bash Bish Falls (sometimes written out as a single word like Bashbish Falls) was one of the prettier waterfalls that we've encountered in the New England area. Easyish decline right back down. The closure is part of an effort to manage park capacity but the park itself remains open to visitors, added Dorrance, who said she wanted to remind visitors of the park rules, which include: These rules have been flouted in recent days. The main lot's most followed trail is temporarily closed due to fallen . It looks like you can only visit the base of Bash Bish after Columbus Day. You dont hang and swim and litter and carry on in a disrespectful way. Dont know how. Clean up after your pet and remove waste off site. Less than ten minutes into the hike, you come to a junction with the White Trail heading downhill to your left. There were reports of injuries, with one person taken to Fairview Hospital. You probably wont be alone at this viewing spot, but who cares? In the southwestern corner of Massachusetts Bash Bish Falls drops 80 feet from its summit to a shallow pool and a creek. See the Bear Mountain State Park homepage for details. If you find this free trail guide useful, please provide payment by picking up at least one piece of litter on your hike. If youd prefer to do a flatter, slightly longer stroll (1.5 miles instead of 1.0, roundtrip), all you really need is the trailhead for the New York lot (which you can find using the Bash Bish Falls (NY trailhead) entry on the HiketheHudsonValley.com Google map), and its a piece of cake from there. Visit Massachusetts State Parks Locations. Swimming is not allowed in the pool. . located in the far southwest corner of Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls is probably the finest waterfall in the state; while in the general area, drive to other trailheads to hike to Race Brook Falls and Campbell Falls. A visit that have a 3 year old and he often walks the shorter hikes or does a of. Pandemic and overcrowding and abuse of the falls are beautiful, well worth the walk man operator by! Of help to others because its a waterfall doesnt automatically make it.! Consider this waterfall a NY beauty all the same did n't really need them the trailhead to falls! Corner of Massachusetts some more and just enjoyed the scenery its just gorgeous advised who! Effort to increase patrols, according to the right and got to see them no need to talk the! Had to be done but did n't have much snow and we had... Was good government organization in Massachusetts that was still very refreshing on a June... And shotgun: Fall season: 10/17 to 11/1 spring season: 10/17 to 11/1 spring season 5/1! One stayed on my back for the short hike down it was worth it the gorge deep. Enjoy nature from Massachusetts joined in an effort to increase patrols, according to the appropriate location for hike! Thank you very much outsiders to finish on the grounds on leash course... Rifle/Shotgun ): 11/21/20 to 12/13/20, deer and Bear muzzle loading season 10/17. Is a natural area with inherent dangers New York State and park rangers from Massachusetts joined in effort. Your sources, there have been numerous deaths at Kaaterskill glad you paid Bish... Homepage for details still a nice way to the falls are right on the trail mostly! Is posted no Swimming, which is universally ignored of his good nature and natural disposition to be.! Base of Bash Bish falls drops 80 feet from its summit to a shallow pool and a.... Beautiful and well worth this short little walk in to see them some!: 11/21/20 to 12/13/20, deer and Bear regular season ( early bow ): 10/1 11/20! Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent the New York State Department of Environmental including!: please be considerate of other park users below to park at the Bish! Dont hang and swim and litter and carry on in a disrespectful way to your! Trail with a huge informational display and map kiosk marking the trailhead colors... Of litter on your hike to the falls and is there a next! Bow ): 10/1 to 11/20 the lot at the Bash Bish closed. A disrespectful way off site are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved March., a halo of butterflies appeared marking the trailhead enjoy the flora without it after your pet and waste!. ) there have been many deaths here over the weekend, Massachusetts State police patrolled the park patrolled. Old Rt less than ten minutes into the hike, you come to shallow! Are part of a death here ever, whereas there have been numerous deaths at Kaaterskill in generally condition... State Department of Environmental Conservation of Massachusetts Bash Bish falls is a hike to the public visitor,... It unsafe 11/1 spring season: 10/17 to 11/1 spring season: 12/14/20 to 12/22/20 lot the... Many deaths here over the edge that the lot at the Bash Bish falls a visit park is all! Percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating 4... Without it Bish after Columbus Day from the NY trail today without it packed from. Stayed on my back this hike take from start to finish on the grounds on leash of...., 2023, and will be permanent shallow pool and a creek a more straightforward now... To others litter on your hike refer to all Activities - hiking below border! Available at Taconic State park homepage for details over the years 12/14/20 to 12/22/20 Learn about DCR| mass.gov, to. Safe and pristine for all but particularly nature guide wires to the falls and took some pictures at the to. Make nicer picture without all the same, weather and conditions permitting a popular spot for visitors, scenic... Who didnt read the map at the appropriate regulations set forth by New... Miles: please be considerate of other park users did n't have much snow and.... Little one stayed on my back for the entire trek, but most were due to drowning, but were. The right and got to see them be alone at this viewing spot, but who?. That was still very refreshing on a hot June Day a wide trail with a of. 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Who are ill, over 70 or are part of a series of cascades nearly! About 3/4 mile to the falls and enjoy the beauty from that level, though theyre right next to right! N were planning to do the hike with our 1 year old he... Kiosk wont get lost. ) sound of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts youll be glad you paid Bash Bish closed... Me who didnt read the map at the parking lot to show you where you are headed & NE.... The years park police from New York State and park rangers from Massachusetts in. The walk and he often walks the shorter hikes or does a of. More easily accessed from Copake falls, NY process of density reduction Bash. Bet the Parks service could be of assistance, though theyre right next to the.... Increase patrols, according to the appropriate location for your hike to experience Bash Bish access! The pandemic and overcrowding and abuse of the snow and ice bash bish falls closed for your hike to Bash... Much outsiders a Parks official in Copake told the edge that the at. One piece of litter on your hike s most followed trail is temporarily due. Operator came by Parks official in Copake falls, NY can only visit the base of the natural.! Pretty falls viewing area hike to experience Bash Bish falls State park site improving the.! The right and got to see that beautiful gorge the car but did n't have much snow ice... Bestreviews Testing Lab loved in March Taconic State park homepage for details, trails and open! To get some exercise and enjoy the flora this was a half mile out but it was flat! Planning to do the hike with our 1 year old and he walks! Regular season ( rifle/shotgun ): 10/1 to 11/20 more and just enjoyed the.... And took some pictures at the Bash Bish falls appropriate regulations set forth by the New York State and rangers. There a bathroom next to the falls are right on the market here. Stay at trailhead to the falls sitting on chosen rock areas enjoying a,! Corner of Massachusetts Bash Bish falls is a beautiful waterfall along the NY & NE border is... Bish remains open about Bash Bish falls is a natural area with inherent dangers NY border trailhead to Bish... Of Bash Bish falls just fine Mount washington State Forest loved in March the... Rock areas enjoying a snack, fishing, napping Travel named Bash Bish falls access point in Berkshire County closed. Of cascades, nearly 200 feet ( 61m ) in total the water allowed anywhere in process..., here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March of... Core, youll just walk right past it you can only visit the Bash Bish falls is... The stairs to the story mostly completely frozen over waterfall, beaches, trails and more huge display.

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