Also I hiked from the NYS parking lot side and rangers were telling people to stay on the trails. Check out her best picks before buying anything. And you get to say you hiked from NY to MA! Mt. Obtain Permit (No Cost) from the Park Office to be displayed in vehicle dashboard while hunting. [11], In addition to the falls themselves, other recreation attractions in the immediate area include Taconic State Park (camping, cabin rentals, fishing, swimming, hiking, cross country skiing, and hunting),[12] a network of hiking trails including the South Taconic Trail (day hiking and overnight hiking),[13] and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail (walking, bicycling).[14]. (WWLP)- The Falls Road parking lot at the popular hiking spot Bash Bish Falls will be closing for reconstruction. The closure comes after the overwhelming influx of thousands of sometimes unruly visitors last year, many of whom ignored all the rules and trashed the place. 9. Accessible portable toilets available at Massachusetts parking lot and at falls viewing deck. Springtime is when the snow and ice melts so the falls are usually that much nicer. Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals and wear a facial mask or covering in public, participate in only noncontact recreational activities, and practice healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing, for at least 20 seconds. Some icy spots but overall good condition. Where you park determines your hike to the falls. The steps down to approach the falls are quite steep and uneven so I wound not recommend for someone unsteady on their feet. I stopped and talked with him for a little while. Funny. The falls are beautiful, well worth this short little walk in to see them. Jean Gazis / Flickr Parked at the lot and it was a fairly easy 3/4 mile hike to the falls. Did not see any attempt to enforce the rule. Very crowded trail unfortunately but gorgeous none the less. 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. Easyish decline right back down. 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. Pets on leash always. No waterfowl. It was said to have a modest 80ft height in an attractive rocky cove where a large rock split the gushing falls into two segments. Its a great looking waterfall. The N The use of handguns are not permitted in any state parks. Washington, MA But there is also a parking area in NY off of route 22. How easy of a hike is it? Would highly recommend. Moderate to difficult ability. Get directions. Anyone who hikes to Bash Bish Falls this summer with hopes of sitting on the rocks to feel the refreshing spray or maybe to stick a toe in the cool water will be disappointed. The hike was nice & the falls were beautiful! One thing I am sure about is the Town of Mount Washington, Massachusetts takes care of it's visitors by having a great man out on the roads taking care of fools like me who get in trouble. 4. Moderate ability, about 1.5 miles round-trip. MA side is a bunch of stairs and steep. Some signs and a kiosk mark the entrance, along with a warning that if youre looking for a flat stroll, you should drive down to the NY trailhead. We like to consider this waterfall a NY beauty all the same. On the way back there is what looks like a street sign post pointing up for the MA lot and to the left for the NY lot. Thank you for the info. 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. I would not attempt to push a wheelchair up that path. were planning to do the hike with our 1 year old (with a hiking baby carrier). Bash Bish Falls is a natural area with inherent dangers. NY side is longer but relatively flat. 8. If you plan to meet someone at Bash Bish Falls, youd do well to choose which state youre going to meet in. You end up in the same place. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals). Your email address will not be published. On-road parking along Falls Road or Route 344 is not permitted at any time. [3], Although Bash Bish Falls are located in Mt. There is a good trail map near the parking lot to show you where you are headed. Now because of his death people are claiming Bash Bish is unsafe. Very nice trail when the weather is warm and sunny with simple directions to follow. There's a short 2-mile hike to the falls, and the scenery along the way is equally beautiful. For more information see firewood restrictions. All boundaries and trails are shown as approximate. Swimming at the base of the falls has never been permitted. The fall colors were in full swing and amazing. On that route you will pass a State Border sign (photo op). COPAKE FALLSYou can still see it, but you cant touch it anymore. 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 falls are located in Southwestern Massachusetts in the Taconic Mountains of Berkshire County, which neighbors Mount Washington State Forest in Massachusetts and Taconic State Park in New York. Turkey, archery and shotgun: Fall season: 10/17 to 11/1 Spring season: 5/1 to 5/31. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Location & Hours. Its address is: Just keep heading east on 344 and youll be there in a couple minutes. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. W hile Bash Bish Falls is located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, the parking area for the lower portion of the falls is located in New York State. We are actually closing overflow parking lots due to the weekend overcrowding and have reduced parking. It started snowing heavily. It was a half mile in & a half mile out but it was very steep. 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. Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. We were only at Bash Bish falls. From the New York parking lot, the walk is an easy, flatter 1.5-mile roundtrip stroll. 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. Theres a wide trail with a huge informational display and map kiosk marking the trailhead. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. I suppose that would depend on how able the person in question is. No access to the upper gorge from the Massachusetts parking lotit is dangerous. Copake Falls, NY 12517. Thanks for this write up. The snow on the trail was mostly packed down from hikers and footing was good. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Ive added a link to your comment in a new update at the top of this trail guide. Bring a water bottle and work gloves. Fresh water fishing enthusiasts will delight in hooking brown trout and other fish in the Bash Bish Brook or rainbow trout in the old iron ore mine pit. Id have to disagree. I didnt see any white blazes or a wooden bridge. Ive added a SUPER IMPORTANT FIVE-ALARM ATOMIC-WEDGIE UPDATE to the top of the Background section above, with a link down to your comment. The message Mr. Rickard wants visitors to get is: stay on the trails, dont go in the stream, dont bring chairs or coolers. Once you reach the falls, you can walk down the stairs (which are steep and awkward) to get close, however, you do not have to walk down the stairs to see the falls. MT. Browse 70+ bash bish falls state park stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. When heading to Cedar Brook, cross the road. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Thanks, this is very useful, as I couldnt find a trail guide at the Bash Bish Falls State Park site. I hadnt heard that info about Columbus Day thank you for sharing. Plenty of rapids, greenery and nature to enjoy on your hike to the falls. 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. No swimming or diving. Bash Bish Falls and Bash Bish Brook are nature preserves and the brook is a protected trout stream. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The closure is part of an effort to manage park capacity but the park itself remains open to visitors. 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. 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. No coolers. Explore this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail near Copake Falls, New York. (An easier hike can also be done from the NY trailhead.). You probably wont be alone at this viewing spot, but who cares? No reptiles. The state Department of Conservation and Recreation has implemented a parking area closure until further notice at Bash Bish Falls State Park on Falls Road, said DCR spokesperson Olivia K. Dorrance. Saturday, May 6, 2023 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Other than that, great day! . I saw rangers kicking people out of the streams as well. The situation in 2021 was a disgrace. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Trails and rocks may be slippery, wear sturdy shoes. Perfect instructions as usual. Ive just come up here for day hikes, never stayed over. What attractions are near Bash Bish Falls? Very easy to find your way! There is no rope blocking the steps down to the falls, but there are signs up saying they are closed. I wonder if it would be as beautiful as it is in the winter. 1. Thanks for being awesome! Its mind boggling that people have no respect and clue on packing out their junk. If you hike from the MA side with your less hikey friends/family, whatever you doDONT point out that you could have hiked in on a flat road from the NY side. I would suggest to many people not familiar with cliff diving to avoid this waterfall, as it is rather dangerous, the main pool having rocks below the surface, many have been killed or injured here. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass. Background you can feel free to skip: Dude, youre supposed to be at the Bash Bish parking lot. Allison Richards / Flickr While this waterfall is amazing any time of year, it's especially breathtaking when frozen over. Patrick Miller September 26, 2022 Hiking Beautiful. It is a short .6 mile hike from the Massachusetts . People will be allowed down to. Bash Bish Falls 4.5 231 reviews #1 of 1 things to do in Mount Washington Waterfalls Visit website Call Write a review About A popular spot for visitors, this scenic and dramatic 60-foot waterfall is located in Mount Washington State Forest. Really appreciate your help to keep this trail guide as accurate as possible! 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? Washington, MA, they are more easily accessed from Copake Falls, NY. Took some pictures at the top then went down the stairs to the falls and took some more and just enjoyed the scenery. Directions to the trailhead: From Millerton, NY, head north on Route 22 for 12 miles. Restrooms. Hop on that trail, which will cost you perhaps 10-minutes for the roundtrip if you severely dilly dally. Taconic State Park Manager Rickard told The Columbia Paper this week the purpose is to keep the falls and surrounding area strictly a place for hikingno swimming, no chairs, no cooking, no picnicking. You can only walk to the view at top of the trail above the falls now, as noted by many others, some of those rudely from a. Classist POV or simply containing an opinion not based on fact. If youre shopping for top products on the market, here are the best 14 products the BestReviews Testing Lab loved in March. When youre done lazing about on the rocks and soaking in the view and the mist, retrace your steps to return to your car, taking the White Trail to a right turn on the Blue Trail all the way up, climbing just over 300 vertical feet. The Great Blondin stated that because of the boulders in the chasm he found Bash Bish more frightening than Niagara. Use caution as the stones down around the falls are smooth and slick from years of traffic and it is easy to slip. Just because its a waterfall doesnt automatically make it unsafe. . Others walk a short ways down the brook and swim in the pools below. Most visitors to Bash Bish Park access the park not from the Mount Washington side but from Copake Falls, New York, where there is a much larger parking lot in the Taconic State Park. 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. They bring food and leave all their trash behind. Beautiful fall day. Falls Rd. A minor bummer, but not a showstopper. There are 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms,36 trailer sites and three cabin areas for a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. Horrendous! Contact information here: http://nysparks.com/parks/83/details.aspx. Deer and Bear archery season (early bow): 10/1 to 11/20. I just put an update into Step 5 above, linking down to your comment (also put a small update into Step 9). 7. Jocelyn thank you so much for the updated info! Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. Mount Washington Visitors to Bash Bish Falls, a popular state park that has seen large unruly crowds in the last several weeks, will have to find some other place to park if they want to access the falls from the Massachusetts side. The White Trail is your friend. A parks official in Copake told The Edge that the lot at the trailhead to Bash Bish remains open. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Download a trail map Recommended hikes Visit Massachusetts State Parks. No trash cans. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. I headed back to Great Barrington and checked into a hotel for the night. Mr. Rickard said a permanent fence blocking off the falls will be constructed by Massachusetts officials in July. These steps are often compact, practical and easy to move. Along the trail you can see and hear the stream, stop and enjoy the water and nature. Bash Bish Falls Bathhouse First Aid 0 1 Miles: Please be considerate of other park users. The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. No target practice. As it turned out, Bash Bish has two parking lots, one in Massachusetts and one in New York, separated by about a mile. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. All Deer seasons; Spring and Fall Turkey seasons, bow until noon only. Be aware of changing trail conditions. Very cool place that I wouldnt have known existed without this website. There were many people at the base of the falls sitting on chosen rock areas enjoying a snack, fishing, napping. State blocks swimming access at Bash Bish Falls in Mt Washington, New York-New Jersey Trail Conference homepage, http://nysparks.com/parks/83/details.aspx, http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2013/09/24/hiking-hunting-season-safety-tips/2854437/. Happy Bash Bishing, everyone! Hi Tracy! 6. Parking is also available at Taconic State Park, off NY Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. Read our Terms of Use. Closures Bear Hill Preserve is closed ( reconfirmed on October 11) Bear Mountain State Park: Roads within the park are closed, including Perkins Memorial Drive up to the tower. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Theres a warning sign not to enter as the stone steps going down to the falls ledge are icy/slippery. From the upper car park (closer to the falls) there are some steep steps down. An incredible reward after the somewhat tough little hike (at least for a 60 year OLD man). Very easy and quick trail coming from NY Parking lot. It is a relatively easy hike with a slight uphill incline as you approach the waterfall. How long does this hike take from start to finish on the NY Trail head and on the MA Trail head? A local man died here recently because he disobeyed the signs. There were small patches of mud on the trail but otherwise in very good condition. No trash canscarry-in, carry-out all trash and personal items. It is not steep but it gradually climbs in elevation. It is much easier walk (about 3/4 mile) along the stream to the falls. 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. Unless you're an avid hiker, I would recommend you park on the lower lot and walk the 3/4 mile to the falls. My wife and I drove from a local mountain top hike to Bash Bish Falls - via Taconic State Park. Tentrr Camping: Furnished Canvas Wall Tents. At first I thought I was out of luck because there was a sign part way up that said the trail was closed. 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. The dramatic final pitch of Bash Bish Brook drops about 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool. With no signage indicating which way to the falls, we guessed that we should stay on the Blue Trail (as did some other hikers there that day), and we were all wrong. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Pretty amazing to see a mostly completely frozen over waterfall. Where are you? was the message I would have left for my buddy Jeff, if a person could get cell service in the Bash Bish Falls parking lot. Visiting Bash Bish Falls is no longer fun. No need to talk about the beauty of the falls, its just gorgeous. Use this button to show and access all levels. On display are a series of iron artifacts, ranging from plow parts to chisels and unknown objects. Glad to hear it, Laura thank you! The "Ironworkers" cabins are equipped with private showers and flush toilets;campers in the "Bash Bish" cabins utilize a centrally located shower facility with flush toilets. From the MA trail head, it is a rather steep stairway down to the bottom of the falls. Picnic Pavilion available year-round. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. Ive seen recent pictures and updates that the MA trailhead is open again, and that the barricades have been removed. The walk from the Massachusetts parking lot is much shorter and steeper, and its the one Ill write up below. I agree with Chuck no need to tackle the steeper one if youre at all worried. The onslaught caused park and law enforcement officials on both sides of the New York/Massachusetts border to close down roads leading to the falls and turn people away when parking areas were full. There were reports of injuries, with one person taken to Fairview Hospital. The stream was ice, and snow covered but has pools of water that were so clear you could see the riverbed through several feet of water from 50 ft. There wasn't anybody else out today except for this one hardy young couple - we kept our distance, covid you know. You dont hang and swim and litter and carry on in a disrespectful way. Bring hydration regardless of what time of year it is. Be content to simply enjoy the beauty of the falls. Portable toilets available May through mid-October. I followed the guide wires to the right and got to see that beautiful gorge! Slight incline, not bad at all. We walked up to the falls from the NY side parking lot. (NEWS10) The Bash Bish Falls access point in Berkshire County is closed for the next few months. Easy to slip but trail is wide enough on NY side. We visit many waterfalls and I would definitely recommend this one. This was a great, easy trek to test some cold weather gear. * Copake Iron Works Museum and Heritage Trail, http://www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com, Taconic State Park Trail Map (Middle Section), Taconic State Park Trail Map (North Section), Taconic State Park Trail Map (South Section), Harlem Valley Rail Trail Map & Brochure (pdf), View all events for Taconic State Park - Copake Falls Area. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. Some cabins in the Greenwich Cabin Area are wheelchair accessible and offer extra amenities such as a microwave, sofa, shower, dishwasher and cable television hookup. Follow the blue blazes downhill, over a cool little bridge that spans a burbling creek. From Bach Brandenburg to Appalachian Spring with Manhattan Chamber Players, Crescendo presents In Search of the Bridges, Website by Web Publisher PRO 2022 The Berkshire Edge, LLC. Perfect conditionsa few inches of snow cover, no other hikers, lots of critter footprints. Blue shared some stories about the Falls, which can show how dangerous they can be in some cases. No drones. Bash Bish Falls State Park is home to the Massachusett's highest, single-drop waterfall. Came here over the weekend 6/26/21 and yes the falls are barricaded with rangers so no one is allowed anywhere close to the falls. Thanks for the nice pic and the update, Dave! One of my favorite places to visit plus its a easy hike. Check your sources, there have been many deaths here over the years. Either way, youll be glad you paid Bash Bish Falls a visit. Enjoy a hike to experience the wonder and beauty of this deep, verdant gorge. Hooray! Mon. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. [4] Additionally, from the Massachusetts parking lot, a short trail leads up to a viewpoint from which one can se all the way across the Hudson Valley to the Catskill Mountains. The falls are located in Southwestern Massachusetts in the Taconic Mountains of Berkshire County, which neighbors Mount Washington State Forest in Massachusetts and Taconic State Park in New York. It also involves clambering over some rocky places. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. Luckily this plow truck with a mountain of man operator came by. Gorgeous view of the waterfall at the end. With a fully-equipped canvas wall tent all set up and ready for you, it really is a better way to camp. 5. Map produced by NYSOPRHP GIS Bureau, April 03, 2020. Please visit the Tentrr website for additional information about camping in Taconic State Park with Tentrr, or to check availability and make reservations. Long haul from Western MA. Enjoy a hike to experience the wonder and beauty of this deep, verdant gorge. No picnicking, grilling or fires. According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the access point is closed from Memorial Day to Columbus Day every year since July 2020. i would definitely say that it is not handicap friendly~ my husband wears a brace and walks with a cane and it was fairly difficult for him. My thanks to the owner of the local Subway shop for recommending it. Was this a relatively safe hike for little ones? Since youre hard core, youll just walk right past it. It was awesome! 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.