MA side is a bunch of stairs and steep. 9. It has also been a dry summer, so officials have been especially worried about fires. 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. We walked up to the falls from the NY side parking lot. We were only at Bash Bish falls. COPAKE FALLSYou can still see it, but you cant touch it anymore. No trash canscarry-in, carry-out all trash and personal items. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Earlier reviews mentioned stairs to the falls being closed and guarded. I saw rangers kicking people out of the streams as well. Its a fond childhood memory for me.. 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. also, do you have to go down or up the stairs that I see in the pic to actually see the falls? Enjoy the hike and the falls. Wish there was a better way to get closer to the river. My little Kia Forte (that I got cheap from Hertz when they were going bankrupt) with the crappy tires just couldn't make it up the gently sloped hills. What restaurants are near Bash Bish Falls? Bash Bish Falls and Bash Bish Brook are nature preserves and the brook is a protected trout stream. Please report any accident or incident immediately to park police. Both trails from Massachusetts and New York are well-marked and easy to follow. Very rocky so need to watch your step the entire way. Recent pic, as others have commented, nice having it private. [6], In 2020, fueled by social media photographs and the COVID-19 pandemic (which increased use of outdoor spaces, especially those close to metropolitan areas), visitation to the falls increased exponentially, with published reports and photographs of crowds numbering an estimated 1000 to 1500 people at a time. Visiting Bash Bish Falls is no longer fun. I live locally, it was in the paper. What great friendly man with an infectious smile and awesome aura about him. DEC rules and regs apply. Youre now looking straight down Bash Bish Gorge. 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. It is not paved but flat with just a few places that are a little rough. Thanks, Im by no means an expert on hunting rules and seasons, but this article give some good advice and links for being safe out there: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2013/09/24/hiking-hunting-season-safety-tips/2854437/. NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS. Also I hiked from the NYS parking lot side and rangers were telling people to stay on the trails. Portable toilets available May through mid-October. Perfect combo for the falls to myself :) The message Mr. Rickard wants visitors to get is: stay on the trails, dont go in the stream, dont bring chairs or coolers. Very easy to find your way! 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. Gorgeous! Very cool place that I wouldnt have known existed without this website. (My guess is that the barricades will appear whenever the weather is warm enough for swimming, since people seem to have a hard time obeying the No Swimming signs here. What attractions are near Bash Bish Falls? 95% of travelers recommend this experience. MA. New! Massachusetts bathrooms were definitely cleaner than the New York side. We came from NY and it was a short easy hike via Taconic State Park that has nice facilities compared to MA. I was in admiration of his good nature and natural disposition to be of help to others. You soon approach the border between NY and MA which is clearly marked. No access to the upper gorge from the Massachusetts parking lot it is dangerous. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Now because of his death people are claiming Bash Bish is unsafe. The group would be six adults and six children. Thank goodness the rangers and police are taking control. From the New York parking lot, the walk is an easy, flatter 1.5-mile roundtrip stroll. There wasn't anybody else out today except for this one hardy young couple - we kept our distance, covid you know. took maybe 20 mins and it was fairly easy. No need to talk about the beauty of the falls, its just gorgeous. 247 State Route 344. [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. Gorgeous view of the waterfall at the end. The falls are made up of a series of cascades, nearly 200 feet (61m) in total. If you plan to meet someone at Bash Bish Falls, youd do well to choose which state youre going to meet in. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. . Patrick Miller September 26, 2022 Hiking Beautiful. Luckily this plow truck with a mountain of man operator came by. Perfect conditionsa few inches of snow cover, no other hikers, lots of critter footprints. Moderate ability, about 1.5 miles round-trip. Closed. Its mind boggling that people have no respect and clue on packing out their junk. This was a nice place to visit and its winter beauty was at its best. The public can look at the Falls from the outlook point but is not able to go down the stairs to the base of the Falls. Hordes of people breaking every single rule. Ive been coming to the falls for over 50 years. Tentrr is now at Taconic State Park in the Copake Falls area. Each I know of were because of human judgment or lack there of. 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 steps down to approach the falls are quite steep and uneven so I wound not recommend for someone unsteady on their feet. We parked on the New York parking lot and used that trail to get to the falls. Lately Ive visited on weekends and was absolutely appalled by the garbage strewn across the parking lots and grounds. Picnic Pavilion available year-round. Save. There are great trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as5 miles of snowmobile trails. Bash Bish Falls is a natural area with inherent dangers. The fall colors were in full swing and amazing. Super easy one path straight to the waterfall. There is a large pool at the base of the falls which on a warm summer day, has a lot of people in it. Dress in layers to be able to regulate your comfort level. The article seems to suggest we have a lot of parking in NY. The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. Hiking is required to get to the falls. Theres rocks and lots of uneven terrain. I visited on 18 Oct 2014 and went from the MA side. Nice trail. New York Trails South Taconic Trail - 21.3 . 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. About a mile there and back from the NY parking lot. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. Nice, mostly flat trail, icy in a few spots. 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. The main lot's most followed trail is temporarily closed due to fallen . To plan your hike refer to All Activities - Hiking below. . https://youtu.be/Yy55liBcs7I. what trail should we take? 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. However, times have changed and now the stairs to the base of the falls are permanently closed, and there is a police officer stationed at the viewing area to deter anyone from venturing down. Bash Bish Falls is a great short hiking trail to the highest waterfall in the state of Massachusetts. It is much easier walk (about 3/4 mile) along the stream to the falls. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. It is not unsafe if youre obedient and use your noggin. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. No alcohol, or glass containers. Ive been going here since I was a child. Still a nice hike but something had to be done. Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Parked at the lot and it was a fairly easy 3/4 mile hike to the falls. He gave me some good advice about traveling in the area in this kind of weather. There are plenty of activities for campers, as well as day visitors to enjoy in the oldest State Park in the Taconic Region. [10] This is a very dangerous area as rocks are slick, the gorge is deep, and pools are shallow. Swimming is not allowed. Slight incline, not bad at all. This is a lovely area but it is not a trash dump nor a place for doing whatever you want. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the Berkshires. The falls themselves are in the town of Mount Washington but much of the surrounding area is in New York. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in length, but do not offer hook up facilities. Man, was it this steep on the way down? Anyway, I would love to see this waterfall again say in the autumn. This is a beautiful waterfall along the NY & NE border. Both trails to the falls are not wheelchair accessible. Stop at the newly created Copake Iron Works Museum to learn about the iron industry at the former site of Copake Iron Works, established in 1845. I have my 80yr old parents with me.. they are in great shape, I just can't have them walking on rock scrambles or anything like that. ), GPS coordinates of NY parking area: 42.11711, -73.50776 (Clicking will open in Google Maps or the Apple Maps app, depending on your browser/device.). Beginning Monday, April 10, 2023, and continuing. Please advise regarding this matter. The extensive campground at Copake Falls has sites to accommodate campers seeking a more rustic experience, as well as those seeking a more "home like" experience. These are the two main access points for viewing Bash Bish Falls. There are a few access points to the falls and more than one parking lot. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thank you! 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. Springtime is when the snow and ice melts so the falls are usually that much nicer. Hi! The walk is less than a mile. This was not the case when we . Washington State Forest, Mount Washington, MA 01258, $ Specialty Food Market American Deli. From the New York parking lot, the walk is an easy, flatter 1.5-mile roundtrip stroll. According to Blue, in 1858, Jean Franois Gravelet-Blondin spread a rope across the gorge at Bash Bish Falls and crossed it. UPDATE: June 2021 the Massachusetts parking lot is closed so you have to use the NYS lot. * 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. No youth hunts. Really appreciate your help to keep this guide current! Both trails go to the same beautiful destination, so enjoy the stroll from the NY side and save up your energy for chasing your 1-year-old around when you get home . Bash Bish Falls is a Massachusetts park maintained by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Bash Bish Falls into a green pool - a popular summer swimming hole in the Berkshires, and the tallest waterfalls in Massachusetts. As it turned out, Bash Bish has two parking lots, one in Massachusetts and one in New York, separated by about a mile. 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. 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/. Swimming at the base of the falls has never been permitted. You have two options: Bash Bish Falls is a natural area with inherent dangers. Plenty of rapids, greenery and nature to enjoy on your hike to the falls. The upper trail down to the falls involves a steep stairway that is roughly the equivalent of a three story building. Its a great looking waterfall. 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. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Your friend that will bring you to the falls in about five more minutes. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Most of the time I swim in the lower pool, below the main pool, the water is always cold and invigorating. 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. A swim test is required for children 12 and under to swim in the Copake Ore Pit. I think they may have changed the trail a bit leading from the MA parking lot to the falls. Share. We visited Bash Bish Falls in May. OK, awesome beauty in the winter - I snapped my pics and headed back to the car. A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pretty amazing to see a mostly completely frozen over waterfall. The dramatic final pitch of Bash Bish Brook drops about 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool. 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. Funny. Waterfall was beautiful! Id have to disagree. No handguns. Saturday, May 6, 2023 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Washington, MA, they are more easily accessed from Copake Falls, NY. Thanks for sharing!! 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. This was a nice way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. Notify me of follow-up comments via e-mail. Based on careful research, I approached the falls from the New York side, and the 3/4-mile hike, featuring riveting views of Bash Bish Brook and the deep canyon it has cut over the millennia, was . Use this button to show and access all levels. There were quite a few other people there when I went and I went mid-day on a Friday so I imagine thats its pretty packed on a weekend, but totally worth it. This is a short hike in and out area. We will stick with the lower trail. 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. Rules exist for a reason. Get directions. The only negative is they took away the ability to go to the bottom of the falls. Horrendous! Really nice video, Eddie! Another story is about a tightrope walker. You can also get directions by checking out the Bash Bish Falls (MA trailhead) entry on the HiketheHudsonValley.com Google map. Contact information here: http://nysparks.com/parks/83/details.aspx. Good reminders on being conscientious while youre out there, too. Please leave a comment! It started snowing heavily. eventually this may lead to shutting down the grounds for us all,depending on the action of the state. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. According to Daves comment below, the barricades may be removed after Columbus Day. The area down by the falls are prohibited now. 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). There are 5 miles of snowmobile trails in Taconic State Park. 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. The cabin areas vary in number of cabins, location and size. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state. Happy Bash Bishing, everyone! We could see footprints indicating people are using that trail. Nearby? Parking is free at the parking lot on Falls Road in Mount Washington, MA, limited to 24 cars. Trails and rocks may be slippery, wear sturdy shoes. No respect. There are pics of a swimming beach at Rudd Pond. 1. [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]. Bring a water bottle and work gloves. We asked BestReviews cooking expert Andrea Boudewijn for her best recommendations for Mothers Day gifts. People travel from many places and have no respect. BTW, I saw earlier posts saying this trail is wheelchair accessible. Beautiful short hike, the falls were beautiful. Your email address will not be published. Remember. Less than ten minutes into the hike, you come to a junction with the White Trail heading downhill to your left. Our dog, who can't read, took a dip anyway. Jocelyn thank you so much for the updated info! A New York State hunting license is required. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. There are 45 tent sites, 25 tent platforms,36 trailer sites and three cabin areas for a total of 106 campsites and 18 cabins. In the southwestern corner of Massachusetts Bash Bish Falls drops 80 feet from its summit to a shallow pool and a creek. Want to report conditions for this trail? Falls Rd. Overcast and sprinkling. Office hours vary - call ahead. Parking is also available at Taconic State Park, off NY Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. An adult must accompany children 10 and under. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy Wikipedia Speaking of wellness: I got some great exercise hiking and saw an amazing waterfall yesterday after my visit to Great Barrington. Bash Bish Falls, Mount Washington: Address, Phone Number, Bash Bish Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. Each one has been catalogued by the Friends of Taconic State Park's Historic Preservation Committee. Where you park determines your hike to the falls. Washington, MA But there is also a parking area in NY off of route 22. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Read our Terms of Use. 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. Hi. Recommended. Trout stream rocks may be slippery, wear sturdy shoes town of Mount Washington MA! 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