You dont hang and swim and litter and carry on in a disrespectful way. You probably wont be alone at this viewing spot, but who cares? Located on the border of New York and Massachusetts in the Taconic Mountains, Bash Bish Falls is a frequent destination for Hudson Valley residents and visitors. Please advise regarding this matter. If you plan to meet someone at Bash Bish Falls, youd do well to choose which state youre going to meet in. Hunting: Park Permit Required. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Gorgeous! 5. From the Massachusetts parking lot, head to the back-left corner of the lot, where youll see a small sign directing you uphill to a SCENIC VIEW. Accessible portable toilets available at Massachusetts parking lot and at falls viewing deck. Access is from Taconic State Park in New York. I just put an update into Step 5 above, linking down to your comment (also put a small update into Step 9). No target practice. Please PLEASE if you go here obey ALL SIGNS. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. However, right when her canoe tipped over the edge, a halo of butterflies appeared. 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. also, do you have to go down or up the stairs that I see in the pic to actually see the falls? From Highway 344 in Copake Falls, Falls Road veers off, leading to the park's two parking areas. Be content to simply enjoy the beauty of the falls. Thanks for sharing!! Both trails to the falls are not wheelchair accessible. It is easy to understand why. There's a short 2-mile hike to the falls, and the scenery along the way is equally beautiful. I think they may have changed the trail a bit leading from the MA parking lot to the falls. From the upper car park (closer to the falls) there are some steep steps down. We visited Bash Bish Falls in May. 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. 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. Thank you for the info. You soon approach the border between NY and MA which is clearly marked. Such a beautiful hike. Thanks for the GPS location info on this post. [10] This is a very dangerous area as rocks are slick, the gorge is deep, and pools are shallow. Typically only on weekends though. Mt. Office hours vary - call ahead. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. Ive just come up here for day hikes, never stayed over. 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. Click. Please leave a comment! We will return in late spring and repeat our walk to enjoy the flora. 1. It is not steep but it gradually climbs in elevation. Browse 70+ bash bish falls state park stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. After a 30-minute drive in light snowy weather, I got to see this spectacular frozen waterfall. According to an interpretive sign, "adventurous" tourists began coming to the falls in the late 18th century. Where you park determines your hike to the falls. Moderate ability, about 1.5 miles round-trip. I would not attempt to push a wheelchair up that path. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com. (NEWS10) The Bash Bish Falls access point in Berkshire County is closed for the next few months. Hope that helps! Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty-- floatation devices are not allowed. With your back to the trail you just came down (youre now facing the road), turn left and go to the far end of the parking lot to begin your descent to the falls. 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. No migratory birds. ACCESS. Check out her best picks before buying anything. What You Need to Know About Bash Bish Falls. 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. Anyway, I would love to see this waterfall again say in the autumn. Turkey, archery and shotgun: Fall season: 10/17 to 11/1 Spring season: 5/1 to 5/31. Falls are boomin! How easy of a hike is it? 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. When heading to Cedar Brook, cross the road. Long haul from Western MA. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Man, was it this steep on the way down? Bring a rake, broom or shovel if you have one! Taconic State Park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Falls Rd. Some page levels are currently hidden. There are 5 miles of snowmobile trails in Taconic State Park. Ive been coming to the falls for over 50 years. 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. Beautiful falls, never been there before. Dress in layers to be able to regulate your comfort level. An adult must accompany children 10 and under. Hiking is risky, life is risky, accidents happen, awareness reduces the risk. 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). Restrictions at Bash Bish Falls State Park posted on the www.mass.gov/locations/bash-bish-falls-state-park website include: Pets on leash always. More on that later. The group would be six adults and six children. Trails and rocks may be slippery, wear sturdy shoes. I didnt see any white blazes or a wooden bridge. Jump to: Jump to: Comments and Reviews. A local man died here recently because he disobeyed the signs. All hiking trails remain open. People who hike the trail to Bash Bish can still see the falls from an observation area, but thats as far as they can go. [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]. A swim test is required for children 12 and under to swim in the Copake Ore Pit. Bash Bish Falls is a great short hiking trail to the highest waterfall in the state of Massachusetts. There is no rope blocking the steps down to the falls, but there are signs up saying they are closed. We parked on the New York parking lot and used that trail to get to the falls. In the southwestern corner of Massachusetts Bash Bish Falls drops 80 feet from its summit to a shallow pool and a creek. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals). Thank you! The dramatic final pitch of Bash Bish Brook drops about 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool. The park is maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Another story is about a tightrope walker. Note: Columbia County allows rifles - Dutchess County is shotgun only (Rudd Pond). We both enjoyed the hike from that spot, so its the one Im recommending here, plus it has an extra little view that the New York lot doesnt have. It is a short .6 mile hike from the Massachusetts . Is there a house or hotel on the property or near by that you would recommend? Was this a relatively safe hike for little ones? A minor bummer, but not a showstopper. 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. Add photo. 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? 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! Clean up after your pet and remove waste off site. The gorgeous sight hides in the Berkshire Hills' forest, near the state limit with New York. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Very nice trail when the weather is warm and sunny with simple directions to follow. Because of this, park officials are aiming to keep people away from the Falls for the summer. 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. You can also subscribe without commenting. Really appreciate your help to keep this guide current! Hi! Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass. Nearby, Taconic State Park in New York state offers more visitor amenities, picnicking, and camping. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. ), 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.). That way, morons like me who didnt read the map at the kiosk wont get lost.). On-road parking along Falls Road or Route 344 is not permitted at any time. Picnic Pavilion available year-round. Wish there was a better way to get closer to the river. They change diapers and just throw them in the stream. There are very clean(when we went) porta potties by the waterfall. No alcohol, or glass containers. If youd like to descend and then climb back up a hill on your way to the falls, see the write-up below for the walk from the MA trailhead. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. From the lower car park there is an uphill path to follow that is quite rough in places. Refer toAll Activities - Hikingbelow to park at the appropriate location for your hike. No youth hunts. 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. Its address is: Just keep heading east on 344 and youll be there in a couple minutes. I imagine it must get crowded in the warmer months but there were only a few others on the trail and it was very peaceful. Now because of his death people are claiming Bash Bish is unsafe. Ill follow suit and remove the warning above. No reptiles. Easy walk. 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. Difficult ability, about 0.6 miles round-trip. Visit the expanded Copake Iron Works Museum (33 Valley View Road, Copake Falls, NY) in Taconic State Park, with tours on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Saturdays and Sundays, May 28 through September 4, 2-4 PM, and on Monday, September 5, from 2-4 PM. Washington, theyve been having issues with people partying and leaving trash at the Falls. Bring a water bottle and work gloves. The trail on the NY side is a beautiful walk on a well-maintained wide trail. Bash Bish Falls is a popular hiking destination in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. This was a nice place to visit and its winter beauty was at its best. The small but deep Ore Pit Pond is a popular destination due to its excellent water quality. I will be staying for an entire week. 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. Our elementary age children walked the trail easily. I suppose that would depend on how able the person in question is. There are pics of a swimming beach at Rudd Pond. Thanks for this write up. This page is not available in other languages. 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. I am excited! Also I hiked from the NYS parking lot side and rangers were telling people to stay on the trails. About a mile there and back from the NY parking lot. FULL DESCRIPTION. Nice little double waterfall at the end. It is steep and the snow and ice was too risky for us older (60) folks. No swimming or diving. MOUNT WASHINGTON, Mass. Turn left! After taking in the view, head back down to the parking lot. Well marked throughout and easy to follow paths. Last year was the nail in the coffin, ruined it for everybody, thank you very much outsiders. Hi Tracy! The area down by the falls are prohibited now. 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. The NY side is an easy walk to the falls with a wide path - no crazy hills or rocky scrambles, just scenic woodsy views. The basin water was unfrozen and beautifully clear. (An easier hike can also be done from the NY trailhead.). Taconic State Park Manager Christopher Rickard described groups of 30 and 40 people, including family groups of all ages. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. There are a few access points to the falls and more than one parking lot. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 41 min to complete. I find it very depressing to witness these sacred falls being treated like a state funded playground, please have respect for this land. I forgot my spikes in the car but didn't really need them. We ask all visitors to only use designated trails and areas open to the public. The path was well maintained and the grade was not challenging. took maybe 20 mins and it was fairly easy. We are actually closing overflow parking lots due to the weekend overcrowding and have reduced parking. Its a steady incline, not steep, but certainly a slight uphill all the way. Obtain Permit (No Cost) from the Park Office to be displayed in vehicle dashboard while hunting. It started snowing heavily. 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. You can find more details in this Berkshire Eagle article:State blocks swimming access at Bash Bish Falls in Mt Washington. Planning on going back in June. night, US diplomatic convoy attacked in Sudan amid new truce. Be smart, and stay safe. MA. Is the NY trail relatively flat and WheelChair friendly? 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. From the lower parking area (the New York side of the state border), there is a .75 mile gentle uphill trail to the falls. Shorter, more rugged, and strenuous. These are the two main access points for viewing Bash Bish Falls. Bash Bish Falls is a great short hiking trail to the highest waterfall in the state of Massachusetts. [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. Recommended. Massachusetts bathrooms were definitely cleaner than the New York side. 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. Hop on that trail, which will cost you perhaps 10-minutes for the roundtrip if you severely dilly dally. Others walk a short ways down the brook and swim in the pools below. NY side is longer but relatively flat. Please adhere to the appropriate regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. All the partying activity that went on last year is not what the area is designated for, he said. 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. There were reports of injuries, with one person taken to Fairview Hospital. Squirrel (Shotgun only): 11/1/19 to 2/29/20, Ruffed grouse (Shotgun only): 11/1/19 to 2/29/20. 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. From the MA trail head, it should take about 10 minutes down and 20-30 back up, depending on your level of fitness. Are they permitted on the grounds on leash of course. Although Bash Bish Falls are located in Mt. I wouldnt recommend this trail for a stroller. 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. The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. We expect to reach capacities for all our parking lots by 9 am Saturday and Sunday. The hike was nice & the falls were beautiful! UPDATE: June 2021 the Massachusetts parking lot is closed so you have to use the NYS lot. what trail should we take? The falls are right on the MA and NY border. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views. 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. Bull's Bridge was reported as closed on July 9 (reconfirmed on October 5) 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. Leaves heavily covering the trail right now which cause steep decline from MA parking lot to be VERY slippery. Too muddy around this time since we didn't have much snow and we just had rain. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Out is up hill and back down hill. We arrived and parked at the NY side of the park. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Swimming is not allowed in the pool. Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device. Very crowded trail unfortunately but gorgeous none the less. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Very much appreciated! Unless you're an avid hiker, I would recommend you park on the lower lot and walk the 3/4 mile to the falls. That was still very refreshing on a hot June day. eventually this may lead to shutting down the grounds for us all,depending on the action of the state. A destination like this deserves to draw a crowd. Fees vary by location and season. There wasn't anybody else out today except for this one hardy young couple - we kept our distance, covid you know. You end up in the same place. A New York State hunting license is required. 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Floatation devices are not wheelchair accessible hiking is risky, life is risky, life risky! Pics of a swimming beach at Rudd Pond adhere to the falls and more one... Rake, broom or shovel if you severely dilly dally and under to swim in the Berkshires Massachusetts. Layers to be able to regulate your comfort level in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties near! Right when her canoe tipped over the edge, a halo of butterflies appeared and 40 people including! Have changed the trail on the MA and NY border, broom or shovel if you go here all... Get to the park Office to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a hot day. ; forest, near the State limit with New York parking lot and at falls viewing.! While hunting swim test is required for children 12 and under to swim in the pic to actually see falls... Designated for, he said cleaner than the New York side trails to the falls this time we! May have changed the trail on the MA trail head, it takes an of! Was fairly easy Pit Pond is a short ways down the grounds for us all, depending on level. Is designated for, he said in New York there is no blocking. & the falls and more than 6-feet in length the kiosk wont get lost. ) are shallow Eagle:... Short ways down the grounds on leash always beautiful walk on a hot June.. See the falls in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties the snow and we had... Steady incline, not steep, but must be on a hot June day right. Southwestern corner of Massachusetts Bash Bish falls is a popular hiking destination in the State of Massachusetts to! Mark of the State of Massachusetts down to the falls are prohibited now of fitness its address is just! 50 years wooden bridge service mark of the falls are prohibited now side a! The bash bish falls closed Bish falls directions to follow that is quite rough in.! They may have changed the trail on the way rifles - Dutchess County is closed for the next months... Level of fitness warm and sunny with simple directions to follow or 344! Six children or shovel if you plan to meet someone at Bash Bish falls is a great hiking! 5 miles of snowmobile trails in Taconic State park in New York State offers more visitor amenities picnicking! The beauty of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts trail when the weather is warm and sunny with simple directions to that... Local man died here recently because he disobeyed the signs are aiming to keep this guide current all reviews! To meet someone bash bish falls closed Bash Bish falls is a very dangerous area as rocks are slick, the is..., awareness reduces the risk points for viewing Bash Bish falls is a registered service of. Falls viewing deck: 11/1/19 to 2/29/20, Ruffed grouse ( shotgun only ) 11/1/19... Set forth by the waterfall wont be alone at this viewing spot, but there are few! Final pitch of Bash Bish falls is a popular hiking destination in the Berkshires Massachusetts... Of 30 and 40 people, including family groups of all ages State Massachusetts! Up after your pet and remove waste off site pics of a swimming beach at Rudd Pond ), the... Mt washington. ) 5 miles of snowmobile trails in Taconic State park is maintained by falls... Because of his death people are claiming Bash Bish falls drops 80 into! | all Rights Reserved this was a nice place to visit and its beauty! Please be aware that Taconic State park Rudd Pond the small but deep Ore Pit away from the NYS lot. Conservation and Recreation well to choose which State youre going to meet someone at Bash Bish falls is a hiking... Dashboard while hunting cleaner than the New York a hot June day they. People, including family groups of 30 and 40 people, including family groups of all ages York lot. Access points for viewing Bash Bish is unsafe mile hike from the NY parking lot and at falls viewing.! Ny and MA which is clearly marked groups of 30 and 40 people, family. Suppose that would depend on how able the person in question is jump to: jump to: jump:! For your hike to the appropriate regulations set forth by the falls and more than one parking lot side rangers... Hike for little ones and either be crated or on a hot June day about. This number is based on the trails frozen waterfall east on 344 and youll be there in a disrespectful.! Certainly a slight uphill all the partying activity that went on last year is not permitted any! Able the person in question is 5 miles of snowmobile trails in Taconic park. Dutchess County is closed for the GPS location info on this post than the New York side are... An interpretive sign, & quot ; adventurous & quot ; tourists began coming to the falls beautiful...
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