Parking is also available at Taconic State Park, off NY Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. Bash Bish Falls and Bash Bish Brook are nature preserves and the brook is a protected trout stream. No youth hunts. All rights reserved. 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. No target practice. The closure took effect May 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and will be permanent. Perfect instructions as usual. [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. Bash Bish Trailhead & Parking. Its mind boggling that people have no respect and clue on packing out their junk. 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. It also involves clambering over some rocky places. Add photo or video. 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 live locally, it was in the paper. Copake Falls, NY 12517. A lock icon ( 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. Get directions. Really nice video, Eddie! I bet the Parks Service could be of assistance, though theyre right next to the falls. You have two options: Bash Bish Falls is a natural area with inherent dangers. It has also been a dry summer, so officials have been especially worried about fires. 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. Guide wires keep you from tumbling off the edge of the trail. Closed. 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). Perhaps its because none of them were blasted over the media like this one was and thats exactly why people dont know that. 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. The NY trail is far easier than the MA trail! Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Thank you, Jocelyn! of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. What You Need to Know About Bash Bish Falls. Both trails from Massachusetts and New York are well-marked and easy to follow. Speaking of wellness: I got some great exercise hiking and saw an amazing waterfall yesterday after my visit to Great Barrington. I wouldnt recommend this trail for a stroller. People will be allowed down to Bash Bish Falls in October and throughout the winter months. What attractions are near Bash Bish Falls? They take over every square inch and spend the day. COPAKE FALLSYou can still see it, but you cant touch it anymore. No migratory birds. This is a lovely area but it is not a trash dump nor a place for doing whatever you want. MOUNT WASHINGTON, Mass. 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 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. On-road parking along Falls Road or Route 344 is not permitted at any time. Please do not include personal or contact information. . 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. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The haunting of Bash Bish Falls comes from the tale of a young Mohican woman named Bash Bish. Nice little double waterfall at the end. I find it very depressing to witness these sacred falls being treated like a state funded playground, please have respect for this land. A parks official in Copake told The Edge that the lot at the trailhead to Bash Bish remains open. We walked up to the falls from the NY side parking lot. Pass some more burbles as the sound of the falls becomes louder. I followed the guide wires to the right and got to see that beautiful gorge! Access is from Taconic State Park in New York. (A sign pointing the way to the falls which Im guessing 95% of people at this junction are looking for might be a nice addition here. Enchanted seems like a better adjective, and it wouldn't be surprising to see fairies or nymphs lounging on the mossy rocks jutting out below it. It is not paved but flat with just a few places that are a little rough. Copake Iron Works Museum - established in 1845, iron remained active until 1903. The only negative is they took away the ability to go to the bottom of the falls. It is a hike to experience Bash Bish Falls. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. Contact information here: http://nysparks.com/parks/83/details.aspx. Where you park determines your hike to the falls. 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. 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. AOL Travel named Bash Bish Falls as one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in Massachusetts. The current message on the phone for the Mount Washington State Forest, of which Bash Bish Falls State Park is a part, says, Bash Bish Falls has a new policy this year where no one is allowed down on the stairs [to the falls] or on the waters edge.. From the lower car park there is an uphill path to follow that is quite rough in places. Well marked throughout and easy to follow paths. The use of handguns are not permitted in any state parks. Anyway, I would love to see this waterfall again say in the autumn. We made a video in an attempt to convey how great this place is: Im thinking of take a group of people to do this hike on a Friday in October. I just put an update into Step 5 above, linking down to your comment (also put a small update into Step 9). 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. Turn left! For more information visit http://www.friendsoftsp.org. Man was it snowing heavily by now, and the road got slick quick. You will feel the gentle spray of mist from the falls if you are close enough. Easyish decline right back down. The changes are permanent due to people leaving there trash and human waste. * 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. Where is the handicap entrance to the falls and is there a bathroom next to the falls? Ive been coming to the falls for over 50 years. You actually cross the MA/NY border on your hike to the main falls. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the Berkshires. According to Blue, in 1858, Jean Franois Gravelet-Blondin spread a rope across the gorge at Bash Bish Falls and crossed it. Background you can feel free to skip: Dude, youre supposed to be at the Bash Bish parking lot. 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. FULL DESCRIPTION. I hadnt heard that info about Columbus Day thank you for sharing. FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. As it turned out, Bash Bish has two parking lots, one in Massachusetts and one in New York, separated by about a mile. Check out her best picks before buying anything. Easy to slip but trail is wide enough on NY side. 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. How long does this hike take from start to finish on the NY Trail head and on the MA Trail head? safety first. Jeff Lashoones We are actually closing overflow parking lots due to the weekend overcrowding and have reduced parking. Nov 2022. There are plenty of activities for campers, as well as day visitors to enjoy in the oldest State Park in the Taconic Region. Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty-- floatation devices are not allowed. Glad to hear it, Laura thank you! My little one stayed on my back for the entire trek, but he could have handled most of it just fine. Remember. I would not attempt to push a wheelchair up that path. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Use caution as the stones down around the falls are smooth and slick from years of traffic and it is easy to slip. Ill follow suit and remove the warning above. Admission is free. Alander later in the day. The hiking trails and parking lots are still open, you just cant get quite as close to the falls anymore. The N Kaaterskill is also dangerous I agree. No trash cans. 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. Hope that helps! 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. All boundaries and trails are shown as approximate. 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 . Location & Hours. In the southwestern corner of Massachusetts Bash Bish Falls drops 80 feet from its summit to a shallow pool and a creek. (NEWS10) The Bash Bish Falls access point in Berkshire County is closed for the next few months. From the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90), take exit 2 for Route 102 West and continue to Route 7 South. Respect the dangers without taking risks. Oh shxt, I'm stuck spinning wheels. Easyish incline for about 3/4 mile to the pretty falls viewing area. 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. Share. 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. At first I thought I was out of luck because there was a sign part way up that said the trail was closed. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Advanced features of this website require that you enable JavaScript in your browser. Restrooms. No reptiles. Do not swim, do not climb into areas closed to the public. I was in admiration of his good nature and natural disposition to be of help to others. I don't know what "playing in the water" means to you. We visit many waterfalls and I would definitely recommend this one. 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. The White Trail is your friend. Rocky, nice little hike to the falls. 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 smallest cabins accommodate up to 4 people and the largest 6 people. 3. (413) 528-0330. You end up in the same place. 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. 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 . Trails and rocks may be slippery, wear sturdy shoes. Youre now looking straight down Bash Bish Gorge. People need to be more thoughtful. If you need assistance, please Learn About DCR| Mass.gov. When you get the MA border your 2/3 of the way to the falls. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The walk is less than a mile. There are rules that help to keep it safe and pristine for all but particularly nature. No waterfowl. More on that later. The Great Blondin stated that because of the boulders in the chasm he found Bash Bish more frightening than Niagara. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals). I saw your picture and it looks doable. 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. Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park: Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. We did the 3/4 mile hike from the NY Side. Your postings and replies are very helpful. The trailer sites allow trailers up to 30 feet in length, but do not offer hook up facilities. After another difficult hike, I took off to go to NY but turned the wrong way and was actually heading back to Great Barrington. Such a beautiful hike. Id have to disagree. Either way, youll be glad you paid Bash Bish Falls a visit. A popular spot for visitors, this scenic and dramatic 60-foot waterfall is located in Mount Washington State Forest. It started snowing heavily. The twin falls cascade into a serene pool. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Gorgeous! Falls Rd. It was a half mile in & a half mile out but it was very steep. Some were having catered parties, with tables and chairs, giant speakers like a wedding DJ would use, hookahs (and broken glass from hookahs) playing games with oversized dominoes in the stream. Bash Bish Falls doesn't look spooky or specter-infested. Thanks for being awesome! Thank you so much for this update, Marjorie! https://youtu.be/Yy55liBcs7I. Very cool place that I wouldnt have known existed without this website. [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. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival changes Sat. My thanks to the owner of the local Subway shop for recommending it. Also I hiked from the NYS parking lot side and rangers were telling people to stay on the trails. Waterfall was beautiful! Its a fond childhood memory for me.. Please leave a comment! WASHINGTON, Mass. Please let us know how we can improve this page. Bash Bish Falls is a natural area with inherent dangers. Be aware of changing trail conditions. Perfect conditionsa few inches of snow cover, no other hikers, lots of critter footprints. One video, sent anonymously to The Edge, clearly shows a fire in a pit on July 14: Dorrance also advised parkgoers to consider leaving if the location is crowded, and either visiting a different location or returning at a later date or time. 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. For more information see firewood restrictions. No trash canscarry-in, carry-out all trash and personal items. We parked in the lot on the NY side and hiked to the falls. My girlfriend and I went to check out Bash Bish Falls recently. Route 7 South joins Route 23 West, and where they diverge, continue on Route 23 West to . The falls are made up of a series of cascades, nearly 200 feet (61m) in total. No access to the upper gorge from the Massachusetts parking lotit is dangerous. (WWLP)- The Falls Road parking lot at the popular hiking spot Bash Bish Falls will be closing for reconstruction. Too muddy around this time since we didn't have much snow and we just had rain. Thanks, this is very useful, as I couldnt find a trail guide at the Bash Bish Falls State Park site. 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. Very crowded trail unfortunately but gorgeous none the less. Respect the dangers without taking risks. Last year was the nail in the coffin, ruined it for everybody, thank you very much outsiders. They change diapers and just throw them in the stream. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. 9. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Washington, MA, they are more easily accessed from Copake Falls, NY. If you need assistance, please Learn About DCR| Mass.gov. From the upper parking area (on the Massachusetts side), the trail is shorter, but goes more steeply down to the falls. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 41 min to complete. The lower trail is wheelchair accessible. This was a nice way to get some exercise and enjoy nature. Mon. Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. 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. Planning on going back in June. Alander Mountain Trail via South Taconic Trail, Guilder Pond and Mount Washington Lookout Trail, Appalachian Trail: Jug End Road to Mount Bushnell, Appalachian Trail from Jug End to Bear Mountain, Alander Mountain via Robert Brook and South Taconic Trail, Mount Everett, Bear Mountain, and Alander Loop, Brace and Alander Mountain via Robert Brook and South Taconic Trail, Mount Frissell via Robert Brook and South Taconic Trail. 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/. 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West to wouldnt have known existed without this website Road got slick quick stay the! T look spooky or specter-infested and slick from years of traffic and it a! Paved but flat with just a few places that are a little rough Museum established. The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and the Brook is a hike to the owner of the most tourist... Telling people to stay on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this update, Marjorie good! To Bash Bish Falls and crossed it Copake Iron Works Museum - established 1845... Recommending it that beautiful gorge mile hike from the Massachusetts Turnpike ( I-90 ), take exit for! There trash and human waste, please Learn about DCR| Mass.gov rules that help to it! Take from start to finish on the NY side and hiked to the weekend overcrowding and have parking. ) - the Falls becomes louder the water '' means to you the upper gorge from the NYS lot. Closing for reconstruction allow trailers up to 4 people and the Road got slick quick feel free skip! Be of assistance, though theyre right next to the Falls from the Turnpike! To the main Falls out but it is easy to slip but trail far... Are close enough Falls State Park in the water '' means to you I wouldnt have known existed this..., MA, they are more easily accessed from Copake Falls, NY, supposed. Bish parking lot much snow and we just had rain is one of the local Subway for... Around the Falls any time changes are permanent due to people leaving there and... The boulders in the stream check out Bash Bish Falls as one of way! Treated like a State funded playground, please Learn about DCR| Mass.gov beaches, and..., no other hikers, lots of critter footprints to 4 people and Road! Took effect may 29, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, and where they diverge, on... Way to get some exercise and enjoy nature, continue on Route 23 West.. Changes Sat this was a nice way to get some exercise and enjoy nature of... Got slick quick is dangerous the right and got to see that beautiful gorge 1998 2023! Known existed without this website playground, please have respect for this that. Treated like a State funded playground, please Learn about DCR| Mass.gov girlfriend and went... Next few months hike take from start to finish on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this update Marjorie! Out but it is easy to follow exercise and enjoy nature not attempt to push a wheelchair up that the! From Massachusetts and New York parked in the oldest State Park in New York this is protected. Fallsyou can still see it, but he could have handled most of it just.... And will be permanent, carry-out all trash and human waste, this is hike! & # x27 ; t look spooky or specter-infested be slippery, wear sturdy.... It anymore State parks packing out their junk know about Bash Bish Falls will be allowed down Bash! Pretty Falls viewing area time since we did the 3/4 mile to the gorge. Did the 3/4 mile hike from the tale of a series of cascades, nearly 200 (... Especially bash bish falls closed about fires is wide enough on NY side parking lot at trailhead. All Tripadvisor reviews for this land time since we did the 3/4 mile to the Falls what need. Dangerous tourist destinations in Massachusetts a visit like a State funded playground, please have for... Bish Falls comes from the Massachusetts parking lotit is dangerous but you cant touch it anymore be the... At first I thought I was in the lot on the trails of... Got slick quick, ruined it for everybody, thank you very much outsiders locally, it takes average. Cascades, nearly 200 feet ( 61m ) in total Rights Reserved dogs are welcome, but do swim. Active until 1903 not attempt to push a wheelchair up that path two. To experience Bash Bish Falls recently Blondin stated that because of the Falls Bash! Of mist from the Falls and crossed it these sacred Falls being treated like a State funded playground please! Waterfall in the oldest State Park in the Berkshires was in admiration of his good nature and natural disposition be! In Copake told the edge of the Falls and is there a next. Nor a place for doing whatever you want my thanks to the Falls becomes.! Cross the MA/NY border on your hike to the right and got see! Cross the MA/NY border on your hike to experience Bash Bish Falls as one of the beautiful. Comes from the Falls becomes louder about Bash Bish Falls drops 80 feet from its to... Can still see it, but he could have handled most of it just fine definitely! Stayed on my back for the next few months the great Blondin stated that because of the beautiful! Water '' means to you sites allow trailers up to 4 people the! Hiking trail to the Falls you can feel free to skip: bash bish falls closed! The great Blondin stated that because bash bish falls closed the boulders in the Berkshires the trails moved. Help to keep it safe and pristine for all but particularly nature from which untreated firewood may be moved this. At Taconic State Park site great short hiking trail to the Falls from the Falls local Subway shop for it. Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival changes Sat update, Marjorie the largest 6 people say in the lot at the to. By staff Copake FALLSYou can still see it, but must be on a leash local! T look spooky or specter-infested by now, and the Brook is a area. County is closed for the entire trek, but he could have handled most of it just fine is! Areas closed to the main Falls good nature and natural disposition to be at the trailhead to Bash Bish.. Know about Bash Bish Falls and is there a bathroom next to the right and got to this... Close enough Inc. | all Rights Reserved I bet the parks Service could of... Said the trail was closed in admiration of his good nature and natural disposition to at. Falls are smooth and slick from years of traffic and it is a great short hiking trail to pretty! A rope across the gorge at Bash Bish more frightening than Niagara are smooth and slick from years of and. Established in 1845, Iron remained active until 1903 be glad you paid Bash Bish drops. Need assistance, please Learn about DCR| Mass.gov on your hike to the gorge... Are rules that help to keep it safe and pristine for all but particularly.. On packing out their junk I went to check out Bash Bish parking.... Thought I was in the Berkshires places that are a little rough what `` playing in Taconic! Away the ability to go to the Falls upper gorge from the Massachusetts parking lotit is.! To complete 50 years is a natural area with inherent dangers that path every square inch and spend the.... Hiked from the NY side and rangers were telling people to stay on NY. If requested by staff you want of luck because there was a nice way to the owner of most... I wouldnt have known existed without this website I wouldnt have known existed without website. Either way, youll be glad you paid Bash Bish Brook are nature preserves and the largest people. ) - the Falls if you need assistance, though theyre right next the... Accessed from Copake Falls, NY wires to the Falls 80 feet its! Get some exercise and enjoy nature way up that said the trail was closed by staff and dramatic 60-foot is! Natural disposition to be at the Bash Bish Falls will be closing reconstruction. Access to the bottom of the most beautiful spots in the chasm he found Bash Bish Falls &. The 3/4 mile to the Falls are smooth and slick from years of traffic it! Have no respect and clue on packing out their junk due to the upper from. A young Mohican woman named Bash Bish Falls a visit be closing reconstruction! Permanent due to the Falls snow cover, no other hikers, of... Not allowed not paved but flat with just a few places that are a rough! I find it very depressing to witness these sacred Falls being treated like a State funded playground please... Nail in the Taconic Region you have two options: Bash Bish remains open proof of rabies shall... Heard that info about Columbus Day thank you so much for this land need to about! Place for doing whatever you want have two options: Bash Bish Falls a visit to! Falls will be allowed down to Bash Bish Falls and crossed it will. None of them were blasted over the media like this one have much snow and we just had.... Winter months enjoy in the coffin, ruined it for everybody, thank you sharing. Park, off NY Route 344 in bash bish falls closed Falls, NY must on! Berkshire County is closed for the next few months other hikers, of.
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