What's really epic about this place (besides the beautiful waterfall) is that as you hike up towards the waterfall, you actually hike out of New York and into Mass. It's really a lot of fun. The other great thing about this state park waterfall hike, is that it's FREE. There's no real reason to not check it out.
Although there are many caution signs telling you not to swim, because many people have died up there. I DO still go swimming at the Falls. Once you hike up to the falls, you will see people swimming in the pool of 'falls' water. You have to be careful and cautious, but you can do it. The water is always so cold, that you are guaranteed to not spend a lot of time in there. Just basically to cool off. You will notice people jumping from the higher rocks into the pool of water...that is extremely dangerous as people have hit their head and died under the falls. Not something I would suggest. Every hour or so, security does make their way up to the Bash-Bish Falls to yell at everyone to get out of the water. Once the security guards leave, everyone goes right back in the water. It's kind of funny that way. When ever I go with my friends, we usually bring lunch and spend a half of a day up there. Once you hike up to the Falls, there is a steep concrete staircase that leads you down to the bottom of the falls where the "non"-swimming pool is.
One other thing....although it REALLY creeps me out, you can bring your dog up to the falls and people do let their dog swim in some of the water.
If you're going to go (which I highly recommend)...
- Wear socks and sneakers; the trail terrain could be washed out from water, with loose edging
- Wear Bathing suit
- Bring towel
- Lunch/snacks (optional)
- Check the weather for Copake
BASH BISH FALLS STATE PARK
COURTESY OF BERKSHIRE HIKING:
Bash Bish Falls might be the most spectacular waterfall in the state Massachusetts. It's literally located on the state line of NY and MA in Mt. Washington, MA. (It's a thirty second drive up from Taconic State Forrest which is in Copake Falls, NY.) Bash Bish is an all-star attraction guaranteed to satisfy. The falls plummet through a series of dramatic gorges before finally cascading about 80 feet into sparkling pools of water. Even if there hasn't been much rain, Bash Bish is still a picturesque scene but when it has received a lot of rain or snow melts it's unlikely you'll see a better waterfall in all of New England. The trail leading up to Bash Bish Falls runs along the river that flows out and away from the falls. It's a great way to get some exercise and adds a little drama to the experience since you can hear the falls get louder and louder as you close in on them. The hike from the main entrance to the falls is a moderate distance, fairly easy for those in relative good shape. On the day I was there, small children with their grandparents had made it to the falls without any problems.
There is a second way to experience the falls by descending the blue trail system to the falls. This north entrance above the falls is about a mile from the main entrance on the right hand side. You can't miss the parking lot and cutout from the road. Warning: Although this area offers a great view of the surrounding area and unique views of the falls from above, it's also potentially dangerous as the small summit is jagged rock and can be very slippery. The DEM have constructed a strong wire fence to keep folks away from the sheer drop offs, but it's still a scary place to bring children or anyone who is a novice hiker. If you try the upper north entrance and it's your first time there, please be very cautious with each step you take. You could be critically injured...or worse...if you got too close to an edge. Please stand back and enjoy it what is presented to you...don't go that extra 10 feet just for the thrill.
There is a second way to experience the falls by descending the blue trail system to the falls. This north entrance above the falls is about a mile from the main entrance on the right hand side. You can't miss the parking lot and cutout from the road. Warning: Although this area offers a great view of the surrounding area and unique views of the falls from above, it's also potentially dangerous as the small summit is jagged rock and can be very slippery. The DEM have constructed a strong wire fence to keep folks away from the sheer drop offs, but it's still a scary place to bring children or anyone who is a novice hiker. If you try the upper north entrance and it's your first time there, please be very cautious with each step you take. You could be critically injured...or worse...if you got too close to an edge. Please stand back and enjoy it what is presented to you...don't go that extra 10 feet just for the thrill.
Bash Bish Falls is a great place to explore a running river ecosystem and picturesque waterfalls as they tumble through a deep green forest. As noted before, any waterfall is best experienced if the region it's located in has received a decent amount of rain or snow melt.
NOW FOR THE PHOTOS
(I CAN'T TAKE ANY CREDIT FOR ANY OF THESE)
