Bash Bish Falls in Massachusetts 2024

The tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, Bash Bish Falls, is located in the Taconic Mountains of Berkshire County. A popular hiking destination, this is one of the main attractions of the Berkshires. Bash Bish Falls is 200 feet (61 m) high and features a series of picturesque cascades that split into two before dropping into a turquoise pool of water. The impressive drop is 80 feet (24 m).

Travelers find the "Bish Bash" name somewhat unusual to their ears. According to a local legend, Bash Bish was the name of a Mohican girl who was tied to a canoe and was sent down the waterfall to be punished for being unfaithful.

How to get to Bash Bish Falls

Bash Bish Falls is nestled in the far southwest corner of Massachusetts. The closest town to Bash Bish Falls is Copake, New York. From there, you can easily reach the two waterfall trailheads by driving NY 22 and then NY 344, which turns into Falls Road closer to Massachusetts. After about a mile, you’ll see the Taconic State Park to the right; that's where the NY trailhead for Bash Bish Falls is. If you keep driving for another mile, you'll see that road twist and climb up. After a sharp right curve, you'll see the clearly-marked MA trailhead on your right. From parking, Bash Bish Falls can be reached by a short and easy hike. You can choose to walk either up or down. From the lower parking lot in New York, the hike is an uphill ascent less than a mile long. The route will get you to the base of the Bash Bish Falls. From the upper parking lot in Massachusetts, the hike is shorter, but still rather steep. The descent is about 0.3 miles to the base of the waterfall.

Best time to visit Bash Bish Falls

The hiking season in the Berkshires generally runs from April to November. April and May are the best months to visit Bash Bish Falls as it displays the full flow and lots of volume due to the snowmelt. In the summer, the flow can get weaker, however, it's still impressive because summers in this area are rather rainy. However, being a popular hiking destination, the area also attracts larger crowds. In the fall months, the waterfall looks beautiful thanks to the astonishing fall foliage in the mountains.

Things to do at Bash Bish Falls

Some of the best New England hiking trails are close to Bash Bish Falls State Park. You can choose between The Taconic Trail and the Mt. Washington State Forest Trail as well as many others. Nearby Mt. Everett State Reservation offers a stunning panorama of three states from the top of Mt. Everett. Guilder Pond with old pines around is also worth checking out. Swimming or rock climbing at Bash Bish Falls Park is prohibited. There have been multiple injuries and casualties in the park due to climbing and swimming accidents.

Bash Bish Falls can be easily reached from New York, Massachusetts or Connecticut. Being one of the most scenic spots in the Berkshires and surrounded by great hiking trails, it's definitely worth a visit.