Bash Bish Falls

Tucked into the folds of the Taconic Mountains along the Massachusetts-New York border, Bash Bish Falls is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles in all of New England. As the highest waterfall in Massachusetts, it commands attention: the brook splits around a central boulder and plunges in twin curtains of white water, forming a perfect "V" before crashing into the deep, mist-shrouded pool below. The roar of the falls carries through the hemlock-lined gorge long before you see them, building anticipation with every step down the trail.

The Setting and Landscape

The gorge itself feels ancient and wild. Sheer rock walls rise around you, draped in ferns and mosses that stay brilliantly green even in summer's heat. Boulders the size of cars have tumbled into the streambed over centuries, creating a rugged, sculpted landscape that rewards slow exploration. In spring, snowmelt swells the brook to a thundering torrent — the falls are at their most powerful and photogenic between April and May. By summer, the canopy closes in overhead, filtering the sunlight into shifting, golden columns. Come autumn, the surrounding hardwoods ignite in red and orange, framing the cascade in color that seems almost unreally vivid. Even in winter, the falls take on an alien beauty, with ice formations building up along the rock faces.

Swimming at Bash Bish

The main plunge pool at the base of the falls draws a crowd, but swimming there is restricted — and for good reason. The currents are powerful and the rocks unpredictable. The real reward for swimmers lies upstream, where the brook opens into a series of clear, quieter pools above the main falls. Here, the water runs cool and clean over smooth stones, giving you the chance to wade in, float, and soak in the gorge atmosphere without the hazards of the main cascade. The water clarity is excellent, fed by the Taconic highlands, and even on warm summer days the brook stays refreshingly cold. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on the Massachusetts side, so swimming requires good judgment and personal responsibility.

Plan Your Visit

Two trails access the falls: a steeper half-mile route from the Massachusetts parking area, and a gentler 0.6-mile approach from the New York side through Taconic State Park in Copake Falls, NY. Facilities on the Massachusetts side are minimal — plan accordingly and pack out everything you bring in. Entry fees are unknown, so carry cash just in case. If you want to make a weekend of it, the New York side at Taconic State Park offers developed camping in Copake Falls, along with a separate day-use swimming area in a water-filled quarry complete with a roped-off zone and diving platform. On the Massachusetts side, primitive campsites along Ashley Brook — about a mile from Mount Washington State Forest headquarters — offer a more rugged overnight option, and serve as the launching point for an exceptional loop hike taking in Alander Mountain's summit views and the Bash Bish gorge. The nearest services and lodging are found in the surrounding communities of the Berkshires to the east and the Hudson Valley to the west — plan your supplies before you head down the mountain.

Directions to Bash Bish Falls Overview: Bash Bish Falls is located in southeastern Massachusetts, near the border of New York. It can be accessed from either state, with parking areas and trailheads available on both sides. The falls are a popular destination for hiking and scenic views, but swimming is prohibited near the falls for safety reasons. Swimming is permitted upstream of the falls in designated areas. From Massachusetts: Starting Point: Great Barrington, MA Take Route 23 west toward Egremont. In Egremont, turn left onto Route 41 south. After a short distance, make an immediate right onto Mount Washington Road. Follow Signs to Bash Bish Falls Parking Area Continue on Mount Washington Road and follow signs for Bash Bish Falls. The Massachusetts parking area is located above the falls. Parking and Trail Access Park at the designated parking lot for Bash Bish Falls. From the parking lot: To the base of the falls: Walk to the right and follow the steep trail downhill for approximately 0.5 miles. Note that swimming is prohibited at the base of the falls. To swimming areas upstream: Walk to the left from the parking lot for a short distance to access the creek above the falls. Be sure to swim upstream of the warning signs near the top of the falls for safety. From New York: Starting Point: Copake Falls, NY From Route 22 in Taconic State Park, take Route 344 east. Follow Route 344 for a short distance to the signed Bash Bish Falls parking area. Parking and Trail Access Park at the New York parking area. From the parking lot, hike the 0.6-mile trail to the falls. This trail is relatively easy and leads to the base of Bash Bish Falls. Note that swimming is prohibited below the falls, and this rule is strictly enforced. Accessing the Massachusetts Parking Area To reach the Massachusetts parking area from the New York side, continue driving east on Route 344. You will cross the state border into Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts parking area will be on your right. Helpful Notes: Safety: Swimming is strictly prohibited at the base of Bash Bish Falls due to hazardous conditions. Signs are posted to warn visitors. Trail Difficulty: The trail from the Massachusetts parking area to the base of the falls is steep and may require caution. The trail from the New York parking area is longer but easier to navigate. Landmarks: Look for clear signage for Bash Bish Falls along Route 344 and Mount Washington Road. Parking: Both parking areas are well-marked and provide access to trails leading to the falls and surrounding areas. Enjoy your visit to Bash Bish Falls!

Two trails access the falls: a steeper half-mile route from the Massachusetts parking area, and a gentler 0.6-mile approach from the New York side through Taconic State Park in Copake Falls, NY. Facilities on the Massachusetts side are minimal — plan accordingly and pack out everything you bring in. Entry fees are unknown, so carry cash just in case. If you want to make a weekend of it, the New York side at Taconic State Park offers developed camping in Copake Falls, along with a separate day-use swimming area in a water-filled quarry complete with a roped-off zone and diving platform. On the Massachusetts side, primitive campsites along Ashley Brook — about a mile from Mount Washington State Forest headquarters — offer a more rugged overnight option, and serve as the launching point for an exceptional loop hike taking in Alander Mountain's summit views and the Bash Bish gorge. The nearest services and lodging are found in the surrounding communities of the Berkshires to the east and the Hudson Valley to the west — plan your supplies before you head down the mountain.

Access is via marked parking areas and trails in Massachusetts and New York. Check local park for current conditions. Swimming is prohibited at the base of the falls; designated swimming is only allowed upstream. No information on fees or facilities is provided.

Local lore tells the tragic story of Bash Bish, a Native American woman whose name graces the falls, adding an air of mystique to the site.

Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife and maintain the park’s natural beauty. Respect swimming restrictions near the falls.