Massachusetts' Highest Waterfall Hidden in the Berkshire Hills
Massachusetts' Highest Waterfall Hidden in the Berkshire Hills
The most dramatic waterfall in Massachusetts hides in one of its least-expected corners. Bash Bish Falls, tucked into a deep gorge in the Taconic Mountains of southwestern Berkshire County, is not easy to reach and not particularly forgiving once you arrive. The final cascade drops 60 feet in a distinctive split stream, divided by a jutting boulder that sends twin channels plunging into an emerald pool below. Along the full length of Bash Bish Brook, the total drop spans nearly 200 feet through a gorge that has cut 1,000 feet into the surrounding mountains. The result is one of the most striking waterfall settings in all of New England.
Two trails lead to the falls, each starting from a separate parking area on opposite sides of the Massachusetts-New York border. From the New York side in Copake Falls, a gentler 0.75-mile trail climbs gradually along an old road bed to the viewing area. From the Massachusetts parking lot, the hike is shorter but steeper, losing more than 300 feet in elevation on rocky, root-crossed terrain. Both deliver visitors to a designated viewing platform overlooking the pool and falls.
Swimming is not permitted at Bash Bish Falls. The rocks are slick, the pool is shallower than it appears, and the gorge has a history of serious accidents over many decades. The Massachusetts DCR has installed railings and is clear about the hazards. Visitors who approach with appropriate respect will find the falls genuinely impressive without any need to venture beyond the designated area. Those who want more hiking can access the South Taconic Trail, a 12.4-mile route traversing the ridgeline above the gorge with views across the Hudson Valley to the Catskill Mountains.
The park adjoins the 4,000-acre Mount Washington State Forest and New York’s 5,000-acre Taconic State Park, forming a contiguous swath of protected Taconic Mountain habitat. Wildlife includes black bears, bobcats, peregrine falcons, and timber rattlesnakes on the rocky slopes. The area around Bash Bish Brook is also known for trout fishing.
The Berkshires are the natural base for any multi-day trip to the falls. Great Barrington, roughly ten miles north, offers cozy inns, vacation rentals, and farm-to-table dining that have made the town one of the most visited small communities in western Massachusetts. Larger vacation homes with fire pits, BBQ grills, and beautiful views of the Berkshire hills are available throughout the region for groups and families who want to explore the Taconic landscape at a relaxed pace.
Visit mass.gov/dcr for current trail conditions and parking information. Book your accommodations for Bash Bish Falls State Park.
Seasons
In spring, the park’s trails burst into vibrant life, leading hikers through lush forests to witness the majestic 60-foot cascade plunging into a serene emerald pool.
In summer, the park’s lush forests and cascading waters offer a refreshing escape, with June, July, and August providing ideal conditions for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty.
In autumn, the park’s trails wind through forests ablaze with vibrant reds and oranges, offering a serene escape amid the crisp September air and the golden hues of October and November.
In winter’s embrace, the park’s frozen cascades and snow-dusted trails offer a serene retreat, with December through February providing tranquil solitude and breathtaking icy vistas.
Top 3 Facts about Bash Bish Falls State Park
Bash Bish Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts, with its final cascade falling 60 feet into an emerald pool. The total series of cascades and flumes along Bash Bish Brook spans nearly 200 feet in a gorge that cuts 1,000 feet into the surrounding Taconic Mountains. The twin falls, split by a midstream boulder, are visible from a designated viewing area.
Bash Bish Falls has been a celebrated natural landmark since the 19th century, attracting Hudson River School painters, writers including Herman Melville and Henry David Thoreau, and tourists from across the Northeast. The falls were considered sacred by the Mohican and Scaghticoke peoples who inhabited the region for thousands of years before European settlement.
The park sits at the junction of three states: Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut are all within a short hiking distance of the falls. Bash Bish State Park adjoins the 4,000-acre Mount Washington State Forest in Massachusetts and New York’s 5,000-acre Taconic State Park, together forming one of the most biodiverse protected natural corridors in the southern Berkshire region.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
The Massachusetts parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends; the larger New York lot at Taconic State Park on Route 344 in Copake Falls is nearby. No reservation or entry fee is required. Portable restrooms are available on the Massachusetts side from May through mid-October. Check mass.gov/dcr for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures before visiting.
Pack Appropriately
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with solid traction on both trails; surfaces are rocky, root-crossed, and extremely slippery when wet. Bring water, insect repellent, and a layer for the cooler gorge temperatures. Do not rely on cell service in the gorge for navigation; download trail maps before leaving. A hiking pole is useful on the steep Massachusetts descent.
Respect Wildlife
Timber rattlesnakes inhabit the rocky slopes around the gorge. Give any snake encountered a wide berth and never approach it. Black bears and bobcats are also present throughout the surrounding forest. Keep dogs on a leash at all times. Do not attempt to access the upper gorge above the designated viewing area, which is off-limits for visitor safety.
Stay Informed
Check mass.gov/dcr for current trail conditions, seasonal restroom availability, and any park advisories before visiting. Trails are extremely slippery after rain. Parking lots on both sides can reach full capacity on peak summer weekends. The falls are generally accessible year-round, though winter conditions require traction devices and extra caution on icy terrain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Bash Bish Falls State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The best hiking trails at Bash Bish Falls State Park include the Bash Bish Falls Trail, which is a short, scenic hike leading directly to the stunning falls. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and features beautiful views of the surrounding forest and rock formations. Another popular option is the adjoining Appalachian Trail, providing more challenging terrain and extended hikes for those looking to explore further.
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Swimming is not allowed in the falls’ pool due to safety concerns and the preservation of the natural environment. However, visitors can enjoy viewing the falls from designated areas and take photographs.
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Pets are permitted on the trails but must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s important to clean up after your pet to maintain the park’s natural beauty and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
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Bash Bish Falls State Park is open year-round, with the best visiting times typically from sunrise to sunset. Seasonal changes offer unique experiences, with vibrant foliage in the fall and lush greenery in the summer.
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There is no entrance fee for Bash Bish Falls State Park, making it an accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
