Ready to be in awe of the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts?? Bash Bish Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Berkshires! We cover everything from hiking at Bash Bish Falls State Park to parking in New York State, and the trails that lead to this magical place in nature.
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Berkshires Travel Inspiration
- Planning a Visit to the Berkshires: 10 Step Fun & Easy Travel Guide
- Hiking Monument Mountain: Guide to the Best Hike in the Berkshires
- 10 Fun Things to do in Lenox MA: Tanglewood, Nature Walks, & More
- Ramblewild: Our High Flying Trip to the Aerial Adventure Park
- 6 Best Small Towns to Explore on a Trip to The Berkshires
5 Facts About Bash Bish Falls State Park
1. The water flowing over the falls comes directly from the springs of Mt Washington.
2. This area was first visited by travelers back in the 18th century. By the mid-19th century, it had become a tourist destination for nature lovers.
3. Famous painter John Frederick Kensett helped publicize it by painting several landscapes of the falls.
4. Bash Bish Falls is made up of numerous cascades from a nearby creek. The last and most incredible is 80 feet high, making it the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts!
5. Swimming is not allowed at Bash Bish Falls State Park. There have been over 25 deaths reported due to cliff jumping in the shallow pools. Stay safe!
Getting to Bash Bish Falls State Park
Bash Bish Falls makes for a great afternoon adventure as it’s just a 25 minute drive from Great Barrington, MA. Even if you’re coming from further away, the drive from any of the main towns in the Berkshires is very scenic. Enjoy the twists and turns on the country roads of Massachusetts en route to Bash Bish Falls State Park.
Where to Park: MA vs. NY Side
Although Bash Bish Falls State Park is technically in Massachusetts, it actually sits right on the New York border. This means you can park on either side to enter the park.
Massachusetts: If you park on the MA side of the Bash Bish Falls State Park you’ll be above the falls. The hike down will be steep at times as the trail winds its way down to the waterfall.
New York: Continuing past the MA parking lot, you can also park in the New York State side and walk in. This trail follows along the river and is a wider and flatter path to the falls.
Quick Viewpoint Before Bish Bash Falls
If you choose to park on the Massachusetts side there is a short hiking trail that leads to a viewpoint. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll have a beautiful view of the mountain range. We recommend doing this small section before heading down to the Bish Bash Falls trail.
Hiking Bash Bish Falls State Park
Our favorite Bish Bash Falls trail is from the New York side. The 3/4 mile track takes you through the forest with a slight incline at the end towards the waterfall.
Although it’s super popular in the summertime, hiking Bish Bash Falls in every season is just as gorgeous. Once you get your first glimpse of Bish Bash Falls the short walk will be well worth it!
Experiencing the Tallest Waterfall in Massachusetts
When we first turned the corner at the end of the trail we couldn’t believe our eyes. What a stunning waterfall! We’ve seen a lot of them in our day, and have even traveled to the largest waterfall system in the world.
Nevertheless, it’s still impressive to see something so beautiful right here in Massachusetts. Take your time walking down the stairs and have a seat around the main pool.
You can climb down the different rock formations and explore the stream. In the summertime, it’s common to see people swimming here and even cliff jumping even though it is prohibited.
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own experience in Bash Bish Falls State Park? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where To Stay in The Berkshires
Ultra Luxury – Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa – Take in some luxury in this historic Wyndhurst Mansion turned resort. Enjoy golfing, spa treatments, and views of the beautiful Berkshire countryside.
Fun Vacation – Courtyard by Marriott Lenox – Just a quick drive from downtown Lenox, this is the perfect spot to relax after a fun day of exploring. While there are plenty of historic hotels and Airbnb’s in the area, we enjoyed having the modern amenities and swimming pool at the Courtyard by Marriot.
Bed & Breakfast – Chambery Inn – This beautiful bed and breakfast is situated out in the countryside of Lee, but still close enough to walk to local restaurants and shops. You’ll also be just a few miles from attractions such a Tanglewood and Butternut Ski Resort.
Historic Hotel – Red Lion Inn – This historic hotel is a landmark in the town of Stockbridge. Stroll through town which is right at your doorstep, or simply watch the day pass you by while sipping on drinks on the front porch.
For more places to stay in the Berkshires you can explore the latest prices here!
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USA Travel Planning
Massachusetts Guides: 10 Fun Things Stockbridge – 9 Fall Desserts – Hancock Shaker Village – Clark Art – Berkshire HorseWorks – Olivia’s Overlook
Flights: We always find great flights using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. Book a tour of Fenway Park in Boston, skip the line at the Empire State Building in NYC, or go on a Sea Cave Kayak Tour in La Jolla California!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
