Bash Bish Falls

Mount Washington, Massachusetts

A waterfall in Mount Washington, Massachusetts, managed by Bash Bish Falls State Park, Massachusetts DCR. From the Massachusetts.

Short walkNo swimming

About Bash Bish Falls

Waterfall heightDescribed as the highest falls in Massachusetts (Mass DCR suggested hikes).
Hike detailsFrom the Massachusetts (Upper Falls) lot: about 0.6-0.7 mile round trip, rated difficult/strenuous on the park page and moderate in the DCR hike guide. From the New York lot at Taconic State Park: about 1.5 miles round trip, longer and gradual but rocky (Mass DCR).
ParkingFree lot on Falls Road, Mount Washington, limited to 24 cars; also parking at Taconic State Park off NY Route 344. No on-road parking on Falls Road or Route 344 at any time. In winter DCR suggests parking at Taconic State Park and walking about 1 mile up (Mass DCR).
PetsPets on leash always; clean up and remove waste off site (Mass DCR).
SeasonIn winter, use the New York lot (Mass DCR).

Waterfall

No sourced parking or trailhead point, so none is shown.

Managed by: Bash Bish Falls State Park, Massachusetts DCR

Route: From the Massachusetts (Upper Falls) lot: about 0.6-0.7 mile round trip, rated difficult/strenuous on the park page and moderate in the DCR hike guide. From the New York lot at Taconic State Park: about 1.5 miles round trip, longer and gradual but rocky (Mass DCR).
Difficulty: Shorter, rugged and strenuous from the MA lot; neither trail is wheelchair accessible (Mass DCR).

Parking: Free lot on Falls Road, Mount Washington, limited to 24 cars; also parking at Taconic State Park off NY Route 344. No on-road parking on Falls Road or Route 344 at any time. In winter DCR suggests parking at Taconic State Park and walking about 1 mile up (Mass DCR).
Fees: Free parking at the Massachusetts lot (Mass DCR).

Swimming: No. Entering the water is prohibited; no swimming or diving. Direct access to the falls is prohibited; stay in the viewing area (Mass DCR).
Pets: Pets on leash always; clean up and remove waste off site (Mass DCR).
Season: In winter, use the New York lot (Mass DCR).

Wet rock near waterfalls is very slippery, even when it looks dry. Stay back from edges and off the tops of falls.
High water after rain or snowmelt makes crossings and pools dangerous. Turn back if a crossing looks deep or fast.
Daylight is not a safety guarantee. Plan your time around the route, the weather and your group, and carry a light.
Check the managing agency for closures and current conditions.

No managing agency publishes: Formal difficulty rating. We leave these out instead of guessing.