Bash Bish Falls State Park, Splish, Splash I was Takin' a Bath...
Written: Jul 18 '05 (Updated Jul 30 '05)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
| Scenery: |
 |
|
| Crowds: |
 |
|
| Time needed for visit: |
|
|
|
Pros: Beautiful falls deep within the woods.
Cons: Signs forbid everyone from enjoying the falls, hands-on...or heads under.
The Bottom Line: Bash Bish Falls are not a wonder of the world but they do make a fine stop on a day of hiking.
|
|
|
| popsrocks's Full Review: Bash Bish Falls State Park |
I travel often a couple-a-few hours from Long Island to the New York area just east of the Hudson River and the city of Hudson. This is an area between the Catskill Mountains and the Berkshires of Massachusetts that is noted for its picturesque farmlands on rolling hills. We have stayed at Lake Taghkanic State Park many times. There is a Taconic State Park that is even closer still to Bash Bish Falls.
We have on a few occasions ventured into Massachusetts to visit Bash Bish State Park about twenty minutes to a half hour away from Taconic. This is the home to a small but well celebrated waterfall that cascades 80' over large boulders and through the deep woods.
Some Basic Bashing
This area is quite close to Great Barrington of Massachusetts. Just north of Great Barrington is Stockbridge, a small town made famous as the subject matter of Norman Rockwell's Main Street at Christmas illustration. The Norman Rockwell Museum is just outside of Stockbridge and worth the short trip there.
Bash Bish State Park is within the bounds of Mount Washington State Forest. From the web site I learned that it, WSF, offers Wilderness Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding Trails, Hunting (Restrictions), Mountain Biking, Picnicking, Restrooms, Scenic Viewing Area, Skiing (Cross-Country) and Walking Trails.
Bash Bish State Park doesn't offer most of those perks except for the hiking, scenic views, and a couple of parking lots. You won't find concession stands or nearby restrooms.(There is one at the upper parking lot) Bash Bish Falls are noted to be the highest in southern New England. They are pretty but not overly impressive to me. All the same it makes for a wonderful half day.
There are a couple of trails from the free parking lots that will get you to the falls. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. I have done both over the years and more than once.
The upper parking lot offers some fine hiking. I would guess it's about a mile from the falls. It's all downhill to see the falls. There are no good views from above.
The problem with downhill all the way to the falls is that it's uphill all the way back. It can be strenuous returning to the top level parking lot.
The other option is the lower parking lot which leaves you with a short and rather level walk. The problem here is that the parking lot closes early and sometimes isn't even open at all!
The solution is to get up early and go to the falls lower parking lot,(if you are not into hiking). Not many people venture into this area early in the day.
The Falls
Once down to the falls especially in the spring you should easily see the bottom part of the falls that splits up into two sections and cascades over the rock below. The two falls on the bottom meet up and form a large V like shape. It's a bit impressive to look at but not the eighth wonder of the world.
No swimming is allowed in the pond under the falls. It can be dangerous when the waters are churning up the waters below. You might notice that the water has a greenish luminescent look to it. It does, but I don't know why. The last time we were at the falls the state had a worker down at the site making sure people kept a reasonable distance from the pool and very slippery rocks nearby.
I suggest going early in the day before the crowds come. The feeling is completely different when all you hear is the rushing water rather than screaming kids and parents telling them to "Be careful!"
Be sure to walk down stream a bit, especially when the waters are moving well to see some rapids. During the months of May and early June ,due to the snow melt-off and spring rains, the stream runs harder and faster.
Last Thoughts
This area is quite close to Great Barrington of Massachusetts. Just north of Great Barrington is Stockbridge, a small town made famous as the subject matter of Norman Rockwell's Main Street at Christmas illustration. The Norman Rockwell Museum is just outside of Stockbridge and worth the short trip there.
These falls are best viewed from nearby the base of them. There are no good views from above. This is a fine hike in weather that is not too hot although the rewards of cold water from the stream can be refreshing on the body, but remember, no swimming, drinking the water, camping or climbing except by permit. Be careful, many deaths have occurred here over the years because of dangerous antics.
Be sure to try and find the path from the higher parking lot if you can. It is not all that well marked and many people were off the trail sliding down the hills on their butts. Do look out for Timber Rattlesnakes that can be found sunning on open rocks.
Ha, I didn't mention the black bears and bobcats. Anyways, this is a beautiful corner of Massachusetts right on the eastern NY border. We have returned a few times so something is drawing us. It's worth a look, but be careful.
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Norman Rockwell Museum
The Hudson Valley
Recommended:
Yes
Review Topic: Hiking & Trails
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.