Massachusetts' highest single-drop waterfall, split by a jutting rock into twin falls above a pool in the Taconic Mountains.
Bash Bish Falls is Massachusetts' tallest single-drop waterfall at about 60 feet, the final drop in a longer run of cascades that totals close to 200 feet. Near the bottom, a jutting rock splits the final plunge into twin falls above a pool, one of the most photographed scenes in the Berkshires. The falls sit right on the Massachusetts–New York state line, inside Mount Washington State Forest, next to Taconic State Park across the border.
The shortest approach is from the Massachusetts side, about a mile round trip, though it is steep in places; the New York approach from Taconic State Park is longer at roughly 1.5 miles round trip. Swimming below the falls has caused serious injuries and deaths over the years and is officially discouraged; stay on established viewing areas rather than the rocks at the base.
Know before you go
Mount Washington State Forest, Mount Washington, MA; also reachable via Taconic State Park, NY.
Year-round; flow is strongest in spring.
About 1 mile round trip from the Massachusetts side; steep in places.
No fee at the Massachusetts trailhead; day-use fees may apply on the New York side.
Not accessible; steep natural-surface trail. Swimming at the base is discouraged.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Mass. Dept. of Conservation and Recreation — Mount Washington State Forest ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
