Bash Bish Falls State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bash Bish Falls State Park |
|
---|---|
![]() Bash Bish Falls
|
|
Location | Mount Washington, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States |
Area | 424 acres (172 ha) |
Elevation | 1,132 ft (345 m) |
Established | 1924 |
Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
Website | Bash Bish Falls State Park |
Bash Bish Falls State Park is a beautiful Massachusetts state park. It is located in the town of Mount Washington. The park gets its name from Bash Bish Falls. This waterfall is the highest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts. It drops about 60 feet (18 m)!
The park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This group helps protect natural areas in Massachusetts. Bash Bish Falls State Park is known for its amazing scenery. It is also close to other large natural areas. These include the 4,000-acre (1,600 ha) Mount Washington State Forest. It is also next to New York's 5,000-acre (2,000 ha) Taconic State Park.
Contents
Exploring Bash Bish Falls State Park
Bash Bish Falls State Park has many interesting natural features. You can find deep gorges here. There are also forests filled with eastern hemlock trees. The areas around the waterfall are covered in different types of trees. These include maple, oak, and beech trees.
Wildlife You Might See
The park is home to many kinds of animals. Keep an eye out for interesting wildlife! You might spot a timber rattlesnake or a peregrine falcon. Other animals living here include bobcats and black bears. You could also see porcupines. Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
There are several fun activities you can enjoy at Bash Bish Falls State Park. It's a great place for outdoor adventures!
Hiking and Fishing
You can go fishing in the park's streams. Hiking is also a very popular activity here. There are trails that lead to the beautiful falls.
Rules for Swimming and Climbing
It is important to know the rules for your safety. You are not allowed to swim or climb near the main waterfall. However, you can swim in the rock pools and streams. These are the waters that flow away from the falls.
Bringing Your Dog
If you have a dog, they are welcome in the park. Just make sure they are on a leash. Leashed dogs can join you on the trails and near the falls.
Getting to the Falls
Reaching the falls involves a bit of a hike. There is a trail that is about half a mile long. It goes downhill and can be a bit challenging. The park has three different parking areas. Each parking area has trails of different lengths that lead to the falls.
Park Hours
The park is open every day. You can visit from when the sun comes up (dawn) until it goes down (dusk).