Bash-Bish Loop

by BKClark

Here’s a short loop through eastern New York and western Massachusetts and to the beautiful Bash-Bish Falls, which borders the two states. The road time should be less than an hour, but plan some extra time to take a short hike back to the Bash-Bish Falls viewing platform. You will find the hiking trail from the New York side much easier than from the Massachusetts side (both trails lead to the same viewing platform). The short loop around takes you over rolling hills and countryside, and past beautiful long mountain views with very little traffic to distract you. Make sure to stop by some of the many attractions packed into this quick ride.

Gallery

Directions: From Taconic State Park in Copake Falls, NY head east on NY 344. Bash-Bish Falls will be on the right. Turn left out of the NY side parking lot to continue on NY 344 heading east. NY 344 becomes Falls Road when you cross into Massachusetts. Follow Falls Road east until you come to a “T” and turn left on West St. heading north. Turn right after about one mile to stay on West St. heading east, then at the next “T” turn left on East St. heading north. East St. becomes Mt. Washington Rd. Follow Mt. Washington Rd. north and east, then take a left at the “T” onto MA 41 heading north. In South Egremont, take a left on MA 71 heading west. In North Egremont, turn left on Prospect Lake Rd. heading west. Prospect Rd. becomes Blunt Rd., which bears left heading south. Turn left on MA 23 heading west. After crossing the state line, turn left on Breezy Hill Rd. heading south. When you come to the “T”, turn left on N. Mountain Rd. heading south. In Copake falls, turn left on NY 344 to return to Taconic State Park.

Tips: For the history buffs — from MA 41 in South Egremont, take a right on Sheffield Rd. A little over a mile on the left is the Shay’s Rebellion Battlesite Monument.

Shorthand: Copake Falls, NY – NY344[E]-> S-Falls Rd.[E]-> L-West St.[N]-> R-West St.[E]-> L-East St.[N]-> S-Mt. Washington Rd.[N/E]-> L-MA41[N]-> South Egremont, MA – L-MA71[W]-> North Egremont, MA – L-Prospect Rd.[W] -> S-Blunt Rd.[S]-> L-MA23[W]-> L-Breezy Hill Rd.[S]-> L-N. Mountain Rd.[S]-> Copake Falls, NY – L-NY344[E]

Ride Details

  • Ride Type: Circular
  • Time: 52 minutes
  • Distance: 27.6 mi. (44.4 km)
  • Average Speed: 32 mph (51 km/h)
  • Road Type: State Routes/Secondary Roads
  • Road Condition: 7–Smooth (a few bumpy sections).
  • Date Ridden: 7/8/2019
  • Maximum Elevation: 1700 ft.
  • Traffic Lights: 0
  • Stop Signs: 3

Gas:

Food:
Old Mill
John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant

Lodging:
The Egremont Village Inn
Windflower Inn
The Inn at Sweetwater Farm

Camping:
Prospect Lake Park

Repair Shops:

Attractions:
Bash Bish Falls State Park
Taconic State Park – Copake Falls
Copake Iron Works
W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site
Catamount Aerial Adventure Park
Prospect Lake Park

Connections: