Bash Bish Falls State Park — Attraction in Mount Washington

We used to come here pre pandemic. Things changed. No more access to the water, the pool or the river. You cannot even go down for some cool selfies. All blocked. The ranger explained due to overcrowding during the pandemic, the water quality changed, too much litter and they changed the rules. I guess its all us people to blame... So you can go to the top edge now in the end of the trail that's about it. They really watch for people trying to get in. The trail is still the same 3/4 mile each way medium difficulty plenty of uneven surfaces with rocks and small elevation areas. My 2 year old and 4 year old managed tho in 25 minutes each way. Without strillers, you definitely cannot take even the most rugged stroller there. I was wearing slides and did fine too. So it's not your extreme hiking activity for sure. Porto potties both ends of the trail. Very few people compared to what I remember I guess bc it's not as much fun any more. They should do something in the end to attract people, make it more rewarding and exhiiting. otherwise it's a bit disappointing when you get there. You see a wall of plastic orange construction barriers.... and the falls behind them. Snap a shot and head back. Still gorgeous tho. Just out of...

We visited Bash Bish Falls for a hike with our dog. Parking at the Massachusetts side, it's a fairly easy half-mile hike down to the falls, though all uphill on the way back. In 2021, the state banned swimming at the falls and in order to ensure compliance, they erected highway barricades preventing access to the overlook (along with park rangers and sheriff's deputies parked at the barricades). Unfortunately, this blocks any decent view of the falls. With the overlook blocked, it's really not worth the time to visit. There are several other nice waterfalls in the area, like Race Brook Falls and Campbell Falls that you can actually see. And if you're looking for a hike, Mount Washington State Forest has plenty of trails that lead to something better than a view of bright orange barricades and a waterfall you can barely see through the foliage. Maybe the views would be better in winter, but really not worth the effort for a very poor view of a waterfall. It's a shame that people ruin...

This trail has one of the best sweat-to-reward ratios I've ever been on! Very easy effort for an incredible waterfall. Here are some things to note:

Parking: when I visited two weeks ago, the eastern and closest lot to the falls (on the MA side) was closed. There was a construction sign stating to park on the NY side. But don't let that stop you from going! Roundtrip from this lot is approximately 1.9 miles and a very manageable 300' elevation gain.

I visited shortly after sunrise on a weekday and was the only car there, though I would imagine this lot would fill up quick on a summer weekend day.

Once the falls are reached, there is a fence with signs indicating not to go beyond. Despite that, you have spectacular views from the viewing area. I wish the fence wasn't there to get a closer look, but what can you do 🤷‍♂️

This is a trail I would be comfortable bringing my 5-year-old...