Exploring the Southern Berkshires - Bash Bish Falls and BNRC Trails

I took a step back in time this week and traveled to the Berkshires, where at higher elevation, spring is a week or so behind the Connecticut River Valley and urban places. It was a relief to have less pollen to contend with in these allergy prone times.

It also turns out to be a nice time to visit Bash Bish Falls State Park- before the crowds arrive for the summer. With a jumble of big rocks and a cascade ending in an 80' drop, this waterfall will not disappoint - but it is also a serious people magnet. This popular park in the southwest corner of Massachusetts is heavily visited from Memorial Day through Labor day and probably well into the fall. The main entrance is in New York state, where this park is called Taconic State Park. It is a quick trip from the New York City area. I would think twice before going on weekends. There can be 2-3000 people visiting this small rugged park to picnic and enjoy the cooler temperatures and cold water rushing off of adjacent mountains. 

Bash Bish Falls State Park - the Massachusetts entrance - is a trailhead, with a small parking lot for 24 cars. Its a rugged environment, with a steep trail one third of a mile down to the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts.  The New York entrance below the falls is more accessible and level, with a three-quarter mile walk or hike up to the falls. From either end, if you have a disability (an accessibility plate or placard or your car will support your query) you can ask to drive up to the scenic viewing area. Bear in mind this will be a bumpy ride, with some smooth rocks studding the hard-packed dirt road. Plan to park below if you wish to picnic. Both sides of the border offer ADA accessible portapotties. No swimming is allowed around the falls area.

If, like me, you prefer less visited places with tranquil beauty, I highly recommend Parson's Marsh in Lenox. On a beautiful trail 1/3 of a mile long, you can traverse a field, pass by a pond, stroll through a forested swamp, and emerge at the edge of a marsh onto a deck with an extensive water view. I was amazed at the variety of interesting opportunities on this exceptionally well-built trail.

This trail at Parsons Marsh is owned by the Berkshires Natural Resource Council and was designed and constructed by Peter S. Jenkens and Associates LLC, a renowned accessible trail designer in New England. The drive to this fairly remote spot not far from downtown Lenox is well worth it. If you are visiting the area, don't miss this special spot!

Half of the trail or so is boardwalk. There are a couple of benches along the way, in addition to an accessible picnic table at the pond. The trail has a couple of stream crossings and passes by some intriguing old farm equipment and a huge toppled tree. The yellow birches in the swamp are wonderfully large and old. The variety of habitats offers good opportunities for birding, plant and tree identification, and wildlife sightings. I saw my first spring azure butterfly of the year here. You'll find this place of natural delights at 170 Under Mountain Road. An educational kiosk, with paper maps, provides a warm welcome, though no bathrooms are on site.

Berkshire Natural Resource Council has two other wheelchair accessible trails in the area, the Old Mill Trail in Hinsdale and Thomas and Palmer Brook in Great Barrington. All three BNRC accessible trails area (all created by Jensen and Associates) make for great explorations. Thomas and Palmer even features a map in Spanish on their website - all part of BNRC's excellent ongoing mission of inclusion.

DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to stay close to home during the pandemic and visit parks within walking distance or a short drive. If you plan to venture further afield, as well as on any outing, please protect yourself and others. In addition to following safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, please be sure to follow these additional guidelines for safe visiting:

• Minimize outdoor recreational time to limit potential exposure to COVID-19;
• Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of ten or more people;
• Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals;
• Administer healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing for at least 20 seconds;
• Participate in only non-contact recreational activities;
• Leave a park or area should large gatherings begin to build; and,
• Stay home if ill, over 70, and/or part of a vulnerable population