Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved crossing state borders. I remember being with my family on our annual road trips, getting so excited to see a new state sign. I think it’s genetic, because after my dad passed, I found so many photos of him standing proudly in front of state border signs. 💔

Last summer, I visited Copake Ironworks but didn’t have the opportunity to hike the Ironworks Heritage Trail or head over to Bash Bish Falls. So, I put it on my 2025 bucket list. Yep, my list includes both big and tiny trips.

I use the AllTrails app to help plan hikes, and I discovered there are two places you can park to reach the falls and the falls are in Massachusetts. Woohoo!

ADVENTURE 1

Bash Bish Falls from Copake Ironworks

The Copake Ironworks site is very interesting, and I knew I’d want to share it with one of my kids. Back in the 1840s, the area was chosen by Lemuel Pomeroy II for its ideal mix of natural resources: iron ore, timber, water, and access to a railroad. Over the years, it became a bustling iron manufacturing town with a charcoal blast furnace, worker housing, a company store, and even its own church.

Although iron production stopped in the early 1900s, much of the site still remains, thanks to restoration efforts by the Friends of Taconic State Park. You can explore the restored furnace, visit a small museum, and see other buildings from the old company town.

At the far end of the Ironworks site is a trail sign for Bash Bish Falls. It’s about a half-mile walk to the Bash Bish Falls New York parking lot—not far for me or my daughter, so we hit the trail. Starting here offers some special treats, including views of the old Trestle Bridge Abutments and a charcoal-making display. Just note: this section of trail can be a bit overgrown, so be sure to use insect repellent and check for ticks when you get home.

ADVENTURE 2

Bash Bish Falls Parking Lot (for a shorter hike)

If you’d prefer to skip the extra mile to and from the Ironworks, you can start at the Bash Bish Falls Parking Lot instead. From here, cross the lot and keep to the right to pick up the trail to the falls. There are a few other trailheads across the road to the left, including the Ironworks Heritage Trail, so don’t head that way, unless you want a longer hike.

Once you're back on the trail, it opens up quite a bit, and it’s just about three-quarters of a mile to the falls. You’ll likely see more people along this stretch, but the trail has plenty of room to pass.

Don’t forget to stop and snap a photo at the state border sign!

When you arrive at the falls, you might be a little disappointed to find that you can’t walk down to the base. (Well—you can see in the photo that some people do, but they’re climbing over a fence and technically not supposed to be there.) Still, the viewing area is lovely, and it’s a great spot to relax, have a snack or drink, and take in the view.

Since it’s an out-and-back trail, your next step is to hike back to your parking lot of choice—and cross the state line again (yay!). The hike from the Bash Bish Falls parking lot is about 1.5 miles round trip, and from Copake Ironworks, it’s about 2.5 miles. I’m glad we chose the longer hike—it gave us some peaceful time on the trail and a chance to see those extra historical remnants.

Thanks for walking with me to Massachusetts!🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♀️

It was a blast crossing another thing off my 2025 bucket list while also stepping into another state. If you want to learn more about the history of Copake Ironworks, click here to read my blog. If not, keep an eye out for my next adventure!

‘til next week, happy exploring!
Kathleen

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