Alander Mountain on the NY/MA Line - Bash Bish Falls

A 90 minute to two hour drive from Fairfield County is Alander Mountain in Mount Washington State Park.  This mountain is in the southwest corner of Massachusetts, right on the state line with Copake Falls, NY.  The biggest attraction in the area is Bash Bish Falls and most activity in the area will be people heading to see the Falls.  Books often list Bash Bish Falls as a hike itself but its really just a one mile walk from the parking lot to the Falls. It is an uphill walk from the parking lot, enough to make young kids cranky but its not a hike.

Alander Mountain has an elevation of 2239 feet.  The mountain is surrounded by 10,000 acres of conservation land, so the views are stunning.  The trail is a 7.6 mile loop and its a moderate to strenuous hike.  We did pass some people who were not wearing appropriate hiking gear and they were in the process of giving up; so just because its not one the 4,000 footers in NH, don't think its not a tough hike.

Get directions from: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/mt-washington-state-forest-generic.html   We came from the direction of Copake Falls, NY - so we followed Route 344 east for two miles (turned into Falls Road when we crossed the state line) and we parked in a parking lot on the right.

The hike began with us crossing a small brook,  but as it had just rained the night before, it was a pretty strong current.  If my kids were with us, I would not have gone across, as the Falls are not far from this location.  Pretty soon after the brook there is a very steep climb and a metal fence for safety, as it a sheer drop on the other side.  It was more like climbing at this point but the dog had no problem.  Right after this area, however, is where were met a lot of people who were giving up.  Don't, its not a bad hike after this part, the beginning is really the toughest.  Just make sure to bring plenty of water and food.

Okay, but it was kind of hard, didn't want a picture.  This area of the hike was beautiful.  No views but in the middle of trees and ferns.  

The views are great.  We stopped at this area for lunch and watched hawks in the distance.

Bash Bish Falls 

(I know, you want to call them Bish Bash - everyone does)

At the end of the hike you will come to Bash Bish Falls.  This is where you will see a lot of people.  The Falls are beautiful and there will be police there trying to keep people out of the pool by the Falls.  There are pools going down from the Falls to the parking lot area.  We did see a lot of people in those pools, but not sure if those are off limits as well.  

Bash Bish Falls is somewhat infamous.  It has been rated as one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the U.S. and the World.  I know, they don't look dangerous.  Cliff jumping, which is not legal, claims a lot of lives as well as strong currents sweeping people down river.  The problem is also the rocks to view the Falls.  When you get to the Falls, you climb down some steep stairs.  A lot of people are dressed in sadals, sneakers, etc.  The rocks are slippery!  Last time we were there, paramedics were preparing to hoist up a guy who slipped on the rocks while taking a picture and hit his head.  He was complaining that he couldn't move his legs - so take caution.

For more information on the Falls go to: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/bash-bish-falls-state-park.html

If you are interested in hiking in this area or New England, I highly advise the book 100 Classic Hikes in New England by Jeffrey Romano.  

http://www.amazon.com/100-Classic-Hikes-England-Massachusetts/dp/159485100X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406901370&sr=8-1&keywords=100+classic+hikes+in+new+england

Before we got to the Falls the dog needed a drink - by biting the water.  First hike where when we got to the car, our Dutchie immediately curled up and went to sleep.