Massachusetts
Nature|Waterfalls

A Trip To Bash Bish Falls When Massachusetts Has Frozen Over Is Positively Surreal

Bash Bish Falls in Massachusetts offers a breathtaking and secluded experience when frozen over in winter.

Updated Jan 12, 2024

Written by 

E Jamar

If you're from Massachusetts, there's a good chance you've visited Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington before. However, most people don't think to visit our tallest waterfall in the winter. Completely secluded and deserted for the season, when this waterfall freezes over, it becomes a hidden oasis that is sure to take your breath away. After a short hike, you'll find yourself alone with the tallest waterfall in the state. This mighty waterfall is gorgeous every time of year, but it's especially surreal when frozen. Plan a trip to Bash Bish Falls this winter to see it when it's frozen over.

Massachusetts is breathtaking in the winter, but most locals don't think to go on a hike to a waterfall after the temperatures drop.

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JasonOndreicka / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Bash Bish Falls is our most popular waterfall, as well as our tallest. This mighty waterfall has the tallest single-drop in the state.

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NPT1975 / TripAdvisor

Featuring an 80-foot waterfall, this gigantic fall drops down into Bash Bish Brook.

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Bash Bish Falls is located in Bash Bish Falls State Park. There's a short 2-mile hike to the falls, and the scenery along the way is equally beautiful.

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Allison Richards / Flickr

While this waterfall is amazing any time of year, it's especially breathtaking when frozen over.

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Jean Gazis / Flickr

Since not many Bay Staters take the trek out to the falls in winter, you'll likely have the place to yourself.

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Donna_Carpenter / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

There's nothing quite like standing beside a massive frozen waterfall in the winter. This is the perfect photo-op, so you can remember your trip for years to come.

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Allison Richards / Flickr

Next time you're looking for a winter nature outing, head to Bash Bish Falls when it's frozen over. This mighty Massachusetts waterfall is positively surreal in the winter.

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Jean Gazis / Flickr

For more information on Bash Bish Falls State Park, visit the Mass.gov website.

Head to Bash Bish Falls State Park in Mount Washington, MA to see this gorgeous waterfall in this video from The Northern Return:

Have you ever been to Bash Bish Falls when it's frozen? Was it otherworldly? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments. Don’t forget to enjoy photos from our Massachusetts outdoor adventures on Instagram by following the hashtag #onlyinmassachusetts!

If there’s another nature spot in Massachusetts that you think we should know about, you can nominate it here, and we might feature it in an upcoming article!

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Magnificent Scenic Wonder in Massachusetts That’s Located Only .25 Miles From the Parking Lot

Looking for an accessible activity to add to your fall bucket list? Check out the magnificent bridge and waterfall at Moore State Park in Paxton, Massachusetts!

Published Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

Fall is in the air in Massachusetts. Soon we will be hitting the annual autumn fairs, picking pecks of apples, and searching for that perfect pumpkin to carve into a scary Halloween jack-o-lantern. Autumn in New England is also a wonderful time of year to get out and spend some time in the woods. One of the prettiest places in the state to visit is a little state park in the central Massachusetts town of Paxton. I’m putting Moore State Park on my fall bucket list and highly recommend that you do so as well.

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A trip to Moore State Park is great for families. The walk is easy and great views are accessible via stroller and wheelchair. You can even bring your leashed dog along with you. The park is a beautiful spot to snap some great fall photos. 

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Sai Abhilash G/Alltrails

Parking is free in the state park’s lot on Sawmill Road. From here, you will find a paved path that leads you on a quarter-mile walk to a gravel trail. Although you haven’t traveled far, you will be rewarded when you set eyes on the gorgeous Enchanta Bridge set atop a beautiful cascading waterfall. With the stunning foliage framing the bridge in red, orange, and yellow hues, you will definitely feel the quintessential New England fall vibes.

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steve hearn/Alltrails

Step inside the restored bridge and marvel at the wooden architecture. From the scenic overlook, you can catch some great glimpses of pretty Eames Pond. The overlook is covered and has chairs where you can sit and take in the views.

Moore State Park is made up of 400 acres of land. The area was once bustling with sawmills and gristmills. If you choose to continue your hike, you will come upon a mill that has been preserved and restored. Other highlights of the park include an ancient mill foundation and even more waterfalls. There are also more trails to explore. Most are considered to be relatively easy hikes. Detailed maps of these routes can be found on the AllTrails app. If you enjoy your autumn visit, be sure to come back again in the springtime when the landscape is blanketed in colorful azaleas, mountain laurels, and rhododendrons.

Have you taken a fall trip to Moore State Park? Please tell us all about your experience. More information about visiting this small but beautiful state park can be found on the Massachusetts Moore State Park website. Find more great local autumn hikes at 9 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In Massachusetts.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Barrett Park Waterfall Loop Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Massachusetts

Published Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

Barrett Park in Leominster, Massachusetts is the perfect day trip destination. This beautiful 40-acre park is home to a long list of amenities including an 8.9-acre pond, picnic areas, a playground, and more. It is also home to the Barrett Park Waterfall Loop, a short and sweet waterfall hike that will immerse you in nature's beauty. It may just be one of the best waterfall hikes in Massachusetts for the entire family.

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Put on a pair of hiking boots, grab some water, and gather your family to embark on the delightful Barrett Park Waterfall Loop in Leominster. This trail is short — less than one mile — and it’s perfect for an outdoor adventure.

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Nancy Moore/AllTrails

This trail forms a small loop and takes you next to the beautiful Barrett Park Pond.

This trail starts on the Colburn Loop Trail. You will eventually join the Waterfall Loop and then hop back on the Colburn Loop Trail to return to your vehicle.

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Victoria Lee/AllTrails

This waterfall hike is 0.9 miles and quite easy. Beginning hikers and those with little feet will find this trail fairly simple. There is only 98 feet in elevation gain.

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Shawna Goyette/AllTrails

Despite the short distance, I recommend you take your time as you hike. There is no need to rush on this trail. You’ll walk through beautiful trees …

… and over small bridges.

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However, your favorite part of this trail may be the waterfalls. While small, they are beautiful in every way.

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Jeremiah Driscoll/AllTrails

This trail is quite popular so plan to enjoy the falls with others. However, if you do find yourself alone in the area, take advantage of it. Slow down, listen to the falling water, and let your body relax. It’s easy to experience a little nature therapy here.

Of course, after you have completed the trail, spend some time in this beautiful city park. There’s no better place to spend an afternoon.

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Jamie B/Google

For more information on the Barrett Park Waterfall Loop in Leominster, visit AllTrails. We also recommend AllTrails+ for the ability to download trail maps, learn about trail conditions before you go, and more.

Have you ever tackled this waterfall hike in Massachusetts? What are some of your favorite hikes in the state? Let us know in the comments. And if you are looking for a little hiking inspiration, check out some of the best hikes in Massachusetts. Each one deserves a spot on your hiking bucket list.

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