Bash Bish Falls — cliff jumping spot in Mount Washington, Massachusetts
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Bash Bish Falls

Mount Washington, Massachusetts
Photo: Tom Walsh / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

About this spot

Massachusetts' tallest single-drop waterfall, straddling the NY border in Mount Washington State Forest. Free parking off the access road leads to a 15-20 minute walk to the falls, mostly downhill (so allow more coming back up). Swimming and jumping here are officially banned: the state Department of Conservation and Recreation installed physical barriers at the old swimming access after decades of unauthorized use, because more than 25 people have died at Bash Bish, mostly from miscalculated jumps and falls on wet rock. The pools look inviting but conceal currents, undertow, and slick granite. Enjoy it from the marked overlooks rather than entering the water.

Safety first. Cliff jumping is inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Conditions — water depth, submerged hazards, and access — change constantly. CliffScout is community-sourced reference information, not a guarantee a spot is safe. Always assess the conditions yourself before jumping, and never jump where you're unsure. You assume all risk.

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