The best walks and hikes around Copake Falls

Hiking around Copake Falls primarily involves varied terrain within the Taconic Mountains. You'll encounter dense forests, scenic waterways like Bash Bish Brook, and trails that offer views of surrounding ranges such as the Berkshires and Catskills. Trails range from easy, gradual paths to more challenging, rocky, and steep sections, especially on routes leading to higher elevations.

Yes, Copake Falls offers several easy trails. For a relatively short and accessible option, consider the Bash Bish Falls loop from Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area. This 2.5 km (1.6 miles) route leads through forested areas and can typically be completed in under an hour. Taconic State Park also features other shorter routes under 5 miles.

Absolutely. Bash Bish Falls is a major highlight. You can access it from the New York side within Taconic State Park, which offers a moderate trail, generally about 1.5 miles round-trip. An easier, roughly three-quarter-mile uphill trail follows an old woods road alongside Bash Bish Brook from the lower parking area. A popular route exploring the area is Bish Bash Falls State Park — Berkshire County, a moderate 8.8 km (5.5 miles) path.

For those seeking a more strenuous experience, the region provides challenging routes. The Alander Mountain Summit via South Taconic Trail — Berkshire County is a moderate route that requires good fitness, ascending to the summit of Alander Mountain over 10.2 km (6.3 miles). The South Taconic Trail itself is 12.4 miles long and features challenging, rough, and steep sections.

The Copake Falls area is rich with points of interest. Hikers can discover stunning vistas like the Sunset Rock Overlook and the Mount Everett Lookout. Of course, the iconic Bash Bish Falls is a must-see. You can also explore the historic Copake Iron Works Furnace within Taconic State Park, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Yes, several routes in the area are designed as loops. A popular option is the Bash Bish Falls loop from Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area, which is an easy 2.5 km (1.6 miles) trail. Another moderate loop is the Bash Bish Falls – Sunset Rock Overlook loop from Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area, covering 8.8 km (5.5 miles) and offering scenic views.

The hiking trails in Copake Falls are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 200 hikers. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the beauty of Bash Bish Falls, and the extensive network of trails within Taconic State Park that cater to different skill levels.

Taconic State Park offers a variety of trails, including shorter, less strenuous options that are suitable for families. The easier sections of the Bash Bish Falls trail from the New York side, particularly the three-quarter-mile uphill path from the lower parking area, can be a good choice. The Bash Bish Falls loop from Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area is also an easy and relatively short option.

Taconic State Park in the Copake Falls area offers a wide range of recreational activities beyond hiking. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming in the ore bed, fishing, and boating at Rudd Pond. During winter, the park transforms into a destination for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

While specific public transport routes directly to the trailheads in Copake Falls are limited, the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, which offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and rollerblading, has a 3.7-mile segment extending south from the Copake Falls area. For direct access to Taconic State Park and its trails, personal vehicle transport is generally recommended.

Parking for Bash Bish Falls is available from both the New York and Massachusetts sides. From the New York side, within Taconic State Park, there are lower parking areas that provide access to the trails leading to the falls. The Bash Bish Falls State Park Entrance also serves as a key access point.

Generally, dogs are permitted on trails within Taconic State Park and the surrounding areas, but they must be kept on a leash. It's always advisable to check specific park regulations or signage at trailheads for any particular restrictions, especially around sensitive natural areas or during certain seasons.