Taconic State Park – Copake Falls Area

Tucked along the Massachusetts border in Columbia County, Taconic State Park’s Copake Falls area sprawls across 3,064 acres of the Taconic Range, where rugged ridgelines give way to hemlock-shaded ravines and one of New York’s most photogenic waterfalls. Bash Bish Falls — a dramatic 60-foot cascade split by a massive boulder — is the centerpiece, drawing hikers year-round to the trail that descends from the New York side into a natural rock amphitheater.

Beyond the falls, the park offers over 20 miles of trails ranging from easy creekside walks to strenuous ridge climbs along the South Taconic Trail, which rewards with sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and Catskills to the west. Mountain biking, fishing in Ore Pit Pond, and swimming at the park’s day-use beach round out the warm-weather activities. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over the trail network.

The Copake Falls area includes a well-maintained campground with tent and trailer sites nestled beneath mature hardwoods, plus rustic cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Sites book fast during peak foliage season, so reserve early.

Visit in mid-October for peak fall color — the Taconic ridgeline turns brilliant gold and crimson against the backdrop of the Harlem Valley below. Summer weekends bring crowds to Bash Bish Falls, so weekday visits offer a quieter experience. Expect well-marked trails, reliable cell service near the campground, and a landscape that feels far wilder than its proximity to the Hudson Valley suggests.

Word count: 238

One note: the park is actually in Columbia County, not “Taconic County” (there is no Taconic County in New York — the Taconic name refers to the mountain range). You may want to update that fact in your data.

Explore Nearby

• Old Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Massachusetts
• Hudson–Athens Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• Hudson–Athens Lighthouse — Lighthouse in New York
• West Cornwall Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Connecticut
• Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts