snorkelcat

Hi! I will be flying into Albany and either driving to Lenox or getting picked up. I have just a half day for touring on my own. I am very ineterested in the waterfalls that are in the area, but I don't have the time to do extensive hiking and a foot injury ,got while jogging, has reduced my fitness level (i have had to stop jogging while it heals).

What would be some easy to get to waterfalls that are nice? I have heard that I should see Bash Bish - I know it is not a long walk, but is it difficult? What about the following:
Race Brook
Waconah
Thatcher state park

any others?
Thanks!

sassy_cat

Bash Bish Falls are lovely. The walk is very short and easy (parking lot is a few yards from the falls).

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/bash.htm

Wahconah Falls are also definitely worth seeing but the walk is a little longer and more difficult (less than a mile).

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/wahf.htm

I love waterfalls and these are two beautiful ones especially this time of year. Bash Bish is also very pretty when frozen too!

MIWinnie

As sassy_cat mentioned, the walk to Bish Bash Falls is easy on a relatively wide level trail. I recall that there are steps leading down to the falls.

For something different visit Natural Bridge State Park, the site of an abandoned marble quarry. It is in N. Adams, Ma and is doable as you drive from Albany to Lenox.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/nbdg.htm
http://www.yelp.com/biz/natural-brid...rk-north-adams

My favorite is Kaaterskill Falls further away near Hudson, NY. It is the highest 2-tier waterfall in NY. However, the trail may be a bit much if your injury is severe. If you can manage moderate walking, you should be able to do this hike. You can also view the falls from the top via Laurel House Road, which is off of the North Lake Road in Haines Falls.
http://www.angelfire.com/ny4/waterfa...illfalls2.html
http://www.epinions.com/content_178503454340

MIWinnie

Forgot to mention Indian Ladder Trail in John Boyd Thacher State Park. The view from the escarpment is spectacular on a clear day. One can see all the way to the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany. The trail requires that you descend about 50-60ft on a metal staircase. From there the hike is relatively flat and easy. You walk under waterfalls at two points as I recall. The trail terminates in a climb up another staircase.

At Hop Field, park in the lot and walk toward the stone bridge, which can be seen from the start of the trail. At the bridge there is another beautiful waterfall on Fox Creek. The water from this creek flows over the escarpment to become one of the falls on Indian Ladder Trail. This park is about 35-45 minutes from Albany Airport and in the opposite direction from Lenox.

J62

There's also Cohoes falls - where the Mohawk empties into the Hudson. About 20min drive north of Albany, shorter distance from the airport. You can drive right to the falls. The area is forgettable, but the falls are pretty cool, especially after a spring rain.