Mt Beacon

Mt Beacon

Photography by Meghan Martin

Located in Beacon, New York right off of 9D, trail head is very easy to find. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/mountbeacon and trail is very easy to follow (straight up), and then continue on the red trail till the very top http://www.scenichudson.org/files/u2/MtBeacon_webmap.jpg. There are two places to sight see, one being the remains of the old casino and railway system. There is some really neat old history involved here, take a look: http://www.inclinerailway.org/Mount%20Beacon%20Incline%20Railway%20History.pdf. Then you continue on your way up, still following the red trail, to the fire tower. On a clear day you can see the manhattan sky line, and up to the state capital.  Mt. Beacon has been confused as the highest peak in Dutchess County, its high, but Brace Mt is the highest. On your way up be sure to look back and notice the great views throughout hike, and the remains of old cars and the old railway lines. The hike is difficult, but worth every minute. When you reach the fire tower at the top notice that as you look down over the cliff you can see a white trail marker on the rock. This is the fishkill ridge and will take you all the way to breakneck ridge, which is a great day hike from coldspring, or a great overnight hike from Mt. Beacon. If you started early enough I do believe you could get from Mt. Beacon to breakneck in a days hike, just make sure you plan with a car at each side. http://www.scenichudson.org/parks/fishkillridge
All in all this is a great hike in the hudson valley and we finished our hike with a great spot for lunch! Farm to Table restaurant in Fishkill, NY is on route 9 headed back to Hyde Park. http://www.ftbistro.com/ This place was perfect for a sandwich and a drink after a long hike. Usually for us, a hike = food + drinks:) Drinks we had here included cooperstown ommegang which is a favorite beer of mine http://www.ommegang.com/ and a great dragon fruit mojito, for your own recipe to make follow these easy instructions, I know ill be trying this again! http://www.tokyoterrace.com/2009/12/cocktail-friday-dragon-fruit-mojito/ HAPPY HIKING!!! (and eating and drinking)