The best walks and hikes around Beacon
4.6
(168)
2,149
hikers
18
hikes
Hiking around Beacon offers routes through the scenic Hudson Valley, characterized by steep ascents up mountains like Mount Beacon and trails along the Hudson River. The area's geography includes the prominent Hudson Highlands, forested ridges, and creek-side paths. The trail network provides a mix of challenging mountain hikes and more moderate riverside walks.
Best hiking trails around Beacon
- The most popular hiking route is North & South Beacon Mountains Hike — Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 35 minutes to complete. This route involves a significant climb to observation points with expansive views.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Bald Hill Loop – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, a difficult 9.8 miles (15.8 km) path. The trail features sustained elevation gain through the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Beacon Reservoir – Brook Falls loop from City of Beacon, a 5.0 miles (8.0 km) trail leading past a reservoir and waterfall, often completed in about 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Beacon is defined by steep mountain trails, forested paths in the Hudson Highlands, and routes along Fishkill Creek. The network offers options for different ability levels, from challenging ascents to more level park trails.
- The routes in Beacon are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 140 reviews. More than 2,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Beacon's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
5.0
(2)
15
hikers
3.22km
01:17
370m
10m
The Casino Trail offers a robust hiking experience near Beacon, New York, known for its steep ascent and rewarding views. This moderate route covers 2.0 miles (3.2 km) and climbs 1202 feet (366 metres) in about 1 hour and 16 minutes, making it a solid challenge for those ready for a workout. You'll navigate rocky terrain and switchbacks, with the path often following the course of the historic Mount Beacon Incline Railway.
Planning your visit requires sturdy hiking shoes due to the strenuous climb and eroded sections. Dogs are permitted on leash, so feel free to bring your furry friend along. The trail is particularly stunning in autumn when the fall foliage paints the Hudson Highlands in vibrant colors, offering a picturesque backdrop to your hike.
This trail is notable for its historical elements, including remnants of the world's steepest funicular line and the intriguing old casino ruins, which provide excellent viewpoints. From various spots, you'll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Hudson River and Valley, and for those who continue, the South Beacon Mountain Fire Tower offers 360-degree views that can even stretch to New York City on clear days.
2.03km
00:49
260m
0m
The Beacon Reservoir via the Fishkill Ridge Trail (White) offers a surprisingly steep and scenic journey for its short length, leading you through rugged terrain to a tranquil lake. You'll navigate past multi-level Brook Falls and ascend along craggy ledges, where rock outcroppings provide sweeping panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and the City of Beacon. The trail culminates at the romantic, man-made Beacon Reservoir, a peaceful spot nestled in a wooded valley.
This easy 1.3-mile (2.0 km) hike involves a significant 856 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain, which you can complete in about 49 minutes. The trailhead is near the Beacon Water Tank, and while parking is available, it's wise to arrive early, especially on busy days. Be prepared for potentially wet and slippery sections along Dry Brook, particularly after rain, and ensure you have sturdy footwear.
This route is a fantastic way to experience the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, offering a taste of its challenging terrain and impressive vistas. Keep an eye out for wildlife like turkey vultures and bald eagles soaring overhead. The trail also connects to other routes, like the Wilkinson Memorial Trail, if you're looking to extend your adventure beyond this quick, rewarding climb.
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4.6
(5)
127
hikers
7.23km
02:34
410m
410m
The Casino Trail offers a rewarding, albeit strenuous, journey through the Hudson Highlands, leading you past historical remnants and up to breathtaking vistas. You'll navigate a path that starts with gravel, quickly moves to a metal staircase, and then becomes a steep, rocky climb with numerous switchbacks. The effort is well worth it for the expansive views of the Hudson River and the City of Beacon that unfold as you ascend, especially vibrant during autumn's peak colors.
Planning your visit means preparing for a challenging ascent; the trail gains approximately 1,000 feet in elevation over roughly one mile. Proper hiking shoes with good grip are essential, and trekking poles can provide welcome stability on the uneven, sometimes eroded, and potentially slippery terrain. Due to its popularity and proximity to New York City, arriving early on weekends is a good strategy to secure parking and enjoy a less crowded experience.
This trail is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, following the path of the former Beacon Incline Railway, once the world's steepest funicular. At the summit, you can explore the intriguing ruins of an old casino and an intact cable house, offering a glimpse into the past before continuing to the Mount Beacon fire tower for truly panoramic 360-degree views.
4.5
(2)
10
hikers
15.8km
05:07
670m
670m
The Mount Beacon, Scofield Ridge, and Fishkill Ridge Loop offers a truly diverse hiking experience, blending challenging ascents with expansive views across the Hudson Valley. You'll start with a steep climb, often on stairs, reminiscent of the old incline railway, before traversing varied terrain from footpaths to bare rock ridges. Keep an eye out for the historic Mount Beacon Fire Tower, which provides an incredible 360-degree panorama, and the picturesque Dry Brook Falls, especially vibrant after spring rains. This route is a demanding 9.8 miles (15.8 km) with 2206 feet (672 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 5 hours and 7 minutes to complete, making it a difficult but rewarding adventure for those seeking a substantial day hike.
Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight. The trailhead parking can get crowded, so an early start is highly recommended, particularly on fair-weather weekends. Be aware that navigation can be complex due to the network of trails and potentially unreliable cell service, so downloading your route offline is a smart move. While the initial climb is strenuous, some later sections offer a more moderate pace. Spring and autumn are ideal for experiencing the trail's natural beauty, with lush waterfalls and stunning fall foliage respectively.
Beyond the physical challenge, this loop is rich in history and ecological significance. You'll encounter remnants of the world's steepest passenger funicular and a Daughters of the American Revolution monument on North Beacon Mountain, commemorating a Revolutionary War signal beacon. The area is also recognized as one of the Hudson Valley's most ecologically diverse landscapes, home to various tree species and unique ridge-top flora. This blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and varied terrain makes the Mount Beacon, Scofield Ridge, and Fishkill Ridge Loop a standout among challenging hikes in the region.
4.7
(3)
92
hikers
8.80km
03:25
540m
540m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Tips from the Community
If you're in New York and want to go hiking, this is the ideal place. Easily accessible by train, scenically beautiful, and interwoven with many trails of varying difficulty.
1
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Mount Beacon Park, part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, is beautiful, with fantastic hiking trails and spectacular panoramic views. The park's trails, which range from moderate to challenging, lead to the summit of South Beacon Mountain, with a restored 60-foot fire tower, offering breathtaking vistas that stretch from the Manhattan skyline to the Catskill Mountains, especially on a clear day. The park is also home to the remnants of the historic Mount Beacon Incline Railway, once the world's steepest, and the foundations of an old casino and hotel, adding a unique historical dimension to the natural beauty of this area.
0
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A metal staircase helps to overcome the first steep climb. Since all trails start/end here, the stairs protect nature. Because all hikers have to go through here and so the stairs protect the mountain from erosion.
3
0
From Bald Hill, you can enjoy great views of the surrounding hills. It's a very peaceful spot!
0
0
The view from the tower is impressive, no question about it. We visited the place on a hike from Beacon to Cold Spring and be careful: the way down towards Cold Spring is much steeper than the ascent and goes over some rocks. In the alpine area it would be an easy via ferrata. Be especially careful with children and use appropriate shoes.
4
2
As you can see in the photos, the station is also worth a visit because of the station, at least for tech-savvy people. The number of transmitter systems on the masts is impressive and the location is ideal as a transmitter location. To all amateur radio operators: take your transceiver with you!
6
2
A romantic reservoir with trees in the middle of a wooded valley. The water shimmers slightly green, it is more reminiscent of a species-rich biotope than a water reserve. Many mosquitoes, which annoyed us there, also remind us of this.
5
0
Only the outer walls of the cable car building have been preserved, the roof is completely missing. On the other hand, it is easy to get to the remains of the machines, which are quite well preserved. Two large electric motors where you can still see the wire windings, huge gears with a few teeth missing. I find it remarkable that the foundations are concreted, but the bases for the machinery were built from bricks on top of them. These bricks are likely to have had a rather poor quality, because they are almost completely weathered, which means that the complex has settled a lot.
6
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Beacon?
Yes, many trails in the Beacon area are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Parks like Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and Fishkill Ridge Preserve generally welcome dogs. Always check specific park regulations before you go and be prepared to clean up after your pet.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Beacon?
Absolutely. For a gentle and scenic walk, Madam Brett Park is a great choice. It features a tranquil boardwalk trail along Fishkill Creek that leads to a waterfall. Another option is Long Dock Park, which offers easy, flat paths with beautiful views of the Hudson River, perfect for a family outing.
What are the parking options for the main trailheads?
Parking can be competitive, especially on weekends. The main lot for Mount Beacon is the Mount Beacon Scenic Hudson Parking Lot on Wolcott Avenue. It fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. For trails in Fishkill Ridge Preserve, there are designated parking areas, but these are also limited. Consider carpooling or visiting on a weekday for easier parking.
Can I get to the hiking trails using public transport?
Yes, Beacon is very accessible by train. The Metro-North Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal in NYC stops at Beacon station. From the station, it's a pleasant walk to trailheads for Long Dock Park and Denning's Point. To reach the popular Mount Beacon trailhead, you can take a short taxi ride or use a local shuttle service from the train station.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls near Beacon?
Yes, you can find some lovely waterfalls in the area. The Beacon Reservoir – Brook Falls loop from City of Beacon is a moderate hike that takes you past a scenic waterfall. For an easier option, the trail in Madam Brett Park follows Fishkill Creek to a beautiful waterfall near the historic Tioranda Hatworks ruins.
Which hike offers the best panoramic views?
For some of the most dramatic views in the Hudson Valley, the North & South Beacon Mountains Hike is unbeatable. The trail involves a steep climb but rewards you with stunning vistas from the observation platforms and the historic fire tower, where on a clear day you can see from Manhattan to the Catskills.
What are some popular places for hiking in Beacon?
Beacon is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts with several highly-regarded spots. Some key areas include:
- Hudson Highlands State Park: A vast, popular park that contains many of the area's best trails, including the challenging ascents up Mount Beacon.
- Mount Beacon Overlook: The destination for many hikers, offering incredible views of the Hudson River and valley after a strenuous climb.
- Fishkill Ridge Preserve: A favorite for its scenic and sometimes challenging trails with great river vistas.
- Madam Brett Park: Known for its easy, accessible trails and beautiful waterfall, making it a local favorite for a quick nature walk.
Are most of the trails circular loops?
The area offers a good mix of trail types. You can find excellent circular routes, such as the challenging Bald Hill Loop – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Other popular trails are out-and-back, like the main trail to the Mount Beacon fire tower. Many trails also interconnect, allowing you to create your own custom loops.
What should I pack for a day hike in Beacon?
For any hike in Beacon, sturdy hiking shoes are essential due to the rocky and often steep terrain. Always bring plenty of water, especially for the climb up Mount Beacon. It's also wise to pack snacks, a map or fully charged phone with a navigation app, a small first-aid kit, and layers of clothing, as weather can change quickly at higher elevations.
How difficult are the hikes around Beacon?
Beacon offers a wide range of difficulties. You'll find everything from easy, flat walks in parks along the river to very strenuous mountain climbs. The trails up Mount Beacon and within Fishkill Ridge Preserve are known for their steep, challenging ascents. It's best to check the difficulty rating of a specific trail, like the moderate Brook Falls – Stairs loop from Beacon, before you head out.
Where can I find a trail map for Fishkill Ridge Preserve?
While komoot provides detailed route maps, you can also find official park information online. For a map and general information about the trails in Fishkill Ridge Preserve, you can consult the document provided by the county at dutchessny.gov.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Beacon?
The trails around Beacon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the rewarding, panoramic views from the summits of Mount Beacon and Fishkill Ridge. The combination of challenging climbs, well-maintained trails, and the scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands are consistently mentioned as top highlights.
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