Beacon Mountain
Beacon Mountain | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | North: 1,516 feet (462 m); South: 1,595 feet (486 m)[1][2] |
Coordinates | 41°29′18″N 73°56′42″W / 41.4884270°N 73.9451381°W (North), 41°28′53″N 73°56′39″W / 41.4814826°N 73.9443047°W (South)[1][2] |
Geography | |
Location | S of Beacon, New York, U.S. |
Parent range | Hudson Highlands |
Topo map | USGS West Point |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Hike |
Beacon Mountain, locally Mount Beacon, is the highest peak of
Beacon Reservoir, the city's main water source, is located between North Beacon and neighboring Scofield Ridge, the highest peak in Putnam County. Since much of the land on the mountains and up to the county line is owned by the city to protect the watershed, an extensive system of roads and trails makes it a popular hiking area. Both summits afford extensive views of the mid-Hudson region, and on clear days New York City is visible from the fire tower.
History
In the past, North Beacon was home to Dutchess [1]
The mountains provided a key vantage point over
Fire tower
In 1931, the
Approach
The easiest way up the mountain is a dirt road used by city employees doing maintenance work or inspections of the reservoir. It is, however, closed to public vehicular use and vehicles are regularly ticketed for doing so.
The white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail leaves from the end of Pocket Road on the west side of Beacon. It can be followed for a mile up misnamed Dry Brook to the reservoir road. At the reservoir good roads continue up to the north summit, and at one corner the yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Trail offers access to the south summit.
The Wilkinson Trail can also be followed from its southern terminus at NY 9D south of the city, or its northern end near US 9 in Putnam County. Both routes require more time and distance, however.
One may also park and climb up the mountain from "Mount Beacon Park" in the City of Beacon. Parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue in the City of Beacon, across from Bob's Corner Store. The Park is part of the Scenic Hudson organization. Walk a quarter mile up the trail to see the remains of the old lower Railhead. Then a set of about 200 sturdy steps takes you a ways up the mountain to the first steep gravel and dirt trails. Even at this "lower" point you will have a great view of the river in the distance, especially when the leaves have fallen.
External links
- Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society
- Historical notes on Dutchess ski lifts at Beacon Mt.
- Scenic Hudson Website
References
- ^ a b "North Beacon Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ^ a b "South Beacon Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ^ "Searchable list of NY Fire Towers". nysffla.org. The New York State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
- ^ "Mt. Beacon Fire Tower". beaconfiretower.weebly.com. Mt. Beacon Fire Tower. Retrieved November 29, 2021.