Mount Beacon Circular (Vigorous)

While not the highest peak in Dutchess County, at 1600 feet above sea level, Mount Beacon offers some really terrific views of the Hudson and at this time of year, the Fall foliage. Because of its visibility, fires were lit on top of Mount Beacon during the Revolutionary War to warn George Washington of British troop movement - hence the name Beacon. It also has an interesting history after the war and in recent years has been the center of a revitalization effort of Scenic Hudson.

I would like to do this hike in reverse of how it's usually done. We'll take the Fishkill Ridge Trail up to Lamb's Hill and head west on the Wilkinson Memorial Trail where we'll have lunch at a scenic view point. After lunch, we'll continue on the Wilkinson Memorial trail and the Casino Trail, making a short detour to take in some views at the Beacon Fire Tower. We'll finish our hike at the ruins of the old incline railway before returning to our starting point.

We will meet at the Beacon train station at 10:30 and either take the Beacon Free Loop Bus or car shuttle to the trail head. If you are arriving by train, take the 8:55 Hudson Line train out of Grand Central arriving at Beacon at 10:27. Please use the restrooms on the train. Exit from the south end of the station. Exit the station to the parking lot that is opposite the river side. You should see a flag pole and screen showing train arrivals and departures when you exit the station. If you are coming by car, park in the Beacon train station parking lot at 10:20 The leader will be coming by car. Everyone: Meet outside the station near the flagpole and screen showing arrivals and departures. I'll be waiting with sign up sheets. Expect a 9 mile hike at a brisk (3 level) pace with limited stops and 2000+ feet of elevation gain. I expect the hike to end at 4:30. Please bring 2 liters of water, lunch, hiking boots/trail shoes and poles if you have them. This hike would be rated 3D9 under the old system. No dogs, no smoking. Please note that Covid-19 has persisted in our region from its onset in 2020, with cases currently on the rise. In the interest of public health, do not join this hike if symptomatic of Covid-19 or infected with it.

AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001hox32AA/act00016064