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While not the highest peak in Dutchess County, at 1600 feet above sea level
Mount Beacon offers some really
terrific views of the Hudson. 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 8:56 Hudson
Line train out of Grand Central arriving at Beacon at 10:28. 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 10:25 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 4:45.
Please bring at least 2 liters of water, lunch, hiking boots/trail shoes , bug spray, sunscreen,
and poles if you have them. This hike would be rated 3D9 under
the old system. No dogs, no smoking.

AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015nXN2AY/act00020362

AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.

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