Cold Spring to Beacon solstice sunrise hike - public transit accessible

The Plan

We will hike all night to watch the sunrise at Beacon Mountain. This is usually a solstice hike but the solstice is on Tuesday so moving this to Friday.

We usually do Breakneck every year but do to work on the new Fjord trail it will probably be closed unless the parks department changes their mind last minute so we might have to go up the side trail to Breakneck Ridge then Beacon tower.

On Saturday morning we will get brunch in Beacon and then either go swimming or catch the train back to the city.

I will create a WhatsApp chat a few days before so we can share in on the excitement, share pictures of the hike and also find each other on the trail.

The Route

Our route will be Cornish to Undercliff to Breakneck Ridge to Beacon Tower. Blue trail from Cold Spring to yellow to white.

This is a 9 mile hike. Bring a headlamp, food and water. We usually bring some beer or wine to celebrate. Maybe it’s in a can or in a box as glass can break. Also a warm jacket as it can be chilly before sunrise. It can be super hot during the day but at the top of Beacon it can 20 to 30 degrees colder at night.

Rules

If you are on the Yes list make sure to show up as you would take someone space if you don’t, if you are on the waitlist please check often to make sure you didn’t get moved to the Yes list as that happens all the time.

How do we get there?

If you are taking the train we will meet in midtown for dinner and drinks before catching the 22h47 Metro North train to Cold Spring.

We will walk from Cold Spring train station to the trailhead which is about .5 miles from the station.

Those of you driving can park at the train station or at the Mount Taurus parking lot. You can shuttle your car or just take the train back from Beacon to Cold Spring. There is a bus that takes people from the Beacon trailhead to the train so no need for car shuttling or a car for this hike.

What should I do this?

Stunning sunrise

This is the perfect time to hike what is usually one of the busiest trails in the area.

Did I mention stunning sunrise yet? Plus good company.

The caveat

We won't hike as a group so everyone must be able to read a map and follow blazes. Map of the hike is digital and can be downloaded here: Check out this map on the Avenza Map Store https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/91860