Scenic Walk from River to Creek, plus Historic Sites + Beacon's Artsy Downtown

We'll walk on dirt or gravel pathways alongside a scenic river and then next to a picturesque creek with waterfalls and refreshing rapids. There will be the ruins of factories and other historic features from Beacon's bygone eras near these waterways, too. As we walk in the outer part of the City of Beacon, we'll also have panoramic views of the scenic Hudson Valley mountains in the far background. (The leader will share some of his personal experiences hiking on historic Beacon Mountain.)

Later, we'll walk through the artsy and lively center of Beacon on our way back to the Metro-North RR station. You can, of course, stay longer and enjoy the many quirky shops, art galleries, art studios, restaurants, music, entertainment, and so forth in the downtown Beacon area.

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Beacon will host their annual festival, which includes open art studios featuring 80+ artists (free) and music & dance performances (mostly not free).

After our walk on the outskirts of the city, we will arrive in downtown Beacon at about 3:50 PM. You can then either stay in the downtown area to enjoy the festivities or head back to the Beacon RR station. (If you are not staying for the festivities, there is a 5:13 PM train. The inbound trains stop at the Beacon RR station once an hour.)

I'll comment at points of interest, but you will have plenty of time to socialize with others.

Cost: $5 fee per person (in cash) at start of this event.

About 7 1/4 circular miles, which includes first walking along the outer part of Beacon and then walking through the center of the downtown area.

This walk is at a moderate (not slow) pace. You have to be able to do the length of this event and keep up with the moderate (not slow) pace in order to attend this event.

NO DOGS, please.

Terrain:

About 35 percent of the time we'll be walking on wide dirt or gravel paths, which have mostly small uphills/downhills or flat areas.

During lunchtime, we'll have lunch somewhere on these easy path trails with lovely views of the flowing creek below.

At lunchtime, some might enjoy venturing down a very short, narrow dirt path to get a closer look at the creek near the falls and rapids. Then you might want to bring sturdy hiking boots and hiking poles in order to maneuver down to the creek and falls.

The rest of the time we'll be walking on paved streets or sidewalks.

Bring LUNCH/PLENTY OF WATER. No place to buy lunch/water near RR train station or at our beautiful lunch spot at the creek.

Restrooms:

If you are coming by train, use the restroom on the train as the two portable potties might not be available in the riverfront park near the Beacon RR station. Later portable potties will likely be available at two different locations. Afterwards, when we then arrive at Beacon's artsy Main Street area, restrooms inside buildings will also likely be available.

Important Notes:

Have, at least, sturdy walking/hiking shoes with good traction.

Bring sun protection.

Bring insect repellent or nets. You might not need it but have it just in case.

There is no need to post why you can't make this event.

Have question, contact John (Host) thru his private (direct message) Meetup acct or jrcpjohn@yahoo.com.

Train Riders:

Take 9:55 AM Metro-North Hudson Line (EXPRESS) train from Grand Central, arriving in Beacon, NY 11:27 AM.

Reg. Fare: $17.75 one way. You have to buy a ticket before boarding the train or you will have to pay a penalty (extra fare) on-board the train.

Senior Fare: $12.00 one way. Seniors can pay (get a train ticket) by credit card or cash on-board the train without getting a penalty (extra fare).

Drivers:

Signs at Beacon RR station said free weekend parking at some of the parking lots at around the station. The Metro-North owns the parking lots; LAZ Parking (Metro-North's parking operator) takes care of the parking lots.

To make sure which parking sections are free, you can go to the websites of Metro-North or LAZ Parking.

Bad weather (Rainy or extremely windy conditions) cancels. If Saturday's forecast calls for bad weather, I'll send cancellation email sometime before 6:00 PM Friday. If I don't send cancellation email, I plan to be there.