Fall Foliage Leisurely Hike: Mount Beacon with a Side of Chocolate

Come join us as we experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley with a LEISURELY fall foliage hike up MOUNT BEACON, which offers mountaintop views well worth all the huffin' and puffin' to get up there

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IMPORTANT NOTES: This is NOT a beginner hike. Please be honest with your hiking ability before signing up. FOR THE HIKE WE'LL GO AT SLOW LEISURELY PACE. THERE IS NO SHAME IN GOING SLOW. Though we will go slow you should still be able to handle physical demands of this hike.
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ABOUT MOUNT BEACON: Yes, the trail up Mount Beacon is steep, but switchbacks keep the workout manageable. The hike actually begins on a staircase following the course of the Beacon Incline Railway, once the world’s steepest funicular. Observation platforms atop the stairs preview the treat rewarding all who reach the summit: a panoramic vista stretching from the Hudson Highlands to the Catskill Mountains. A mile away, climb 60 feet up the South Mount Beacon fire tower for a view that’s even more spectacular — on a clear day, you can see from Manhattan to Albany.

GETTING THERE: 7:55am Metro-North out of Grand Central Terminal to BEACON STATION arriving at 9:27am.

Train will arrive in Beacon by 9:27am. We'll then pick up uber to take us to Mount Beacon park where the trailhead begins.

AGENDA: We'll do a 4-mile out and back loop. PLEASE NOTE IT IS A VERY STRENUOUS 4-MILES SO BE SURE YOU ARE CAPABLE OF GOING UP AND BACK. WE'LL GO A LEISURELY PACE AND WE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU BEHIND. BUT YOU SHOULD STILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE HIKE WITHOUT ANY ISSUES.

TRAILMAP: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/south-beacon-mountain-via-casino-trail

DURATION: This is an ALL DAY event.

PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. There'll be lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers,

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking -
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

AFTER HIKE, an optional visit to an amazing chocolate shop on Main Street in Beacon, followed by optional dinner in town before heading home.

WEATHER: Rain cancels!

MEETUP FEE: a $2.00 Meetup fee will be collected when we meet to help defray the cost of keeping this group going.

LIABILITY WAIVER: Come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable, etc, etc.