Mount Beacon towers above Beacon and Fishkill at the northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands.

Mount Beacon is the most visible summit for miles around, providing the defining backdrop for local communities. Its prominence made the mountain an important factor in the Revolutionary War when it served as part of the Continental Army's early warning and signaling system. George Washington's troops set signal fires to communicate vital information about British troop movements. Mount Beacon is named for the beacon fires lit upon its summit during the Revolutionary War.

The incline railway, the steepest of its kind in the world at the time, carried visitors to the heights of the mountain for dining, dancing and enjoying spectacular views, from 1902 until the late 1970s.

Mount Beacon Park was created on land preserved by Scenic Hudson in the City of Beacon and Town of Fishkill. Totaling 234 acres, the parcels were purchased in 1995 and 1998, respectively.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Hiking / Walking Trails
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Interesting Points
Revolutionary War reference

Directions
Parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue in the City of Beacon.

After a day of hiking, walking, or studying the wildlife, pack a picnic from the produce at a local farm in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Dutchess New York.

The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming. In the winter, you can enjoy the Fahnestock Winter Park that includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.

The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.

The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch Sites
Boat Rentals
Bridle Path
Campsites
Fishing
Food
Group Camping
Hiking Trails / Walking
Hunting
Nature Trail
Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Recreation Programs
Showers
Swimming
Tent & Trailer Sites

Winter Activities
Cross-Country Skiing
Ice Fishing
Sledding
Snowshoeing Trails

The 11.5 miles of trails on Fishkill Ridge connect to thousands of acres in Hudson Highlands State Park and the summit of Mount Beacon. This largest and must rugged of Scenic Hudson's properties features some of the valley's best hiking opportunities, including the access to two of the highest peaks east of the Hudson River.

Some of the region's best hiking trails connect to thousands of acres in Hudson Highlands State Park and on historic Mount Beacon.

Things To Do
Access two of the highest peaks east of the Hudson River
Birding - Eagles, Falcons, and rare species
Hiking Trails
Panoramic views of Hudson River and Catskill Mountains

Directions
View our Fishkill Ridge Trail Map information and maps that will guide you on a quest to learn about the history and ecology of Fishkill Ridge.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, maps, photos and to view Scenic Hudson's Fishkill Ridge Trail Map.

After a beautiful day viewing the Hudson Highlands, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Dutchess County and nearby areas.

Deer, foxes, coyotes and wild turkeys roam this rugged and beautiful property in the Marlboro Mountains

In addition to great hiking and mountain biking, educators can use this 570-acre park as an outdoor classroom; this mountain forest featuring a pond, waterfall, hiking trails and views of the Hudson River and Catskills is a great place for children to learn about ecology and environmental ethics.

Perfect for nature study, hiking and mountain biking. Six miles of trails. Great views of eastern Hudson River shore and Catskill Mountains.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Fishing (Contact local guides for information.)
Hiking Trails
Mountain Biking
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 8.2 miles. Left on Old Post Road. Lower parking lot is 0.2 miles on right. For upper lot, follow Old Post Road to Poppletown Road, which splits off to the right. Parking area is on the left, 2.5 miles from intersection of 9W and Old Post Road.

After a day of hiking, nature study or mountain biking in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster, New York.

The rolling fields and quiet woodlands have inspired generations of writers and artists.

This 120-acre park is nestled in the region's famous National Historic Landmark District and offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and Catskill Mountains. A visit to this property by Washington Irving is said to have inspired his classic story "Rip Van Winkle".

The park itself is buffered on all sides by 780-acres of private lands under Scenic Hudson conservation easements that insure the landscape's protection from development.

Attractions at Poets' Walk include two miles of trails through woods and open fields, magnificent setting for landscape artists, and rustic cedar pavilions.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Hiking / Walking Trails
Nature Study
Picnicking
Scenic Views

Directions
Crossing Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge from west to east, turn left at first traffic light onto River Road. Entrance is 0.6 miles on left.

After a day of hiking, walking, or studying the wildlife, pack a picnic from the produce at local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Dutchess New York.

Burger Hill's seventy-six-acres of open meadows and rural, scenic beauty are perfect for bird-watching. The park is protected by a Scenic Hudson conservation easement and is owned by Winnakee Land Trust.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Hiking / Walking
Picnicking

Winter Activities
Cross-County Skiing
Sledding

Directions
From intersection of Route 9 and Route 9G, take Route 9G south for 2.5 miles. Parking area on right

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, photos and more information about Burger Hill Park.