Beacon Mountain
| Beacon Mountain | |
|---|---|
North and South Beacon Mountain
|
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | North: 1,531 feet (467 m); South: 1,610 feet (491 m) |
| Coordinates | 41°28′53″N 73°56′40″W / 41.48139°N 73.94444°W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Fishkill, New York, U.S. |
| Parent range | Hudson Highlands |
| Topo map | USGS West Point |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | hike |
Beacon Mountain, locally Mount Beacon, is the highest peak of Hudson Highlands, located behind the City of Beacon, New York, in the Town of Fishkill. Its two summits rise above the Hudson River behind the city and can easily be seen from Newburgh across the river and many other places in the region. The more accessible northern peak, at 1,531 feet (467 m) above sea level, has a complex of radio antennas on its summit; the 1,610-foot (491 m) southern summit has a fire lookout tower.
Beacon Reservoir, the city's main water source, is located between North Beacon and neighboring Scofield Ridge, the highest peak in Putnam County. Since much of the land on the mountains and up to the county line is owned by the city to protect the watershed, an extensive system of roads and trails makes it a popular hiking area. Both summits afford extensive views of the mid-Hudson region, and on clear days New York City is visible from the fire tower.
In the past, North Beacon was home to Dutchess [1]ski area, and the remains of three ski trails can still be seen from the north. Additionally there was once the Mount Beacon Incline Railway, which stopped running in 1978 but has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Its track can still be seen going up the mountain and can be used to climb it, albeit steeply. At various other times in the past this summit housed a restaurant, a casino and a hotel.
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