South Beacon Mountain Firetower and Scofield Ridge
This hike climbs to the firetower atop the summit of South Beacon Mountain and follows the Scofield Ridge, passing many panoramic viewpoints over the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains.
From the east end of the Bear Mountain Bridge, proceed north on N.Y. 9D for 14.5 miles. As NY 9D (Wolcott Avenue) curves sharply to the left at Bob’s Corner Store in Beacon, turn right onto Howland Avenue. Immediately, turn right into the parking area for Scenic Hudson’s Mount Beacon Park.
Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to the Beacon station. The trailhead is approximately 1.5 miles from the train station. To reach the trailhead from the station turn right (south) onto Beekman Street (towards Dia Beacon). In 0.4 mile, Beekman Street ends, and you should continue along Wolcott Avenue (Route 9D). In about another mile, Wolcott Avenue makes a sharp right turn. At this bend, turn left onto Howland Avenue. The trailhead is on your right.
This hike begins with a steady, steep climb of 1,000 feet of elevation in the first mile, and the overall elevation gain exceeds 2,000 feet. It is not an easy hike, but the spectacular views that it affords are ample reward for the strenuous ascents. Much of the land traversed by the hike has been protected through the efforts of Scenic Hudson, which preserves open space in the Hudson River valley.