Cold Spring to Beacon

This point-to-point hike is designed for people without a car accessing the Hudson Highlands via the Metro-North railroad and features a straightforward route from the trailhead in Cold Spring to the base of Mount Beacon, which is only a 1.75 mi walk (or 15 minute bus ride) through the town of Beacon to the next Metro-North train station. The route begins with a gentle ascent along the easily navigable Cornish Trail, before ascending the Notch Trail to the less trafficked end of Breakneck Ridge. The trail features few technical challenges, with only one section of rock scramble near the south-southwest face of Beacon Mountain. The descent into Beacon is along the relatively steep Casino Trail, allowing vistas from the went-northwest slopes of North Beacon Mountain without the sometimes grueling uphill journey. This route also allows hikers to visit some of the more interesting locations throughout the Highlands Park, including the Cornish Estate ruins, Sunset Point lookout, Squirrel Hollow, and the fire tower at South Beacon (the highest point in the Hudson Highlands at 1,610 feet) and the Casino lookout; while avoiding some of the busier sections of Breakneck Ridge and without relying on the Breakneck Ridge Metro-North rail stop, which receives limited service. The trail can be completed year round as a day hike, but caution should be exercised in snow, icy or muddy conditions.