South Beacon and Scofield Overlook via Casino Trail

This route starts at the base of the mountain at Mount Beacon Park. After an initial climb using a metal staircase, you ascend moderately steeply onto the Casino Trail. This is mostly old washed out ski trails. The first stop is at the ruins of the casino (as well as the machinery which hauled the railroad up), from which there are great views to the west and northwest. You continue the ascent (generally much less steep now) until reaching the old route of the Breakneck Ridge Trail (blazed with various colors). Here you turn right to reach the Beacon fire tower with its incredible panoramic view, ranging from New York City to the south to the and Catskill Mountains to the north. You then retrace your steps to the Casino Trail at which point you turn right. Continue (over generally flat terrain) until the Casino Trail ends at an intersection with the Wilkinson Trail (yellow), onto which you turn left, aiming for Scofield Ridge. There are two separate outlook points which offer views of the NYC skyline.