Mount Beacon Fire Tower Trail Hiking Guide
Mount Beacon rises directly behind the city of Beacon, and the climb follows the line of what was once the world's steepest funicular. The red Casino Trail switchbacks up past the railway's old machinery to the overlook where a mountaintop casino stood, and a longer push on the white trail reaches a restored 60-foot fire tower on the 1,610-foot south summit, the highest point in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.
Stairs, Casino, Tower
From Scenic Hudson's Mount Beacon Park lot at Route 9D and Howland Avenue, the hike begins on a metal staircase alongside the incline railway's route, then switchbacks steeply up the red Casino Trail. The first big stop is the ruined powerhouse and the foundations of the casino, with a view straight over Beacon and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. Turn right on the white trail to finish the climb to the fire tower. Return the same way and ignore the social trails that branch off.
How Far It Really Is
Sources disagree here. State Parks gives 2.5 miles each way, 5 miles total, to the tower. Mapping apps list about 3.8 miles and 1,384 feet of gain, and one trip log measured 4 miles and 1,520 feet. Plan on three to four hours with time at the top. The casino overlook alone is a much shorter, still steep, out and back.
The Fire Tower
The tower was built in 1931 and restored in 2013. Climb its 60 feet of stairs and the view runs north to the Catskills and south toward Manhattan on a clear day; Scenic Hudson describes it as Manhattan to Albany. Below the summit you will see the Beacon Reservoir, which is a drinking water supply. Access to it is strictly prohibited, swimming is banned and its shoreline is monitored.
Parking and Metro-North
The Scenic Hudson lot is free, open dawn to dusk year-round, and has two paid Level 2 EV chargers. It fills by late morning in summer and fall, so get there before 10 a.m. or use nearby street parking where signs allow. Without a car, take Metro-North's Hudson Line to Beacon: hiking blogs put the trailhead about 2 miles from the station, a walk through town along Main Street.
Dogs and Conditions
Leashed dogs are welcome in Mount Beacon Park, and the state preserve beyond it allows up to two pets on a six-foot leash. The trail is rocky and exposed in places, slippery on the steep switchbacks after rain, and icy in winter. There is no water on the mountain, and the preserve closes at sunset.
Hiking tips for Mount Beacon Fire Tower Trail
- Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends; the Mount Beacon lot fills fast in summer and fall.
- Pace yourself on the opening stairs and switchbacks; that first climb is the steepest part.
- Turn around at the casino overlook if you are short on time; the view there is already big.
- Stay on the red and white trails and skip the social paths that cut toward the reservoir.
- Bring traction for the switchbacks in winter.
Nearby trails to explore
- Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop
- Breakneck Ridge Long Loop
- Storm King Mountain Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Mount Beacon is a stiff climb with a fire tower and a town full of food at the bottom. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Mount Beacon. Download the TrailMates app to connect.