Tag: Train Tracks

Dennings Point, Beacon

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A cool little peninsula in Beacon sticking out in the river offers visitor’s some nice hiking trails, a peaceful cove, awesome bird watching opportunities.  Part of the Hudson Highlands State Park, Dennings Point provides a nice trail loop that highlights the industrial past of Beacon.  There are still remnances of old factory buildings in a few spots around the park.  One of my favorite photography spots in the park is the view of an old abandoned railway track curving towards the soaring Hudson Highlands in the background.  The park is also home to the Beacon Institute, a non profit institution that studies the effects of the waterways.  Finally this park is also one of the best bird watching spots in Beacon.  It is not uncommon to spot Herons and Eagles soaring above.  There are also a beautiful mile long riverside trail that connects Dennings Point with Long Dock Park that I would highly recommend visiting!

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 140 Dennings Ave, Beacon, NY 12508 into your GPS.  There is plenty of parking available here.  The parking lot is oddly located next to the Beacon Sewage Treatment Plant.  From the parking lot walk towards the train tracks and you will see the entrance for the trail.

USEFUL LINKS

Trail map

History of Dennings Point

Beacon Institute

Beacon Falls, Beacon

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Beacon Falls is a pretty waterfall located in Beacon and is a perfect symbol of the resurgence of Beacon.  This area of town was once a major industrial area early in the 20th century.    Once the industries shutdown, the area became ugly and rundown.  However Beacon is making a big comeback in the last three or four years and Main St in Beacon is now one of the liveliest places to visit in the Hudson Valley today!  Main St Beacon is now filled with amazing restaurants, boutique shops, and brilliant art galleries.

Beacon  Falls is located  on the east end of the Main Street.  It might be small, maybe ten feet, but it is surrounded by stunning beauty all around. Abandoned rail tracks and a small park on one side and the beautifully restored buildings of the Roundhouse on the other, the waterfall is provided with a perfect backdrop by the towering Mt. Beacon. The falls are part of a series of small waterfalls along the Fishkill creek that is capped off by the Tioronda Falls a couple of miles downstream in Madam Brett Park before it joins the majestic Hudson River.

The falls are easy to see from the road and there are a few street parking spots right next to it. A couple of the restaurants on main street in Beacon provide beautiful view of the falls as you dine.  The views from the Roudhouse restaurant and patio (open seasonally) offer stunning views of the falls as you fill up your tummy.  Recently installed lights  provide a different looks and vibe to falls when you visit at night.  For those that love to see squirrels in action, the park next to the falls is a must visit.  I don’t think I have seen a higher density of squirrels anywhere else in the world!  It is pretty to visit anytime of year but like a lot of places in the Hudson Valley, it is special to stop by during Fall.

 

 

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 532 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508 into your GPS.  You should be able to see the falls from the road and can park in one of the numerous street parking spots in the area.

USEFUL LINKS

Roundhouse

Madam Brett Park, Beacon

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Located in the city of Beacon is another Scenic Hudson gem.  Madam Brett Park houses the beautiful Tioronda Falls and offers a short trail along the Fishkill Creek leading to the Fishkill Marsh.  This is yet another former industrial site in Beacon that has been transformed into a beautiful area to connect with nature.  It is amazing to observe the history of Beacon by just following the Fishkill Creek!

From the parking lot, if you head east you can get to Tioronda falls in a minute or two.  The falls are a series of mini cascades.  The falls are beautiful in all seasons and it is almost like visiting a new place in each season.  Roaring in the spring, lush green in the summer, colorful in the summer, and a winter wonderland in the winter months!  There are a variety of spots to watch the falls from.  As you walk along the trail, you will first spot some steps that take you down to the creek.  This is a nice spot to see the creek and usually spot the some fish & birds.  If you continue along the trail, the next stop is a pedestal like area where the trail ends and you get a view of the falls from high above.  If you feel a bit more adventurous, you can continue to walk across the spillway, climb up a ladder and take in the best view of the falls and the creek!

The marsh is a wonderful place to catch colorful sunsets and watch a variety of native and migratory birds.  The Marsh is about a half mile round trip stroll from the parking lot.  Just walk towards the old brick building and follow the trail along the creek til you see a small path on your left.  The path will lead you a small platform from you can relax watching the sunset.

 

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 552 South Ave, Beacon, NY 12508 into your GPS.  The parking lot can only hold around a dozen cars but I have rarely seen it get filled up.

USEFUL LINKS

Scenic Hudson’s Madam Brett Park page