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Beacon Overlook
4.8 ★★★★★ 387 Google reviews · Running trail in Beacon, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Beacon Overlook's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular trail featuring a fire tower at the summit, plus steep inclines.
What runners say about Beacon Overlook
“Great hike beautiful views in fall for the foliage.”
The city of Beacon, New York as a whole is worth the day trip and/or weekend getaway for many folks; this overlook is one of the main reasons for such a trip. I'm unsure of a typical timeframe one should hike at certain feet above sea level, but 30 to 40 minutes to look at the view felt exhausting, yet worth it.
First time doing this hike and it was very rewarding. Steep incline going up, definitely not a casual hike. Be prepared with good hiking boots or sneakers with good grip and plenty of water. Views at the top are spectacular especially during autumn.
One of my favorite hikes, but not for the unprepared! Wear spikes on boots in the winter. Poles are great to protect your knees - especially on the way down. You can see the Manhattan skyline on a clear day. Definitely worth the effort to get to the fire tower.
Really enjoyed this challenging hike! Took about an hour up and about 20 mins down. Trail was well marked. I’m a pretty active person, but this was a very steep hike. Nice views once you’re at the top.
Trail conditions & character
“The city of Beacon, New York as a whole is worth the day trip and/or weekend getaway for many folks; this overlook is one of the main reasons for such a trip.”
“The path starts out with an inclined walk near the trailhead, followed by stairs and then a a very steep rocky path.”
“The path starts out with an inclined walk near the trailhead, followed by stairs and then a a very steep rocky path.”
“The path starts out with an inclined walk near the trailhead, followed by stairs and then a a very steep rocky path.”
“I'm unsure of a typical timeframe one should hike at certain feet above sea level, but 30 to 40 minutes to look at the view felt exhausting, yet worth it.”
Plan your run at Beacon Overlook
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitescenichudson.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
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