A Mysterious Woodland Trail In New York Will Take You To Railway Station Ruins
It can be hard to find motivation to get out and hit the trails. You know it’s good for you, but sometimes, an afternoon on the couch with Netflix just sounds like more fun. One trail that is most definitely worth the effort is Mount Beacon Park’s red trail. This is not an easy trail: it’s a nearly 4-mile out-and-back trail with over 1,300 feet in elevation gain. But the amazing views make this one of the best hikes in New York. The Empire State has incredible natural beauty and extensive history: this stunning trail will show you both!
Mount Beacon is the highest peak in the Hudsons. Due to this, it had an important role in the American Revolution. Fires were lit on it to warn soldiers on the ground if British troops were spotted nearby. This is actually where the mountain's name came from!
The Mount Beacon Incline Railway opened in 1902 as the steepest funicular railway in the world. Funicular railways are a form of cable cars that operate by a pulley system. The railway brought passengers up to the top of the mountain to reach the casino and hotels that were there. The railway would eventually go bankrupt in the late 1970s.
Though the railway, casino, and hotels no longer exist, you can still see the engine room. The gears that operated the funicular railway are still intact.
The views from the fire tower are absolutely incredible. You'll get a panoramic view of the Hudson Highlands' rolling hills. If the weather's clear, you can even see all the way to New York City some days.
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue, particularly fixing stray cats. She also likes reading, playing Pokemon Go, and going to concerts. Her dog Cece is the best dog in the whole world. You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
