Tag: Riverfront

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

Long Dock Park, Beacon

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Long Dock Park in Beacon is one of the most scenic and accessible parks in the Hudson Valley and my favorite place in the Hudson Valley.  There is very little work one has to do to enjoy some amazing views.  Located on the banks of the Hudson River right next to the Beacon train station, Long Dock Park offers spectacular views of the river, Newburgh, and the Hudson Highlands.  An old abandoned industrial complex, which at various point has housed a rail ferry terminal, warehouse, oil terminal, and a salt-storage facility, the park has now been fully cleaned up by Scenic Hudson and has been restored to a family friendly recreation area.  The highlights of the park include Beacon Point, the colorful red barn housing Scenic Hudson’s River Center, and a scenic mile long trail along the river connecting the park to Denning’s Point.  The main attraction is Beacon Point which is a boat like structure jutting out into the river designed by famous artist George Trakas.  There is no better place to relax and soak in views of the river and mountains.  When the tide is low you can even walk into the river bed from near the Beacon Point area.  Remember to wander over to the neighboring Beacon waterfront area to enjoy more great views!

(Source: Scenic Hudson)

 

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

To find the parking lot, plugin in 8 Long Dock Rd., Beacon, NY 12508 into your GPS.  There is plenty of parking available at the park.  During special events, you can park at the beacon train station (remember to pay if needed) and walk down.

USEFUL LINKS

Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park page

Hudson Valley Magazine’s review of Long Dock