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!
Deidre McIntyre/Alltrails
The mountain also has been a major tourist attraction since the early 20th century.
scanned by Parkerdr/Wikimedia Commons
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.
Mary D'Urso/Alltrails

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Continue on a little further and you'll reach the fire tower.
Chris Jeffrey/Alltrails
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.
Rachel Gilbert/Alltrails
This is such a unique and fascinating hike!
Leslie Grace/Alltrails

For more information about the trails at Mount Beacon, or to see more beautiful photos, check out Alltrails.

Have you hiked the trails at Mount Beacon? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Mount Beacon Trailhead, Beacon, NY 12508, USA