Hike the Scofield Ridge Loop

Beacon, New York

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Details

Distance

7.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1850 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by John Maurizi

This loop follows three named trails and two connector trails from Mount Beacon Park. Scofield Ridge is seldom recognized unless you look at a topo map of the area. The ridge sits between Breakneck Ridge and Fishkill Ridge.

There are some great view points along this route. Start from the Mount Beacon Park trailhead parking area. This leads to the Casino Trail (red markers). The trail climbs steeply to some old ruins of a casino. Most of what remains is only the brick structure housing the mechanics for a trolley to the summit.

The Casino Trail ends on the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow markers). Turn left here and follow until you reach an area with several crumbling stone walls. Look for Blue Markers for a connector trail that leads to Dozer Junction. Aptly named because of an old rusted bulldozer left behind years ago. This blue connector trail ends on the Fishkill Ridge Trail (white markers) after a short distance.

Turn left on the Fishkill Ridge Trail and follow over Lamb Hill with great views along the way. You will eventually reach the three tiers Dry Brook Falls on the left. Just after this and crossing over the brook, look for a connector trail (yellow markers) on the left. This can be a little tricky to find because it is set off the Fishkill Ridge trail. This connector will lead back to the Casino Trail and then to the parking lot.

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