The Beacon Hill Carriageway Loop at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is an easy 1.4-mile loop trail that leads up to a beautiful vista point atop Beacon Hill.
Hiking to Beacon Hill's View
This hike follows two trails - the Beacon Hill Carriageway and the Beacon Hill Trail before finally ending at the picnic area along the Lake Minnewaska Carriageway Trail. From the picnic area you can hike back along the road to the trailhead or hike back to parking.
This trail starts at the trailhead near the main road in the park and goes down to a quiet and scenic lookout point. The loop quickly leads to the cliff at the northeast boundaries of Beacon Hill, located around mile 0.58. You'll find sweeping views of the neighboring mountain tops from the cliff. The trail is a wide gravel road is easy to follow. If you're looking for a nice spot in the park without the normal crowds around the lake, this is your spot. The Beacon Hill Trail is a well marked footpath through woods and along rocks that will take you back up to one of the main picnic areas.
Fee: The fee for parking at Minnewaska is $10 per car.
Parking: Parking can be found at the upper lot or in-between this trailhead and the upper lot, where the Get Directions coordinates are located. We had parked at the upper parking area and followed the road down to this trailhead.
Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed.
Facilities: Near the parking lot there are porta-potties available, as well as a picnic area.
Hiking to Beacon Hill's View
This hike follows two trails - the Beacon Hill Carriageway and the Beacon Hill Trail before finally ending at the picnic area along the Lake Minnewaska Carriageway Trail. From the picnic area you can hike back along the road to the trailhead or hike back to parking.This trail starts at the trailhead near the main road in the park and goes down to a quiet and scenic lookout point. The loop quickly leads to the cliff at the northeast boundaries of Beacon Hill, located around mile 0.58. You'll find sweeping views of the neighboring mountain tops from the cliff. The trail is a wide gravel road is easy to follow. If you're looking for a nice spot in the park without the normal crowds around the lake, this is your spot. The Beacon Hill Trail is a well marked footpath through woods and along rocks that will take you back up to one of the main picnic areas.
Fee: The fee for parking at Minnewaska is $10 per car.
Parking: Parking can be found at the upper lot or in-between this trailhead and the upper lot, where the Get Directions coordinates are located. We had parked at the upper parking area and followed the road down to this trailhead.
Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed.
Facilities: Near the parking lot there are porta-potties available, as well as a picnic area.
