The easiest way up the mountain is a dirt road used by city employees doing maintenance work or inspections of the reservoir.
It is, however, closed to public vehicular use.

The white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail leaves from the end of Pocket Road on the west side of Beacon.
It can be followed for a mile up misnamed Dry Brook to the reservoir road.
At the reservoir good roads continue up to the north summit, and at one corner the yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Trail offers access to the south summit.

The Wilkinson Trail can also be followed from its southern terminus at NY 9D south of the city, or its northern end near US 9 in Putnam County.
Both routes require more time and distance, however.

One may also park and climb up the mountain from "Mount Beacon Park" in the City of Beacon.
Parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue in the City of Beacon, across from Bob's Corner Store.
The Park is part of the Scenic Hudson organization.
Walk a quarter mile up the trail to see the remains of the old lower Railhead.
Then a set of about 200 sturdy steps takes you a ways up the mountain to the first steep gravel and dirt trails.
Even at this "lower" point you will have a great view of the river in the distance, especially when the leaves have fallen.
The easiest way up the mountain is a dirt road used by city employees doing maintenance work or inspections of the reservoir. It is, however, closed to public vehicular use.
The white-blazed Fishkill Ridge Trail leaves from the end of Pocket Road on the west side of Beacon. It can be followed for a mile up misnamed Dry Brook to the reservoir road. At the reservoir good roads continue up to the north summit, and at one corner the yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Trail offers access to the south summit.
The Wilkinson Trail can also be followed from its southern terminus at NY 9D south of the city, or its northern end near US 9 in Putnam County. Both routes require more time and distance, however.
One may also park and climb up the mountain from "Mount Beacon Park" in the City of Beacon. Parking area and trailhead are located at the intersection of Route 9D and Howland Avenue in the City of Beacon, across from Bob's Corner Store. The Park is part of the Scenic Hudson organization. Walk a quarter mile up the trail to see the remains of the old lower Railhead. Then a set of about 200 sturdy steps takes you a ways up the mountain to the first steep gravel and dirt trails. Even at this "lower" point you will have a great view of the river in the distance, especially when the leaves have fallen.
Beacon Mountain