It is another good hike in the Hudson Highlands. As you near the top and reach the Fishkill Ridge, you will have great views of the Hudson River and the two Beacon mountains. There is some minor rock scrambling near the top but nothing strenuous. The Fishkill Ridge loop, over Lamb's Hill and Bald Hill, is no big deal. It is like the forest you see as you hike up. Since there are trees everywhere, there is no clearing that provides views of the surrounding area. There are multiple routes to get to the ridge. New York State Parks, Recreations suggests starting at the metal tanks of the Beacon water supply which is 0.2 miles east of Main Street. From there, you will take the Fishkill Ridge Trail (white) up to and around the ridge. At the end of the white trail, you will connect to the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow) then the blue trail that connects you back to white trail at the Dozer Junction. Then, you will go back down the same path where you came. That route is 7 miles. New York State Parks, Recreations also notes the ridge can be reached from the east via the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow) which begins on Old Albany Post Road (at the intersection of Reservoir Road) off US 9, three miles north of NY 301. The Overlook Trail (red), which starts at the end of Sunnyside Road in Beacon, is another option.
I decided to not go with any of the above routes. The views on the Fishkill Ridge hike are great but I would say it is not as good as the ones on the other hikes in the Hudson Highlands. For this reason, I recommend adding just another mile to your hike and making a loops that also includes Scofield Ridge, South Beacon Mountain/ Fire Tower, and Mt. Beacon. With this route, you can see more and do not have to repeat sights you would see if you followed the main route suggested by New York State Parks, Recreations. Of course, they can be done in reverse in a counterclockwise direction too.
If you would like my directions for my loop or my recommendations/ suggestions for the other major hikes in Hudson Highlands State Park, please feel free to contact me via Yelp or obtain the electronic copy that can be obtained via the link in my profile. read more