Hike of the Week 4/22/2004

Dennings Point Trail

Location:  Beacon, Hudson Highlands State Park

Length:  2 miles round trip, 1.5 hours

Rating:  Easy, flat terrain

Dogs:  Allowed on leash

Map:  East Hudson Trails #102, published by NYNJTC.

Features: Abandoned factory, Hudson River views, birding

Watch out for: Deer ticks, poison ivy

Background:

William Denning, a New York merchant, purchased the land in 1785. In later years, the family lived in the southern two-thirds of the point. Myrtle and flowering shrubs are evidence of landscaping gone wild. The northern third of the point was the site of the Dennings Point Brick Works and the Noesting Pin Ticket Company, a manufacturer of paper clips and other wire products. Piles of rejected bricks are scattered through the area and the pin ticket factory site will become the Rivers and Estuaries Center on the Hudson, a research center.

Hike Description:

From the parking area, go past the gate, walk along the road, and cross the bridge. Head towards the large building, which once housed the Noesting Pin Ticket Company. Go to the southwest corner and follow the wide path. At the Y junction, go left to follow the eastern shore. Pass a cement block house and stone foundation and then the first of many clay pits at 0.7 mile. At the end of the point, a narrow trail goes 300 feet to an overlook. Round the point and go north passing narrow side trails down the river. Turn away from the river and head back to the trailhead. Retrace your steps back to your car.

How to get there: 

Take Route 9D to Beacon and turn onto South Avenue. Turn right on Dennings Avenue and follow to the end which is adjacent to the Beacon Sewage Treatment Plant. Park such that you do not block the gate.

About the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference : The NY-NJ Trail Conference is a federation of hiking clubs, environmental organizations and individual members who volunteer their time and resources to build and maintain hiking trails and protect related open space in the bi-state region.

Information : For a more detailed description of this hike including a map, visit www.nynjtc.org and click on Hike of the Week. For information on NYNJTC activities, call 201-512-9348 or email info@nynjtc.org.

Hike of the Week is a regular feature in the Poughkeepsie Journal Players section, call 845-437-4848. This hike is contributed by Jane Daniels, Chair of the NYNJTC Board of Directors.

V3 Last updated: April 22, 2004   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.