Brace Mountain, Mountain summit in Dutchess County, New York, United States.
Brace Mountain is a summit in Dutchess County, New York, part of the Taconic range, sitting close to the borders with Connecticut and Massachusetts. The top is open and grassy, which gives a wide view over the rolling hills and valleys below.
The mountain takes its name from the Brace family, who settled in this part of New York during the colonial period. Their presence left a mark on the local land ownership and place names that persists today.
The summit is a known launch site for paragliders and hang gliders who use the height and wind patterns to take off. Watching pilots prepare and launch has become a regular part of the experience for visitors on clear days.
The summit is reached by a hiking trail that starts at a parking area off State Route 344, and the walk involves a steady climb over open terrain. Going in good weather makes the trail easier to follow and the views from the top more rewarding.
A wind sock is installed at the top to help pilots read the wind before launching, which is not something you often find on a hiking summit. This detail sets Brace Mountain apart as a site where hikers and pilots share the same open ground.
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