Beacon Reservoir, body of water
Beacon Reservoir is a water body in Dutchess County created in 1922 by damming Dry Brook and situated in a hollow between Beacon Mountain and Scofield Ridge. The water surface spans approximately 20 acres at an elevation of about 1,285 feet (390 m), surrounded by forests and vegetation that shift with the seasons.
The reservoir was built in 1922 to store water for the town of Beacon by damming Dry Brook. This infrastructure became central to the town's water supply and has remained an important part of the region's water management system.
The reservoir takes its name from the nearby town of Beacon and serves as a place where locals escape urban noise to walk and observe nature. Residents connect with the landscape through the seasons, using the quiet shoreline as a retreat from daily routines.
A publicly accessible dirt road around the reservoir provides walking and hiking opportunities through the surrounding landscape, best enjoyed during spring and fall when weather is mild. Visitors should bring their own supplies and note that swimming and fishing are prohibited to protect the water supply.
The reservoir holds the distinction of being the highest body of water in Dutchess County, offering elevated views of the surrounding landscape from its edge. This high elevation provides visitors with a unique perspective on the terrain and distant ridges.
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