Where in the Hudson Valley Contest: “Flag It Down” Hiking Trail

A lone flagpole stands atop this craggy cliff. Can you identify it?

Nestled between Cold Spring and Beacon is a solitary flagpole holding both an American flag and a POW/MIA remembrance flag — one of the first markers hikers will see as they climb this strenuous trail. This course, reaching approximately 1,260 feet above sea level, contains striking views of the Hudson River and several other landmarks the Valley holds, such as Bull Hill and Storm King Mountain.

The 5.5-mile course was first known as both St. Anthony’s Face and Turk’s Face, after a stone structure on the mountain that has since been destroyed. It is suggested that only experienced hikers climb this trail lest they fracture their necks. But many have taken the challenge — so many that a Metro-North station, which runs on weekends, has been erected near the site. In addition to this trail, there are some paths within this state park, marked with colored blazes, that are suited for novice hikers.

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Can you identify this demanding course? Submit your answer in the form below; the first person to correctly name the trail will receive a prize. Good luck!

where in the hudson valley flagpole
Photograph by Bevin Supina

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