The park is named after Madam Catharyna Brett, a prominent eighteenth-century businesswoman who operated the first grist mill in the area.
The waterfall is technically an industrial relic, created by the damming of Fishkill Creek to power local manufacturing in the 1700s.
The marshland area within the park acts as a natural flood control system for the surrounding urban landscape of Beacon.
The site was historically part of the Rombout Patent, one of the earliest colonial land grants in Dutchess County.
Madam Brett Park is a 12-acre park located in Beacon, New York, notable for its integration of industrial history with natural ecosystems. The park features the Fishkill Creek waterfall, which once powered the eighteenth-century Madam Brett Homestead's grist mill. Visitors can access a series of boardwalks and trails that traverse a 10-acre marshland and provide views of the creek. The area is maintained by Scenic Hudson and serves as a critical habitat for various bird species, including herons and egrets. The trails offer a direct connection from the residential areas of Beacon to the waterfront of Fishkill Creek.
The wooden footbridge overlooking the waterfall, providing a direct view of the cascading water and the stone foundation remnants.
Wear waterproof footwear if visiting after rainfall, as sections of the trail and marsh boardwalk can become damp.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the marsh is a prime spot for spotting migrating waterfowl.
Follow the trail signage closely to differentiate between the park’s boardwalk loops and the connecting municipal paths.
Attempting to swim in the Fishkill Creek waterfall, which is restricted and dangerous due to strong currents and submerged debris.
Open year-round, though some trails may be temporarily inaccessible during heavy seasonal flooding.
Stay on marked trails and boardwalks to protect the sensitive marsh ecosystem; dogs must be leashed.
