What is The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park like?
Set in Barker, The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park has been on the PDGA course list since 2010. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 6,822 ft — an average of about 379 feet a hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park
More disc golf near Barker
The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park is the only PDGA-listed course in Barker, but New York has 139 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in New York.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park?
The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,822 ft, averaging about 379 feet per hole.
Is The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park free to play?
Yes. The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park located?
The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park is in Barker, New York, at coordinates 43.37250, -78.48819. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to The Beacon at Golden Hill State Park?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.