April 17, 2024 – Cold Spring, NY

Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

Length: Approximately 1.9 miles

Max elevation: 596 ft.– total elevation gain approximately 650 ft.

Route type: Circuit

Buy Map: East Hudson Trails Map #102

Free Web Map: Hudson Highlands Trail Map North 2023

Trailhead parking: Breakneck Ridge Trailhead – Cold Spring, NY 10516

Please Note: Despite its short length, this is generally considered to be one of the more strenuous hikes in the East Hudson Highlands. It involves steep climbs over rock ledges that can be very slippery when wet. You’ll need to use both your hands and your feet in many places along the way. Proper footgear is essential for this hike, which is best done on weekdays, to avoid the weekend crowds. Do not attempt this hike in wet weather, or if the trail is covered with snow or ice.

The Breakneck Ridge area has been impacted by the construction of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail. The next set of Breakneck Ridge improvements is set to begin in the Fall of 2024, with preparatory work already underway. Expect road and trail closures while construction is ongoing.

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Overview:

Breakneck Ridge is a mountain along the Hudson River between Beacon and Cold Spring, straddling the boundary between Dutchess and Putnam counties.

Breakneck Ridge has several summits, or bumps as they are sometimes called. The highest point (true summit) is some distance inland, reaching approximately 1,260 feet above sea level. The southern face of the peak is remarkable for its striking cliffs, the result of quarrying in past years.

Breakneck Ridge is considered one of the best and toughest day hikes in the country. The steep ascent up its western face involves climbing over rock ledges, using both hands and feet.

This rock scramble attracts hikers from all over, and is often called “the most popular day hike in America.” Breakneck Ridge is about 90 minutes north of New York City, and rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley.

Breakneck Ridge is located within the confines of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP).

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History:

Breakneck Ridge lies immediately across the river from Storm King and is well known for its high cliffs, which were formed as a result of heavy quarrying throughout the 19th century. Breakneck was originally known as St. Anthony’s Face or Turk’s Face, due to the presence of a face like rock formation on the southern cliffs, which was eventually destroyed by quarrying in 1846. Today Breakneck Ridge is an immensely popular hiking destination, located within Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

According to The History of Putnam County, N.Y., which was published by William J. Blake in 1849, Breakneck Ridge got its name after a group of farmers chased a bull off of a cliff, where the animal broke its neck. A bull had made the mountain just south of Breakneck Ridge (Mt. Taurus aka Bull Hill) its home. At night, it would descend to the low grounds in its vicinity, and plunder corn fields, meadows, and grain fields. The neighbors formed an “alliance” against the bull, determined to pursue him to his strongholds, and effect his capture or destruction. They chased him from this Hill (Bull Hill) to the one immediately north of it (Breakneck), where, being hard pressed by dogs and armed men, was forced off a cliff, thus breaking his neck. His pursuers immediately christened the hill from which they started “Bull Hill,” and the one where they captured the wayward bull, “Breakneck.”

Since 2020, the Breakneck Ridge area has been impacted by the construction of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail. Work at Breakneck Ridge Trailhead and Upper Overlook was completed in July 2023. Months of work included the relocation of the trailhead farther up Breakneck Ridge, repair of eroding trail surfaces, improved stormwater management along the trail, installation of stone steps leading up to the Breakneck ascent, and construction of a new Trail Steward Station. This initial work at Upper Overlook marks the launch of Phase 1: Breakneck Connector & Bridge of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail.

The next set of Breakneck Ridge improvements is set to begin in the Fall of 2024, with preparatory work already underway. The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Project is slated for completion in 2031.

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Trails Overview:

The Breakneck Ridge Trail has become the number one hiking destination in the NYC metropolitan area. In good weather, the trail frequently brings more than 3,000 hikers a weekend to hike its steep, rocky ascent and enjoy its breathtaking views.

The white-blazed Breakneck Ridge Trail starts on the west side of Route 9D, just north of the tunnel. The trail climbs steeply up the west face of Breakneck Ridge, often requiring using both hands and feet. This rock scramble is short, but feels much longer. This is a one way trail (up only) and should not be used as the way down.

The green-blazed Nimham Trail opened in 2021, making for an easier bailout option for those that just want to hike to the flagpole. This trail follows the natural “bench,” or shelf, along the ridge, connecting the flagpole area to the Wilkinson Memorial Trail.

The yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Trail runs in a westerly direction for about 350 yards from the junction with the Nimham Trail out to Route 9D.

This hike also includes a short road walk (0.3 mile total) along Route 9D, at the beginning and end of the hike.

The trails are well marked and easy to follow.

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Hike Overview:

I have hiked Breakneck Ridge numerous times since 2015 using different trails to descend  the ridge. This hike is a good introductory to Breakneck. It allows hikers to enjoy the sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley without having to commit to a much longer and tougher hike.

I did this hike on a Wednesday morning and arrived at the trailhead at about 8am. Surprisingly, there was only one other vehicle when I arrived at the trailhead. Once at the area of the flagpole, a few people started to pass through.

This hike begins and ends on Route 9D and is done counterclockwise.

A majority of the elevation is gained within the first mile.

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The Hike:

Since I came from south of Cold Spring, I parked facing south so that I could exit more easily after the hike and not have to make a U-Turn.

On the opposite side of the guard rail, alongside the southbound lane, there is a footpath that leads to the trailhead. Follow this path south towards the tunnel.

If you don’t already have a trail map, check the box for a printed map of the trails.

The sign states that this hike is only a mile long. It’s almost twice that long if you do the hike as decribed by this writer.

The white-blazed Breakneck Ridge Trail starts on the west side of Route 9D, just north of the tunnel. The trail climbs stone steps and heads south, almost immediately reaching a viewpoint over the Hudson River from a rock outcrop to the right of the trail. Storm King Mountain is directly across the river with far reaching views to the north and south.

On weekends, Memorial Day Weekend through Veterans Day, Breakneck Trail Stewards are available at the Breakneck trailhead with maps (highly recommended), water (highly recommended), trail condition updates, and other tips to help you enjoy your day.

If you look up towards the ridge, you may be able to see the flags, the destination on this hike, flapping in the wind.

The climb of Breakneck begins on stone steps. Completed in 2023, native stones were utilized from the site to create a rustic, but clear stone staircase that safely guides hikers through the boulder field, to the base of the rock slab scramble just ahead.

At times you may have to use both hands and feet, to scramble up the ridge. The trail is well marked, with arrows painted on rocks directing the way.

Follow the white-blazed trail as it steeply climbs the rocky ridge. Pay attention to the white blazes and arrows as you ascend to stay on the right track.

There are views through the trees of the river as you climb and you may want to take a brief rest here and there to admire them.

In just under a mile, the trail reaches a rock ledge with a flagpole. This is a great spot to rest from the tough climb and enjoy the panoramic views over the Hudson River.

Looking north up the Hudson River, with Pollepel Island visible below. Across the river (from left to right), is Cornwall-On-Hudson, New Windsor, and the City of Newburgh. The long ridge that straddles New Windsor and Newburgh is Snake Hill, another great hike.

Pollepel Island is a 6.5-acre uninhabited island in the Hudson River. The principal feature on the island is Bannerman’s Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse.

Pollepel Island has been called many different names, including Pollopel Island, Pollopel’s Island, Bannerman’s Island, and Bannermans’ Island. Pollepel is a Dutch word meaning “ladle.”

To the south, Little Stony Point can be seen jutting out on the east side of the river, with Crow’s Nest, North Point and Storm King Mountain across the river.

Looking up to the top of the ridge from the junction with the Nimham Trail, you’ll notice a steep, near-vertical rock outcrop that the Breakneck Ridge Trail climbs to gain the crest of the ridge. But that section is not part of this hike.

When you are done enjoying these majestic views, continue ahead a short distance uphill to a junction with the green-blazed Nimham Trail.

Turn left on the Nimham Trail, which is marked by a sign.

Follow the green blazes along the Nimham Trail, which loses over 500 feet of elevation in about a 1/2 mile. There are 500 stone steps throughout this trail that help hikers negotiate the steep sections much more easily. This trail opened in 2021 and makes for an enjoyable and scenic descent of Breakneck Ridge.

On the way down, there is a rock outcrop with more Hudson River views. You may want to take a moment here for your last viewpoint from Breakneck Ridge.

In about 1/2 mile, the green-blazed Nimham Trail ends at a junction with the yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Trail. Here you want to turn left and follow the yellow blazes downhill for about 350 yards.

When you reach Route 9D, carefully return to your vehicle, where the hike began.

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Review:

This is one of those must do hikes in the Hudson Valley. It’s better done early mornings on a weekday to avoid the crowds. With that being said, it’s worth a visit to experience the rock scramble and the fantastic views. If you don’t want to do the rock scramble, you can still enjoy the same views by utilizing the Nimham Trail and doing an out-and-back hike.

Pros:

Rock scramble, panoramic Hudson Valley views, challenging hike, well marked trails.

Cons:

Breakneck gets overcrowded on weekends.

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Take a hike!

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Sources:

• New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
• Breakneck Ridge – Metro-North Railroad
• Breakneck Ridge Improvements
• Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

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