You might be surprised to learn that some of the best hiking I have ever done is just a quick 80-minute train ride from New York City! Considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the East Hudson Highlands, Breakneck Ridge is not a hike to be underestimated. As a matter of fact, when I first decided to do this hike and being the advanced planner that I am, I spent hours doing research. I’ve done this hike on several occasions and have learned which routes are the best which are well, not so great. So here is my advice on hiking Breakneck Ridge.
Once You’ve Arrived
The train will make an announcement that all those for the Breakneck Ridge stop should exit the rear car. Planks of wood make up the train platform. You will follow the rest of the crowd and cross some brush. Make sure you go right and follow the white trail blazes for Breakneck Ridge Trail. To the left are yellow trail blazes for Wilkinson Memorial Trail which is the return route for those who take the Breakneck Bypass trail.
Get Climbing
The trail starts off strong with an immediate rock scramble. The beginning is by no means easy and depending on how crowded the trail is it will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to get to the first viewpoint. There is a flagpole here and you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River. This viewpoint is where the weekend crowds stop to take a breath and enjoy the views. My advice is to spend as little time here as possible and continue on before the crowd gets moving again.
The ridge continues to climb and you will notice a steep, nearly vertical rock outcrop. Yes, this is what you are climbing unless you want to take the alternate route (look for signs and blazes). It appears more difficult than it really is and I assure you that you can do it. Do keep in mind that it is a very narrow ledge with what looks like a straight drop to your death. Fear not.
You will encounter more rock scrambles as you ascend in what is in nearly direct sunlight and not at all shaded. From here the trail descends slightly and then climbs through a wooded area and emerges on south-facing ledges. I’m not going to go into everything that you will pass along the way and instead offer my advice on what your different route options are.
First Junction: Undercliff
The first junction you will come to is a yellow blazed trail called Undercliff that veers to the right. You can follow Undercliff trail all the way to Cold Spring. This trail contains a lot of switchbacks through a rather forested area as you climb Bull Hill. When you see the green-blazed Nelson trail, be sure to keep right to stay on the yellow-blazed Undercliff trail. See the section on ending in Cold Spring below.
Section Junction: Breakneck Bypass
If you decide to proceed on after Undercliff trail, the next junction you will reach is the Breakneck Bypass to your left which makes up what is called the Breakneck Loop hike. You will climb a small rise before descending. Be sure to watch carefully for a sharp left turn in the trail after 100 feet. You want to keep an eye out for yellow blazes as this will be Wilkinson Memorial Trail where you will turn left and proceed downhill through the woods. The trail ends at Route 9D where you will turn left to head back to the train platform. Soon, you’ll reach a viewpoint to the right of the trail, looking northeast over Sugarloaf Mountain, with the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge in the distance.
Third Junction: Notch Trail
The third junction is my favorite route. Continuing along Breakneck Ridge trail you will eventually come to a blue-blazed Notch trail on your right. Take this trail until you reach another junction. Instead of turning left to stay on Notch trail, continue straight onto the red-blazed Brook trail. After passing a small abandoned building to the right, you’ll reach a fork. Bear left here onto the blue-blazed Cornish Trail, which follows an old road through the former estate of Edward G. Cornish, chairman of the board of the National Lead Company. Towards the end of the trail, the road becomes paved and you will pass the ruins of the Cornish mansion. Continue on until you reach Cold Spring.
Ending in Cold Spring
Both the Undercliff and Notch trail junction options above allow you to end in the small town of Cold Spring. This is how I like ending my hikes in the Hudson Highlands. Why? For several reasons, you can grab lunch and take your time as trains run more frequently out of Cold Spring. This obviously does not apply if you drove to Breakneck. There are two places to grab lunch in Cold Spring. For a very casual, outdoor option, head to the Cold Spring Depot located right by the train. For a slightly more upscale meal, go to the Riverview Restaurant. Considering the fact that you are probably sweaty and a little dirty, don’t worry. Both restaurants are used to hikers ending their day here and both offer outdoor seating.
Getting There
Trains from Grand Central Stations run only on weekends and holidays to Breakneck Ridge via the Hudson Line. There are three departures from Grand Central leaving at 7:43 AM, 8:43 AM and 12:43 PM. The travel time is 84 minutes. Be sure to buy a roundtrip ticket as there is no ticket machine at the Breakneck Ridge stop.
I would take one of the morning trains, especially if you are hiking during the warmer months as the trail really begins to heat up in the mid-afternoon. The busiest time is the 8:43 AM train which is the one that I usually take. I would also strongly advise that only advanced hikers take the late afternoon hike and come prepared with headlamps in the event that night falls.
Useful Tips
- Shoes: You do not need hiking shoes although I do recommend them. Some websites will say it is essential but there are plenty of hikers who wear regular running shoes. Sort of tread is needed so don’t plan on rocking Converse.
- Climbing Gear: You do not need ropes of any sort. When I first did this hike, I had absolutely zero real rock climbing experience and I was still able to do it just fine. Some parts will require upper arm strength to pull yourself up or else have your stronger, taller friend push you up. Either way, it is completely doable.
- Water: Bring at least two liters of water, especially during summer. I have always finished all my water by the time I end my hike.
- Food: Definitely bring something to eat. I, personally, like bringing trail bars. They are easy to pack and eat on the trail. I also pack a trail mix of nuts and dried fruit. I’m not a fan of bringing sandwiches on hikes, especially in heat – they got soggy and gross.
- Map: Download this map to your phone or print it and bring it with you.
