Hiking Breakneck Ridge: How Tough Actually is this Hike
When you are a New York resident or live in a nearby state, you must have heard of the popular Breakneck Ridge Trail. Hiking Breakneck Ridge is not just one of the local’s favorites, people come from far away for this breathtaking day hike in the Hudson Valley. On top of that, Breakneck Ridge is easily accessible by train for people without cars coming from NYC or the surrounding area.
The trail is not to be underestimated with its steep rocky ascend, gaining a lot of elevation in its first mile. But the sweeping views of the Hudson River and dƒozens of impressive landmarks make it well worth it.
As locals, we hiked dozens of trails in the Hudson Valley but only recently completed the Breakneck Ridge Trail. Find out why it took us so long to finally take the challenge to hike Breakneck Ridge and prepare yourself to enjoy a thrilling day hike in the Hudson Valley with this post.
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Where is the Breakneck Ridge Trailhead?
You will find the Breakneck Ridge trailhead in the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, New York. To be exact, the trailhead is located on Route 9D between Cold Spring and Beacon.
The Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve consists of an extensive trail network and is located on the east side of the Hudson River. The scenic trails lead you through dense forests, rocky ridges, and up to beautiful mountain peaks. Make sure to also check out other popular trails like Anthony’s Nose, and the Cornish Estate Trail, or even hike part of the Appalachian Trail
After enjoying these spectacular hikes, experience more of the outdoor adventures Hudson Highlands has to offer. Go boating and fishing on one of the several crystalline lakes, or try your luck spotting rare birds.
How to Get to Breakneck Ridge Trail
One of the reasons why hiking Breakneck Ridge is so popular is because it is one of the Hudson Valley hikes that are not just reachable by car but also by public transportation. Whereas we prefer taking our car when we go hiking to enjoy more flexibility and freedom, there are some BIG advantages to utilizing the train for hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail.
Taking the Train (Metro-North) to Breakneck Ridge Trail
Especially if you are coming from NYC, taking the train is a great option. Just hop on the train, enjoy the 1.5-hour ride, and don’t worry about snagging one of the precious parking spots.
To get to the Breakneck Ridge trail, you will want to take the Hudson Line north up to Cold Spring. There are 2 potential train stations you can stop at:
- Breakneck Ridge Stop
Breakneck Ridge has its own train stop which is located right next to the trailhead and is used primarily for hikers. This stop is the most convenient but unfortunately, this station is not always available. When the station is open, the schedule is limited and tends to be just on the weekends. Check the MTA Transit schedules before planning your trip to hike Breakneck Ridge.
Note: The Breakneck Ridge train stop is currently CLOSED until the completion of the safety improvements.
2. Cold Spring Stop
The Cold Spring train stop is more reliable but it will take you more effort to get to the start of the actual Breakneck Ridge Trail. You can find it about 2.6 miles north of the train station. From there, you will want to walk up Main Street to turn onto Fair Street. Stay on Fair Street until you reach Route 9D. Here, you turn left and follow Route 9D up to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. Be careful when walking on Route 9D, as the road tends to be busy with traffic.
If you are planning on using the train, you may want to think about hiking Breakneck Ridge trail option #4. You can read more about how to hike this route below.
Top Tip: From Memorial Day to Veterans Day weekend, you can also take the Cold Spring Trolley to get to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead for a $2 fare per adult. Check the trolley schedule to see all the stops and times.
Driving to Breakneck Ridge Trail by Car
Even though arriving by car is the most convenient, finding a parking spot can be a tough task, especially on the weekends during the peak season in the spring and fall. Read more about how to avoid a crowded Breakneck Ridge trail in our tips below.
From New York City, the drive to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead will take a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes without traffic but to be on the safe side, plan for a little more time. For the quickest way, take the Palisades Interstate Parkway to Route 9D.
Depending on where you are coming from, the trail starts either before or after a tunnel. Coming from the south, New York City passing Cold Spring, you will find the trailhead after the tunnel along Route 9D. You will know you are there when you see a line of cars formed on each side of the road.
Top 5 Hiking Essentials to Hiking Breakneck Ridge
Day Hiking Packs
Deuter is one of the top brands for hiking packs and just happens to be our favorite. We currently use the Deuter Speed Lite 22 SL which has a more slimming design to fit a women’s back perfectly.
Insulated Water Bottle or Hydration Pack
We found out very quickly that having a good insulated water bottle makes a world of difference on our hiking trips. Personally, we love the Hydroflask 32 oz. Wide Mouth insulated water bottle which comes in many different designs. Additional accessories we like for our Hydroflask are the 32 oz Straw Lid, packable bottle sling, and Flex Boot. Other top brands we would recommend are Camelback and Yeti.
Durable Hiking Footwear
Hiking up the mountains in the Hudson Valley area requires sturdy hiking boots you can trust. We currently (mostly) use the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot and are totally satisfied with them, especially because they are lighter than many other boots
Comfortable Hiking Socks
Trust us, a quality hiking sock with a good cushion can make a huge difference in how your feet will feel after any hike. Our absolute favorite hiking sock brand is Darn Tough.
Photography Gear
There is never a hike we go on without having our photography gear with us. Peak Design with its many smart photography accessories makes capturing our adventurous hiking moments so much easier. Our ultimate favorite is their Peak Design capture clip which simply attaches your camera to your backpack for quick accessibility.
What to Expect Hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail
General Information for Hiking Breakneck Ridge Long Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 2.8 miles
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,400 feet
Parking: Along the Road near Trailhead on Route 9D
Distance from NYC: roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train
If you haven’t done so already, you will need to decide which trail option you would like to choose to hike Breakneck Ridge. Luckily for you, there is a large sign with information about each option at the trailhead.
We would suggest snapping a photo of this sign with your phone or camera in case you would like to refer back to it while on the trail.
Note: Due to Covid-19, the Breakneck Ridge trail is a one-way trail. That means no matter which trail you want to take, you always have to start following the white markers.
In our opinion it would be best to complete the long loop trail (#3) or the Breakneck to Cold Spring route (#4), depending on if you arrived by car or train. These 2 routes will give you the best experience for hiking Breakneck Ridge because you will hit all of the scenic viewpoints. Since we hiked the long loop route, this is the trail we will discuss in this post.
To hike the long loop trail (#3), start by following the white trail markers. Shortly after the trailhead, you will come to your first rock scrambling section, where you will use your hands a lot. Just for the beginning section, you will ascend around 1,250 feet in 0.75 miles. Personally, we love hikes which include some rock climbing but if you don’t agree with us, this section could be a little scary. Just take it slow because you will be scrambling for a while.
Top Tips: It is best to keep some distance from the person in front of you because there is always the risk of falling rocks. Also, be aware of the rattlesnakes which like to hang out under the rocks. We didn’t come across them but they inhabit this area of the Hudson Highlands State Park.
Occasionally, you will find white arrows on the big boulders pointing in different directions which will indicate the easiest path to take.
After you make it up this first section of boulders, you are immediately rewarded with one of the most scenic overlooks on the hike, providing sweeping views of the Hudson River.
Across the way, you will see the massive Storm King Mountain.
Turn your head to the right and look north up the Hudson River to see Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island, the Newburgh Beacon Bridge, and the towns of Newburgh and Beacon. Now turn around to the left and look south along the Hudson River to see the town of Cold Spring, West Point Foundry, and Constitution Marsh in the distance.
With this view, you quickly forget how much your legs are burning, right? Snap a quick photo near the flagpole and continue hiking Breakneck Ridge.
And up you go. While continuing to follow the white markers and doing some more rock scrambling, you should again see arrows pointing in different directions. You can choose if you want to pick the easier or the more challenging route. Either one will bring you up to the next cliff overlook.
From this overlook, continue following the white arrows. This section of the trail will take you up and down and through a very wooded area on the backside of the mountain. Keep an eye out for trail junctions as you will have to turn left onto the red trail for Breakneck Bypass.
Once you reach the turn for the red trail you will head back towards the Hudson River before making a slow descent down the mountain. As the views of the Hudson River fade away, you will wander through the woods to the base of the mountain.
As you approach the bottom of the mountain you come to one more trail junction. Here you will take the Wilkinson Memorial trail marked with yellow trail markers. This will lead you back to Route 9D.
You will not end at the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. The ending point for this loop will be just a little way north of the trailhead. Depending on where you parked, you may have to walk a little further on the busy road to your car.
Leave No Trace
While hiking the Breakneck Ridge trail, we were very disappointed by how much trash, especially empty water bottles, we found on the trail. We ended up picking up close to 30 water bottles to dispose of them at home properly.
Please recreate responsibly. Anytime you are exploring and enjoying the outdoors, it is important to remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Respect and appreciate nature, so that future generations can enjoy the same beauty. If you aren’t familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, here they are.
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel on Durable Surfaces
- Properly Dispose of Waste
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Different Hiking Trail Options
Did you know there are different ways of hiking the Breakneck Ridge Trail? We didn’t until we were at the trailhead. There, you will find a large sign indicating the different trail options for hiking Breakneck Ridge.
Find out right now which trail accommodates you the best to avoid making the decision last minute.
Trail Option 1: Breakneck Short Loop – 1 mile
This trail option is great for everyone who wants to hike Breakneck Ridge with the least effort. The hike is very short and the elevation gain is the lowest. You get to explore the most popular viewpoint, overlooking the Hudson River, but be aware that you will miss out on a few phenomenal overlooks when taking the short loop.
This is the easiest and shortest way to hike Breakneck Ridge. For this trail, you will start off following the white trail markers to the first overlook of the Hudson River. From there, you will turn left, following the green trail markers on the Ninham Trail. Then, you will make another left onto the Wilkinson Memorial trail indicated by the yellow trail markers. Following these directions, you will return to the parking area on Route 9D and the Breakneck train stop.
Trail Option 2: Breakneck Moderate Loop – 2.1 miles
The moderate loop adds an additional mile to your hike and works out well for those who had to park their car on the opposite side of the Breakneck Ridge trailhead of the tunnel.
Again, you will start off following the white trail markers which is the Breakneck Ridge Trail. Your next turn will be to the right, following the yellow trail markers on the Undercliff Trail. Eventually, you will make another right, to follow the Undercliff Bypass Trail indicated by green trail markers. You will be guided to another right turn onto the Breakneck Brook Trail labeled with red trail markers. Just one more right turn to go and you can head back to Route 9D. Follow the highway through the tunnel to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead.
Trail Option 3: Breakneck Long Loop – 2.8 miles
This is the loop that is recommended by the New York’s Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Foundation, and the one we chose to hike. It will let you admire all of the great viewpoints Breakneck Ridge has to offer. The elevation gain is the highest with 1,670 feet but it is still a very doable hike with medium effort.
Breakneck Ridge Long Loop is the trail option we chose to do when hiking Breakneck Ridge. Like the first 2 options, you start the trail following the white trail markers for the Breakneck Ridge Trail for quite some time. Eventually, you will reach a trail junction with the Breakneck Bypass Trail to the left indicated by red trail markers. As you near the end of the hike, you will make another left turn onto the Wilkinson Memorial Trail, which has yellow trail markers. This trail will lead to the parking area on Route 9D and the Breakneck train stop.
Trail Option 4: Breakneck to Cold Spring – 4.5 miles
This is the longest trail option for hiking Breakneck Ridge. If you took the train to the Cold Spring train station, this trail is perfect for you. Otherwise, we would recommend taking the long loop, since the Breakneck to Cold Spring trail won’t add more scenic vistas to your adventure.
Begin by following the white trail markers for Breakneck Ridge. When you reach the Notch Trail, indicated by the blue trail markers, turn right. Continue following this trail until you reach the Brook Trail, red trail markers. Then you will want to make a left turn onto the Cornish Trail marked by another set of blue trail markers. This trail will lead you to the Washburn Trailhead and parking lot on Route 9D. Cross over 9D and follow the green trail which is the Hudson Highlands Gateway Footpath to Fair Street and into the Village of Cold Spring.
Things You Should Know Before Hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail
Rock Scrambling is a Definite
There is NO escaping rock scrambling when hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail. That is part of your hiking adventure. A short way into the trail you will see the first area with massive boulders. This is the longest rock scrambling section on the trail and takes about 10 or so minutes.
If you decide to hike the long loop trail, you will encounter a few more rock scrambling spots along the way.
Proper Footwear and Clothing
Wearing the proper footwear and clothing for this hike is imperative. The trail has some very challenging features, including uneven surfaces and big rocks. We would highly recommend bringing a good pair of hiking boots. One of our favorite and affordable pairs of hiking boots is the Columbia Newton Ridge boot. Your feet will thank you for wearing a pair of durable and sturdy footwear.
Also make sure to wear clothes that are breathable, durable, and very comfortable since you will need to stretch a lot when hiking Breakneck Ridge.
Restrooms Situation
Occasionally, we have seen porta-potties at the trailhead. But we would suggest not relying on them to be there. When we hiked Breakneck Ridge at the end of July 2021, there were no porta-potties at the trailhead. Better use a restroom before you arrive at the trailhead.
How to Avoid a Crowded Trail
Breakneck Ridge Trail could easily be one of the most crowded Hudson Valley hikes which makes it very difficult to find a time to hike in solitude. The best (and probably only) chance to avoid crowds on this trail is to come during a weekday in the early morning.
Crowds on the trail are one thing, limited parking is another. We have tried numerous times to hike Breakneck Ridge and have been unlucky to find parking a couple of times. Finally, we were able to go on a weekday in the morning to explore this trail and were successful. Even on a weekday around 8:30 in the morning, there were about 30 cars or more along the road.
Our best advice is to always have a plan B, in case you can’t snag a spot. There are a lot of other stunning trailheads in that area that also offer spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. Or arrive by train to avoid all the stress and frustration of finding a parking spot.
Best Time to Hike Breakneck Ridge
Of course one of the best times to hike Breakneck Ridge Trail is during New York’s fall foliage to marvel at the vibrant colors of the trees. But as long as the sun is shining and the weather is good, you can’t go wrong with hiking Breakneck Ridge.
If you like to be outdoors in the winter, try hiking Breakneck Ridge in the colder months. Then you can also be sure to have the trail more to yourself.
Not a Dog Friendly Hike
Unfortunately, hiking Breakneck Ridge is a trail you will want to leave your dog at home for. The trail features numerous rock climbing sections, where you would most likely have to carry your dog. But the good news is that there are many other Hudson Valley hiking trails that are dog friendly. If your dog is your hiking partner, you may want to consider choosing another trail.
FAQs to Hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail
1. Is Breakneck Ridge Trail open?
Yes, the popular Breakneck Ridge trail in between Cold Spring and Beacon is open for hiking. There is rarely ever a time this trail does not have hikers on the trail. So get out and join the millions of hikers who have already experienced this top-rated Hudson Valley hike.
2. How long does it take to hike Breakneck Ridge Trail?
The time it takes you to hike Breakneck Ridge Trail will depend on the route you are taking. If you are only doing the 1-mile short loop, you should plan about 1 hour or so. The moderate loop which is 2.1 miles will take around 2 hours. For the long loop of 2.8 miles, you will need about 3 hours. Lastly, if you are hiking the Breakneck to Cold Spring route plan at least 4 hours.
Do keep in mind these numbers are rough estimates. Your hiking time could be a little more or a little less depending on your pace and expertise. Plus, don’t forget to calculate the time you will spend at the top taking in the panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding area.
3. How difficult is it to hike Breakneck Ridge Trail?
According to Alltrails and the New York State Park System, Breakneck Ridge is a hard and strenuous hike. Along the trail, you will find signs saying that Breakneck Ridge is only for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.
After hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail Long Loop, we would consider only parts of the trail to be strenuous and other sections more on the moderate side. But there are quite a few rock scrambling areas that will require you to use your hands and feet to scale up the incline. Even though everyone has to master the steep rock climbing section at the beginning, the multiple trails give hikers different options on how lengthy they want the hike to be.
If hiking is not something you do regularly, then this will be a challenging but doable hike for you to complete. Since this trail is popular, you also find a lot of inexperienced people on the trail. Make sure to know your limits and just hike this trail in good weather conditions.
4. How far is Breakneck Ridge from New York City?
The Breakneck Ridge trailhead is only a short distance from NYC, making it a great option to spend some time in nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can reach Breakneck Ridge by car or train.
If you are driving to Breakneck Ridge by car, it is about a 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Manhattan with no traffic. The drive may be longer or shorter depending on where you are starting from in NYC.
The train ride to Breakneck Ridge is about 1 hour 30 minutes. You will want to take the train north to the Breakneck Ridge train station, which is located next to the trailhead, or Cold Spring. From the Cold Spring train station, you will find the Breakneck Ridge Trail about 2.6 miles north on Route 9D.
Nearby Hiking Trails to Extend Your Hudson Valley Hiking Experience
Anthony’s Nose Trail – Hike 1.9 miles on the short and very popular Anthony’s Nose Trail, which is located near the Bear Mountain Bridge. At the top, hikers are rewarded with a grand view of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Hudson River, and the surrounding area.
Cornish Estate Trail – This easy 1.8-mile scenic hike through the woods leads you to the historic ruins of the Cornish Estate. See how nature has taken back the area of a once-living and thriving homestead. It is a real paradise for lovers of spooky places or history geeks who love to admire old structures.
Indian Brook Falls Trail – Take a walk on the very short ungroomed Indian Brook Falls Trail leading to a charming Hudson Valley waterfall. This trail sometimes gets overlooked by the more popular Constitution Marsh area down the road.
Mount Beacon – If you are in for a long steep climb, give the Mount Beacon Trail a try. Most hikers will call it quits when they make it to the overlook of the Hudson River, but you can also keep pushing to climb up Mount Beacon Fire Tower to get a 360-degree view.
Storm King Mountain – A moderate 2.4 miles climb with tons of scenic vistas will bring you to the top of Storm King Mountain. If you are looking for a moderate hike with some of the best lookouts, this one should be on your list.
Additional Things to Do Nearby
Visit Charming Cold Spring, NY
Cold Spring, rated as one of the most picturesque towns in the Hudson Valley, is located approximately 2.6 miles south of Breakneck Ridge. Wander along some of the most important industrial sites at the “outdoor museum” West Point Foundry Preserve, find a souvenir in one of the unique shops, or dine in one of the charming restaurants.
Enjoy a Waterfall in Beacon, NY
About 5.5 miles north of Breakneck Ridge trail you will find the trendy town of Beacon. Take a walk down Main Street for lively restaurants, bars, and unique shops. You can’t miss Beacon Falls, the town’s beautiful waterfall.
Go Birding at Constitution Marsh Audubon Sanctuary and Center
The Constitution Marsh Trail is a real hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. The 1.3 out and back trail features unique views of the Hudson River, eye-catching wildflowers, and great bird-watching opportunities. To get to the actual tidal marsh, you have to walk 1 mile over rocky terrain, before getting up close to this interesting ecosystem.
Paddle around Bannerman Castle
Just a 0.5 mile up the road you can tour one of New York’s most interesting castles. There are several options to take a tour of Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. No matter if you book a boat tour, or take an adventurous kayaking trip to the island, you will be fascinated by the gorgeous scenery and rich history of the grounds.
Experience more New York State Parks in the Hudson Valley
Breakneck Ridge Trail is located within the Hudson Highlands State Park with various other hiking trails and outdoor activities to enjoy. Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park are 2 other closeby New York State Parks where you can experience the outdoors.
Hudson Valley Accommodations
New York’s Hudson Valley is filled with beautiful accommodations throughout the region. But searching for hotels just located in the Hudson Valley may be overwhelming and won’t point you in the right direction.
If you are looking for an accommodation close to the Breakneck Ridge Trail, we would suggest looking for hotels in nearby Cold Spring and Beacon.
How was Your Experience Hiking Breakneck Ridge? Would You Consider it a Moderate or Strenuous Hike?
Let us know in the comments below!
Our Other Resources for Hudson Highlands State Park
- Beautiful Anthony’s Nose Hike: All You Need to Know
- How to Hike the Mysterious Cornish Estate Trail
- How to See the Picturesque Indian Brook Falls
- The Ultimate Guide to 11 Best Cold Spring Hiking Trails
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