April 17, 2024 – Chilly Spring, NY
Issue: Reasonable-Strenuous
Size: Roughly 1.9 miles
Max elevation: 596 ft.– complete elevation acquire roughly 650 ft.
Route sort: Circuit
Purchase Map: East Hudson Trails Map #102
Free Net Map: Hudson Highlands Trail Map North 2023
Trailhead parking: Breakneck Ridge Trailhead – Cold Spring, NY 10516
Please Observe: Regardless of its quick size, that is usually thought-about to be one of many extra strenuous hikes within the East Hudson Highlands. It entails steep climbs over rock ledges that may be very slippery when moist. You’ll want to make use of each your fingers and your toes in lots of locations alongside the way in which. Correct footgear is important for this hike, which is finest completed on weekdays, to keep away from the weekend crowds. Don’t try this hike in moist climate, or if the path is roofed with snow or ice.
The Breakneck Ridge space has been impacted by the development of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Path. The following set of Breakneck Ridge enhancements is about to start within the Fall of 2024, with preparatory work already underway. Anticipate highway and path closures whereas building is ongoing.
Overview:
Breakneck Ridge is a mountain alongside the Hudson River between Beacon and Chilly Spring, straddling the boundary between Dutchess and Putnam counties.
Breakneck Ridge as considered from Storm King Mountain
Breakneck Ridge has a number of summits, or bumps as they’re generally known as. The very best level (true summit) is a long way inland, reaching roughly 1,260 toes above sea stage. The southern face of the height is exceptional for its putting cliffs, the results of quarrying in previous years.
Breakneck Ridge as considered from Little Stony Level
Breakneck Ridge is taken into account probably the greatest and hardest day hikes within the nation. The steep ascent up its western face entails climbing over rock ledges, utilizing each fingers and toes.
Breakneck Ridge Path
This rock scramble attracts hikers from throughout, and is usually known as “the most well-liked day hike in America.” Breakneck Ridge is about 90 minutes north of New York Metropolis, and rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley.
View south from Breakneck Ridge
Breakneck Ridge is positioned throughout the confines of Hudson Highlands State Park Protect and is run by the New York State Workplace of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP).
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Historical past:
Breakneck Ridge lies instantly throughout the river from Storm King and is well-known for its excessive cliffs, which had been shaped on account of heavy quarrying all through the nineteenth century. Breakneck was initially generally known as St. Anthony’s Face or Turk’s Face, as a result of presence of a face like rock formation on the southern cliffs, which was finally destroyed by quarrying in 1846. In the present day Breakneck Ridge is an immensely standard climbing vacation spot, positioned inside Hudson Highlands State Park Protect.
In keeping with The Historical past of Putnam County, N.Y., which was printed by William J. Blake in 1849, Breakneck Ridge bought its identify after a bunch of farmers chased a bull off of a cliff, the place the animal broke its neck. A bull had made the mountain simply south of Breakneck Ridge (Mt. Taurus aka Bull Hill) its house. At night time, it could descend to the low grounds in its neighborhood, and plunder corn fields, meadows, and grain fields. The neighbors shaped an “alliance” towards the bull, decided to pursue him to his strongholds, and impact his seize or destruction. They chased him from this Hill (Bull Hill) to the one instantly north of it (Breakneck), the place, being onerous pressed by canines and armed males, was compelled off a cliff, thus breaking his neck. His pursuers instantly christened the hill from which they began “Bull Hill,” and the one the place they captured the wayward bull, “Breakneck.”
Since 2020, the Breakneck Ridge space has been impacted by the development of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Path. Work at Breakneck Ridge Trailhead and Higher Overlook was accomplished in July 2023. Months of labor included the relocation of the trailhead farther up Breakneck Ridge, restore of eroding path surfaces, improved stormwater administration alongside the path, set up of stone steps main as much as the Breakneck ascent, and building of a brand new Path Steward Station. This preliminary work at Higher Overlook marks the launch of Section 1: Breakneck Connector & Bridge of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Path.
The following set of Breakneck Ridge enhancements is about to start within the Fall of 2024, with preparatory work already underway. The Hudson Highlands Fjord Path Undertaking is slated for completion in 2031.
Trails Overview:
The Breakneck Ridge Path has develop into the primary climbing vacation spot within the NYC metropolitan space. In good climate, the path steadily brings greater than 3,000 hikers a weekend to hike its steep, rocky ascent and luxuriate in its breathtaking views.
The white-blazed Breakneck Ridge Path begins on the west aspect of Route 9D, simply north of the tunnel. The path climbs steeply up the west face of Breakneck Ridge, typically requiring utilizing each fingers and toes. This rock scramble is brief, however feels for much longer. This can be a a technique path (up solely) and shouldn’t be used as the way in which down.
Breakneck Ridge Path
The green-blazed Nimham Path opened in 2021, making for a better bailout possibility for those who simply wish to hike to the flagpole. This path follows the pure “bench,” or shelf, alongside the ridge, connecting the flagpole space to the Wilkinson Memorial Path.
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
The yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Path runs in a westerly route for about 350 yards from the junction with the Nimham Path out to Route 9D.
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
This hike additionally features a quick highway stroll (0.3 mile complete) alongside Route 9D, initially and finish of the hike.
The paths are nicely marked and simple to comply with.
Hike Overview:
I’ve hiked Breakneck Ridge quite a few occasions since 2015 utilizing completely different trails to descend the ridge. This hike is an efficient introductory to Breakneck. It permits hikers to benefit from the sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley with out having to decide to a for much longer and harder hike.
I did this hike on a Wednesday morning and arrived on the trailhead at about 8am. Surprisingly, there was just one different car after I arrived on the trailhead. As soon as on the space of the flagpole, a number of individuals began to go by way of.
This hike begins and ends on Route 9D and is finished counterclockwise.
Breakneck Ridge Brief Loop
A majority of the elevation is gained throughout the first mile.
Elevation profile – Breakneck Ridge Brief Loop
The Hike:
Since I got here from south of Chilly Spring, I parked going through south in order that I may exit extra simply after the hike and never must make a U-Flip.
On the alternative aspect of the guard rail, alongside the southbound lane, there’s a footpath that results in the trailhead. Comply with this path south in the direction of the tunnel.
Route 9D Path
Route 9D Path
Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
When you don’t have already got a path map, examine the field for a printed map of the paths.
Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
The signal states that this hike is simply a mile lengthy. It’s virtually twice that lengthy for those who do the hike as decribed by this author.
Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
The white-blazed Breakneck Ridge Path begins on the west aspect of Route 9D, simply north of the tunnel. The path climbs stone steps and heads south, virtually instantly reaching a viewpoint over the Hudson River from a rock outcrop to the fitting of the path. Storm King Mountain is immediately throughout the river with far reaching views to the north and south.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
On weekends, Memorial Day Weekend by way of Veterans Day, Breakneck Path Stewards can be found on the Breakneck trailhead with maps (extremely beneficial), water (extremely beneficial), path situation updates, and different suggestions that can assist you get pleasure from your day.
Breakneck Ridge Path
When you lookup in the direction of the ridge, you could possibly see the flags, the vacation spot on this hike, flapping within the wind.
Flagpole Space – Breakneck Ridge
The climb of Breakneck begins on stone steps. Accomplished in 2023, native stones had been utilized from the location to create a country, however clear stone staircase that safely guides hikers by way of the boulder area, to the bottom of the rock slab scramble simply forward.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
At occasions you might have to make use of each fingers and toes, to scramble up the ridge. The path is nicely marked, with arrows painted on rocks directing the way in which.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Comply with the white-blazed path because it steeply climbs the rocky ridge. Take note of the white blazes and arrows as you ascend to remain heading in the right direction.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
There are views by way of the bushes of the river as you climb and you might wish to take a short relaxation right here and there to admire them.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
In just below a mile, the path reaches a rock ledge with a flagpole. This can be a good spot to relaxation from the robust climb and benefit from the panoramic views over the Hudson River.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Wanting north up the Hudson River, with Pollepel Island seen under. Throughout the river (from left to proper), is Cornwall-On-Hudson, New Windsor, and the Metropolis of Newburgh. The lengthy ridge that straddles New Windsor and Newburgh is Snake Hill, one other nice hike.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Pollepel Island is a 6.5-acre uninhabited island within the Hudson River. The principal function on the island is Bannerman’s Citadel, an deserted navy surplus warehouse.
Pollepel Island
Pollepel Island has been known as many various names, together with Pollopel Island, Pollopel’s Island, Bannerman’s Island, and Bannermans’ Island. Pollepel is a Dutch phrase which means “ladle.”
Bannerman’s Citadel
To the south, Little Stony Level might be seen jutting out on the east aspect of the river, with Crow’s Nest, North Level and Storm King Mountain throughout the river.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Breakneck Ridge Path
Wanting as much as the highest of the ridge from the junction with the Nimham Path, you’ll discover a steep, near-vertical rock outcrop that the Breakneck Ridge Path climbs to achieve the crest of the ridge. However that part shouldn’t be a part of this hike.
Breakneck Ridge Path
If you find yourself completed having fun with these majestic views, proceed forward a brief distance uphill to a junction with the green-blazed Nimham Path.
Breakneck Ridge Path
Flip left on the Nimham Path, which is marked by an indication.
Flip left on Nimham Path
Flip left on Nimham Path
Flip left on Nimham Path
Comply with the inexperienced blazes alongside the Nimham Path, which loses over 500 toes of elevation in a couple of 1/2 mile. There are 500 stone steps all through this path that assist hikers negotiate the steep sections way more simply. This path opened in 2021 and makes for an gratifying and scenic descent of Breakneck Ridge.
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
On the way in which down, there’s a rock outcrop with extra Hudson River views. Chances are you’ll wish to take a second right here on your final viewpoint from Breakneck Ridge.
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
In about 1/2 mile, the green-blazed Nimham Path ends at a junction with the yellow-blazed Wilkinson Memorial Path. Right here you wish to flip left and comply with the yellow blazes downhill for about 350 yards.
Nimham Path – Breakneck Ridge
Wilkinson Memorial Path – East Hudson Highlands
Wilkinson Memorial Path – East Hudson Highlands
While you attain Route 9D, rigorously return to your car, the place the hike started.
Wilkinson Memorial Path – East Hudson Highlands
Evaluation:
That is a kind of should do hikes within the Hudson Valley. It’s higher completed early mornings on a weekday to keep away from the crowds. With that being mentioned, it’s price a go to to expertise the rock scramble and the implausible views. When you don’t wish to do the rock scramble, you possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from the identical views by using the Nimham Path and doing an out-and-back hike.
Execs:
Rock scramble, panoramic Hudson Valley views, difficult hike, nicely marked trails.
Cons:
Breakneck will get overcrowded on weekends.
Take a hike!
Breakneck Ridge Brief Loop
Sources: