Breakneck Ridge – Possible the coolest hike for a one-day hiking getaway from New York City
I had heard a lot about this hike and I was really looking forward to giving it a try. Just the name of the trail, Breakneck Ridge, evocates some respect. On top of that, certain undetermined sections of the trail will be closed for reconstruction in 2019. No way was I going to miss it!
It was just as cool as I thought! So here you go…
Breakneck Ridge one-day getaway in a Nutshell
Grab the Metro North in Grand Central and head to the Breakneck Ridge stop. Do one of the options of the Breakneck Ridge trail, arguably the best hike in Hudson Highlands State Park. End your day in either Cold Spring or Beacon to grab a cold and large beer and grab a well-deserved meal and head back to New York to enjoy a remarkably good night of sleep.
The details
So first of all, as I said before, certain sections of the trail (still undetermined) will be closing in 2019 due to reconstruction. You should be all good for 2018 but just in case, it’s not a bad call to do a quick Google check before you go to check on news about it.
Breakneck Ridge is a mountain along the Hudson River between Beacon and Cold Spring, New York, straddling the boundary between Dutchess and Putnam counties. It is considered the best trail in the NY state.
We took the train in the morning at about 9.55 am. There are trains every hour during morning weekends and it takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Once you get there, you literally stop in the middle of nature. That means that apart from a small hot dog and drinks cart, there are no available options to get supplies for the hike!
So important: come ready with water, bananas, protein bars, some chocolate bars, and some extra food if you plan to have lunch during the trail.
I suggest you take about 2-3 liters of water per person of slightly more if you are going to do one of the longer options and the day is hot. I took 3 liters and I finished them 600 feet from the restaurant we ended up in at Cold Spring… It’s also never a bad idea to take a water filter with a small 1-2 liters bag in case you are in need (this is the one I’d recommend https://www.rei.com/product/890900/sawyer-mini-water-filter)
What is the best trail in Breakneck Ridge?
So first things first. There is not a single Breakneck Ridge trail that everyone does. There are several options that start at slightly different places. Depending on the time you have, your stamina and your health conditions you should make your choice.
Another important point to bear in mind is that the mileage is quite misleading. There are some very steep sections. It took us over an hour just to complete the first mile!
To make this a bit clearer, check the: Trail Map
The Metro-North train will drop you right next to the trailhead of the yellow line called Wilkinson Memorial. You can easily walk to the trailhead of the white line (Breakneck Ridge) in less than 10 minutes.
Trail options
Looking at the map, you can easily customize your own tailor-made option. I would suggest 4 options:
- Shortest option – 1.5-2 hours – 1.6 miles
- Start in the white (BR) trailhead, head north.
- Turn right on yellow (UC) trail.
- Turn right again on the red (BK) trail and end up on the road at about 15 minutes walking from the Breakneck Ridge train stop.
- Link: Short option
- Shorter option- 2-2.5 hours – 2.4 miles
- Same start as one but instead of going right on yellow continue straight.
- Turn left on the red (BB) trail.
- Get to the yellow (WM) trail and turn left to finish right at the parking next to the train stop
- Link: Shorter option
- Mid-Long option – 4.5-6 hours – 5.2 miles
- Same start but continue straight beyond both yellow and red trail detours.
- On blue (NT) trail turn right (direction South).
- When you get to the fork, continue on the red (BK) and very shortly, you will turn left on yellow (UC) trail.
- From here you can either continue all the way on yellow and end up a bit north of Cold Spring or turn right on white (WB) to end up on the road 15 minutes walk from Cold Spring.
- Link: Mid-Long option
- Long option – 6-7.5 hours – 5.3 miles
- Same start but continue all the way north until white (BR) and blue (NT) trails bifurcate. Take the blue.
- Very shortly after, you will connect with the yellow (WM) trail. Turn left heading south.
- Continue all the way until the parking lot next to the train stop.
- Link: Long option
- There is also a nice out & back trail you can do. Personally, I’d rather go for a loop given how many are available. See link: Breakneck Ridge Trail to South Beacon Mountain
We went for option 3 because option 4 was a bit too long and there are more viewpoints on that option so it was a win-win.
Other considerations
Don’t worry if you don’t have a printed copy of the trail map as you can get one for free at the information desk right at the BR trailhead.
Also, don’t despair after the first mile, it is extremely steep and you will have to do some mild climbing. Watch your step! But don’t worry, it gets better after the first mile and a half.
The trail is overall quite easy to follow and there are trail marks and signs all over the place.
Also, some of the view you will get along the trail are amazing!
Where should I eat in Breakneck Ridge?
This question depends completely on the trail option you are planning to go for. I would say you have three options:
- End the hike in Cold Spring and eat there. I like Brasserie Le Bouchon a lot. For a quick cold beer Whistling Billie’s is a very convenient often. I suggest you check the post: Cold Spring – Hiking, Oktoberfest, steak and red wine… What else do you need?
- You could potentially end your hike or simply drive/walk to Beacon once done. There are a ton of great options here. I suggest you check the post Beacon – Perfect one-day getaway from NYC
- Lastly, if you are looking to do one of the longer hike options or you simply started a bit too late, the best option is to prepare a good meal to eat during the trail. You can always buy some sandwiches in Grand Central and nearby so you can eat on the trail. If you are into backcountry cooking and you have the cooking gear that is a great option too. I thought about talking my propane tank, the stove, the cooking gear, and some food but ended up going for the sandwiches…
How do I get to Breakneck Ridge?
Head to Grand Central and take the Metro North Hudson line, direction Poughkeepsie to the Breakneck Ridge stop. Total time about 85 minutes. There are several train options that stop in Breakneck Ridge and if you can’t find any you can always stop in Cold Spring (the previous stop), which is at about 40 minutes walking / 5 minutes Uber. You can also stop at Beacon, which is the next stop and is at about 75 minutes walking / 8 minutes Uber.
Trains typically depart every hour during the mornings of weekend days i.e. 7.55, 8.55 and so on until 12.55. Similar timing to get back to New York, with trains departing in the afternoon every hour on weekend days. In any case, I suggest you check the train schedules in advance as it varies quite often.
You can check train schedules at MTA Metro North Schedules
If you are planning to go by car, about 70-80 minutes too.
