Breakneck Ridge

As far as hiking trails go in the immediate NYC-metro region, this is one of the best in terms of views and a good choice for moderate aerobic exercise. From the hilltop peaks your sightline on a clear day follows the winding path of the Hudson River and then extends for miles along the east and west horizons. Arrival to the trail is by car or train. There's no parking lot at the main two trailhead entrance/exit points so cars park alongside the road next to these markers for about half a mile each way. Arrival by metro-north train drops you off at Breakneck Ridge station, though worthwhile to double check whether it stops here on off-peak weekdays and winter months. There are a few main options for trail difficulty and length. The short loop takes 1 hour though doesn't ascend the main peaks, the long loop takes 3 hours and involves a pretty arduous (steep rock scramble for hiking novices) climb up to reach 2 main peaks, the Break Neck to Cold Spring route includes the rock scramble portion of the long loop and the takes 4 hours. There are other combinations of trails you can take, and park services has done a good job of posting trail markers so you don't get lost. My friend and I took the long trail and on a clear fall Saturday morning tons of other hikers had the same idea. The rock scramble was about 30 minutes of continuous steep ascent, some parts of which you need to push or pull yourself over boulders so a decent level of physical fitness, a good sense of balance and shoes/boots with good traction are a must. This part of the trail is one-way meaning for ascent only--descending would be rather dangerous if other people were trying to climb up at the same time--and especially bc on certain parts there's only 1-2 routes uphill with a clear path and good grip (at least for inexperienced rock climbers like me). There are signs warning not to take this route if you have a fear of heights. The second peak along the long loop requires similar rock scaling though there's an option to go up via a side route which was still steep but involved less scrambling. The rest of the loop is mild and mostly downhill though you do need to be careful of dusty (or muddy) patches and loose rocks and pebbles causing slippery slopes. Make sure to bring enough water if you're doing the longer trails, and ideally a snack to replenish some energy part way. No rest stops or bathrooms on the trail (it is after all a hiking trail in the woods) so plan accordingly! Dogs are allowed and I saw some on and off leash.

A great hiking option! I came on a Saturday afternoon late October and it was packed! I definitely recommend coming earlier if you are driving here cause parking is hard to find. There's no designated parking space, most of the cars are just parked on the side of the road. We actually saw a lot of people come by train which is probably the best option cause it stops right where the hike starts. I've heard about Breakneck several times and have always wanted to come. Clearly, so did everyone else cause there were so many people here. The first portion of the hike is all uphill and it starts off immediately with climbing rocks. And I mean that literally. You have to climb the rocks to even get to the top, and then climb some more to get all the way to the top since there are different levels of elevation. Since there were so many people, there was a line with the first portion of climbing up since there were only so many sides that were climbable. There are different lengths for the hike as well - short, moderate, long, and the longest which took you from Breakneck to Cold Spring. Along the hike, there are multiple signs to show you where to go and also several to show where to start heading down depending on which length of a hike you want. The downhill portion wasn't as fun since there wasn't much of a view but it's a good thing that it's a loop rather than a turnaround since it would've been much harder to climb down and with the amount of people in the beginning, that wouldn't even work out. So if you plan to hike this, there's probably no turning back once you start. We came during the start of the Fall foliage where the leaves were beginning to change colors and the views were amazing! Loved this hike since it was so unique with the climbing. Definitely need to watch your step. Didn't enjoy the part of waiting while trying to climb up as much since that not only adds time to the hike but also, it was pretty hot so it didn't help. But at least there were a good amount of trees on most of the path to provide shade.

There's no parking lot so we parked by the side of the road. There are plenty of signs. We ended up doing the shorter trail because it was getting windy. Not too bad of a hike - the view is beautiful. Will definitely be back for the longer trails.

If you're into a hiking challenge with tons of optics, this delivers. The views at the top are right up there with any of the nearby mountain peaks, and this is an area with some strong competition - Bear Mountain is probably 20 minutes south. I've been up here numerous times ranging from the early spring to the late fall, and even when the foliage at the various viewpoints is not great, there's so much else to make up for it. I came here yesterday with one of my hiking chums. We opted for the 3.7-mile medium-length option (I've done the 7-miler one before that goes further back in the Hudson Highlands, and it's pretty meh - if you're in it for the mileage, by all means, but it's super anticlimactic after Breakneck and I recall Sugarloaf being one of the poochier summits). Our hike took us up (and I do mean UP) the white trail to the top of Breakneck Ridge, and then a bit further inland (with some additional up and down along the ridge) to the red trail on the left. After about 45 minutes, we hit the terminus of the red trail and took the yellow on the left, which brought us back to 9D about 10 minutes later. My favorite part is the initial mile up Breakneck. It took us about 45 minutes to an hour, and it's not for the faint of heart. If you slip....well, I don't know that that's CERTAIN death, but it's most likely an unpleasant injury, and there were a handful of times where we had to stop to figure out how we were going to get over a particularly difficult stretch of rocks. My chum was making her debut and wearing regular running shoes. I wouldn't do that - she had some trouble in the nastier sections with tread/grip, while I looked like a mountain goat by comparison with my North Face hiking sneakers. They were $40 at a nearby NF outlet. Worth it. Trust me. Some of my North Face purchases are pure label-whoreness, but the footwear is not. The views are fantastic on Breakneck - you can see miles up and down the Hudson, as well as the sprawling landscape on the western side of the river (highlighted by Storm King right across the way). I can't emphasize how much this is a hiker's hike - we didn't see any kids or families out for a stroll, just young and middle-aged people who looked like they were spry and in good physical shape. In many respects, the descent down on the red is my least favorite part. By then your hindpaws are likely tuckered out, and I always find the downhill more challenging as a result (especially if you're in decent shape and have hiker wind, which for whatever reason I do when it comes to rock scrambles - running outside like a normal person? Nope. Can't explain it.) It's also not a particularly scenic trail, but after what you just went through, I don't think your expectations should be insanely high. This was easily the least crowded I've ever seen Breakneck, likely because of some severe thunderstorm watches that we ignored. As a result, this was the only time I didn't encounter young pup/ignorant hikers asking for assistance in the form of navigation, mild rescue or water. If you can't immediately provide an informed response to what you should have in a hiking backpack, then I would not come here for your debut without at least one other more experienced individual. This is not the hike for a lot of trial and error. Huge recommend though if you're reasonably fit.

PROS: This is by far the most amazing hike i have ever been on. great exercise by going on a steep incline with many boulders and rocky stairs to climb. the people i come across are all fit and it leads to the top of the mountain with a great view of nature CONS: Parking is terrible due to street parking and its only for advance hikers, not beginners OVERALL: I will be coming back to this trail as it is my favorite one to go on

This mountain is located in the Hudson Valley Cold Springs, NY. One of the best hikes I have ever done outside of Angels Landing in Zion National park. Although the scenery is so different, getting to the first peak and overlooking the beautiful Hudson River is a site you don't want to miss. The first incline starts a few minutes into the hike. From here it's a scramble up the mountain to the first peak. Take time to enjoy the scenery and get a photo at the infamous flag atop the Hudson River. Continuing on to the 2nd and 3rd peak there are options for an easier hike or a hard hike, being that this was my first time, I took the easier hike. Once at top is a fairly steep incline down but nothing you can't handle. Notes: Parking can be a problem if you don't get there early This is not a trail for sneakers - something with grip Better to have less on this trail - Bring water Take lots of pictures

This hike is located in Cold Spring, NY. Which is a great little town to visit after the hike. When arriving at the trailhead, it's on the side of a main road with no real parking lot. Everyone parks a long the side of the road. Make sure to arrive early because it can get very busy. At the start of the trail there are some port a potties, some sign boards showing the different trails, and there was even someone giving out maps and explaining the trails. The hike up, is very difficult and I wouldn't recommend it for someone afraid of heights, or who isn't and avid hiker. It is very steep and requires a lot of scrambling and climbing up rocks. Once you get to the top, you are rewarded with an amazing view. From there, there's a few different ways to get back down. One is called the easy way down. Its just some sets of stone stair cases that lead back down to the main road. This is definitely a must do hike if you are up for the challenge.

We camevhere for a hike. It was pretty intense it starts with a uphill rock climb definitely intense but once you finish you feel accomplished

This is a very fun hike with a hard difficulty level. If you enter at the Breakneck Ridge Trailhead, just know that it's a one-way trail up a VERY steep, rock scrambling incline for at least the first hour (if you're moving quickly) and is followed up by a couple breakaway trails with varying difficulty levels. I did the Breakneck Long Loop (white trail, followed by red trail, then yellow trail) and it took me about 2.5 hours (including a couple water breaks and stops to admire and take in the panoramic views, and take photos) while moving at a steady pace. If you're looking for an easier hike, there are other trailheads to choose from up and down the main road 9D as well. A couple things to note: 1) I would not recommend bring your dog for this hike. The rocks are steep and require all human legs and hands to maintain balance. A dog will have an extremely difficult time (sometimes impossible) so you'll like have to carry your dog for the vast majority (if not entirety) of this hike, except for maybe when you're at the second hour of the hike and you're going downhill, but even then some of the drops are steep. I reluctantly decided to leave my dog at home for this one and was SO glad that I did once I was into the first hour of this climb and realized the intensity of the climb. 2) Bring plenty of water! You're definitely going to need to hydrate for this climb, especially during the warmer months. 3) Plan your hike. You want to make sure that you've allotted plenty of time in order to finish your intended hike during daylight hours. There are a few different options to choose from once you've completed the initial (and by far the most difficult) leg of the journey. If you're not that physically fit, plan for more trail time just in case. 4) Not recommended for anyone that's scared of heights. Again, the initial climb is steep and you get very high up, very fast. It makes for spectacular views of the Hudson but there are times you may not want to look down or over that cliff you're standing so close to. Overall, this is by far one of the most fun hikes I've been on. It's intense, a great leg workout, and has spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. I highly recommend.

There is no parking lot, it will always be crowded unless you head to the trail on a weekday morning. Unfortunately it's shoulder parking off of the main road - you may have to walk a bit to the trailhead. Steps from the train station Metro North. Great signage, did the Red loop - you get spectacular views of the mountain, Hudson River, and bannerman castle. Went for fall foliage would recc! Definitely wear hiking shoes with a good grip

Love it, amazing views. There are different entrances the once closest to the bridge is for experienced hikers and the other is more of a path laid out. I took the experienced hiker route def make sure to have hiking shoes as it is climbing rocks, but worth it to the first flag.

After seeing this hike on AllTrails we determined to try it. We arrived at at 8am and there already a good amount of cars. By the time we left, the road was lined with cars. We went on the long loop (white to red to yellow) and it was so fun! The rock scrambling for the first mile really wasn't bad at all. I highly recommend hiking with study shoes such as hiking shoes because it did get steep and there are some tough spots. The views were absolutely amazing and breathtaking. It's definitely worth the trek up, and we finished in just under 3 hours with lots of snack and water breaks!

Great hike, but not such a good time *getting to* the hike. Parking is an absolute nightmare. We arrived around lunchtime on a Sunday in October, and there was nowhere to park at all. There's no lots, just parking on the side of the highway, and it was packed. I thought I had the perfect solution - park down at the baseball field (about 1.9 miles away) and call an Uber! We hopped into our Uber and made it to the trailhead in about 15 minutes. Now I know what you're thinking - why not walk that extra 1.9 miles? Well, I was preparing myself for a very grueling hike not for the faint of heart and didn't want to waste any bit of my energy. The Uber was a great idea, until the person working the tent at the trailhead had an attitude with us and told us Ubers were not allowed. I thought Ubers and ridesharing were good for the environment? Turns out, there are signs posted saying no ride sharing... uh strange.... Anyway! Back to the hike. The hike itself was definitely tough and not for the faint of heart. There is a warning sign posted when you start the hike, saying that it's only for those who are in excellent physical condition (what a compliment). For someone with short legs, it was difficult at times to try and stretch over some of the rocks to climb. However, I made it! And was rewarded with a great view at the end. The walk down is also very nice and peaceful, no more climbing. Definitely recommend this one - but come early so you get a parking spot, or break the rules and Uber there :)

This has been the most intense hike we have been on but it has also been one of the most beautiful. The climb was definitely worth it. This hike is not for the faint at heart. I also would not recommend taking young children or animals. We saw some hikers with dogs and they were all exhausted. One hiker was carrying his dog in his book bag because the dog would not proceed any further. We saw an English bull dog that was painting so hard we thought he was going to pass out. The hike itself consists of using both hands and feet to climb over boulders and continue to climb over additional boulders (the shuffle). They have sections where you can opt to take easier routes but of course my fiancé opted for the obstacles, as such there were times where we doubted ourselves because of the intensity of the shuffle; we feared slipping during our climb. The views of the Hudson, the train, the road....were absolutely phenomenal. We climbed to the highest point which were three different peaks I believe. The first peak has two flags. I also wanted to note since I noticed a lot of first time hikers wanting to find the easiest exit. The easiest route is to continue along the hike which continues in elevation, and includes more climbing. Once you reach the top and continue on a little further you will see a huge boulder, from there, there are options to take other trails in which case you can take the route that will loop you back to the parking area. There is an easy decline and an obstacle decline, for this we selected the easier route. We were able to visit the mansion to see the remains which was nice. We plan on returning soon since there are other trails to explore. Again the hike was complex, and dangerous at times but the views we absolutely breathtaking.

Amazing view and with intensive hike upwards. It's best to wear proper hiking shoes, bring enough snack and water, and have map on your phone.

If you're looking for a more challenging hike not too far from NYC, this is the one to do. It can get crowded on weekends, but if you push on you'll notice that the crowd thins out the higher you get, as a lot of people turn around and head home before getting to the top. On a VERY hot early fall day it was brutal, and we were basically alone at the summit. In short, a great workout and great views.

The top view is amazing. You get to enjoy peace and see the surrounding nature. However, the hike up is a bit hard. You may need to boulder to get up. They are easier hike but my party chose the hardest route to go up. It was a great workout though. I definitely enjoyed it and would love to go there again in the future. The drive is short. Approx. 1.5 hrs from Manhattan. This is convenient. What I didn't like was the hike down. The hike down was hard on my knees as they were not used to the motion. But the more you hike down then the more muscle you develop, which it won't be bad for your knees as you do it more often.

Wonderful trails, must see experience!! I loved every part of this mountain, the hike is a bit long but sooo worth the trek. The views are amazing from the top and the rock scramble was exhilarating!!! Do yourself a favor and visit. Pack light, wear sunscreen, and don't forget your trail mix/water.

This hike was exceptional! It was roughly 1 mile straight uphill with 3 summits with breathtaking views. I would rate the hike 9/10 in difficulty. The way down is easy like a spiral staircase. There are a view waterfalls on the way down.

My favorite New York hike. Amazing views, rock climbing, and dogs! Breakneck is just about an hour and a half commute from the city and is easily assessable by Metro North. The first half of the hike is steep rock climbing which makes it perfect for those who want a mini full body warm up. I went here for the first time as a complete hiking newbie, and I'm not going to lie..I almost went into cardiac​ arrest by the time I made it to the first photo point. But, it's so worth it! The views are amazing and there will be a huge sense of accomplishment once you make it past that first hump. Now, I visit regularly and have a set trail I follow, but Breakneck never gets old. My one tip of advice, be prepared! This means the following: -A lot of water! I typically bring 3 bottles or the equivalent​ of 48 ounces. The more the better - Snacks! pretzels​, fruit, a sandwich​. Legit pack anything because​ trails are 4-7 hours long so you will get hungry. - Shoes with good grip. I wore worn-out​ Nikes​ and​ was left sliding down a few rocks. -Get there around 8 am to beat the heat If the gym isn't your thing, then I'd recommend Breakneck. You'll get one heck of a work out with about 4 beautiful scenic rest points along the way. Oh,​ and did I mention all the dogs that do the hike as well? INSIDER TIP: When you finish the hike walk a bit further to GO GO Pops in Cold Spring. They make the best fresh fruit popsicles​ and non-dairy​ ice cream which will definitely​ cool you off post-hike​.

This is a beautiful spot, but definitely for more experienced hikers. I confess I've only enjoyed it from afar, but the views are amazing, and it's one of my favorite places to gaze at whenever I'm in Cold Spring or driving along the river on Route 9D.

Breakneck Ridge is easily one of the most difficult hikes in the entire Northeast U.S. It is also one of the most popular in the NY area, with millions of visitors every year. But after you overcome the difficulties involved: plenty of rock scrambling and parts where you literally have to be on all fours, the views are absolutely amazing! The best season to come is during Autumn when all the leaves are changing color. What I would recommend, the most important thing you wanna do, is arrive to Breakneck Ridge early in the morning..preferably before 8a.m. That way you can get a decent parking spot relatively close to the trail head and you can avoid the crowds, because trust me, Breakneck Ridge will get crowded after around 10a.m..especially during the weekend. Also, with this difficult terrain, remember to come properly equipped. It's not a long hike..the whole loop from start-to-finish is just under 5 miles, but the hike is very steep, and there's plenty of elevation changes, ups and downs and rock scrambling. I strongly recommend trail-rated sneakers for the added traction or gore-tex hiking boots with plenty of ankle support. I personally recommend Keen Men's Targhee II hiking boots which are waterproof, lightweight and offers exceptional grip on the trail surfaces! Trekking poles and lightweight Camelbak Hydration backpacks are recommended..cuz honestly, who wants to carry around plastic bottles for 4-6 hours..lol Overall, the trails are pretty well marked and it's very difficult to get lost. I suggest going up by the trail head on the white blaze. That part of the hike is definitely more difficult, with most of the rock scrambling. However, this part of the hike also has the best views by far! There's a couple of viewpoints the further up you go, and each one offers a great panoramic view of the river, surrounding landscape and of Storm King Mountain across the river! :D On the way down, to challenge yourself, you can go back down the way you came, which is also shorter. Or you could follow the white trail till you hit the yellow and red, which will bring you back to the main road. Follow the road till you get back to the parking areas. With picture taking and breaks, this hike should take no more than 5 hours. It took my friends and I a little over 3.5 hours. Breakneck Ridge is quite a challenging hike, but well worth the effort! One of my favorite hikes in NY! :D

Possibly the more difficult hike I did. And we only did the short (white, yellow and red) trail. I brought a pair of batting gloves to help with the rock stepping. They really helped me a lot if I need to push off any rocks or grab onto a tree limb. Hiking boots is recommended. Don't be a fool and wear basketball sneaker. LeBron knows nothing about nature. Bring lots of water and snack. Don't bring a sandwich if you're not going to share. Check in to the Foodtown to buy food if needed. Yes, Foodtown has bathroom to use too. Shout out to Foodtown of cold spring. Skallie! Maps are free. The water proof one is $2.

Yes this hike is strenuous! Yes this hike is not a good idea for the first hike of the season. Yes you need to rock climb literally on hands and knees. People are not lying about the difficulty to hike up, but I have to say I have hiked harder trails in other states. The trail up is difficult and may require 3-5 rest breaks depending on how fit you are. You will see the beautiful viewpoint during the beginning by the flags. Hiking down is much more relaxing. You reach a small waterfall and teepee looking things made from large branches. I would advise good hiking shoes, water, and snacks for when you take a break at the top. Overall hike takes about three hours if you follow the white to red to yellow path.

Breath taking views but an extremely steep hike... at some points you're rock climbing which can be terrifying if this is your first hike (as it was mine) and you are afraid of heights. Would recommend for the avid hikers and the fearless not for your first hike or those wanting a light hike. Be sure to bring gloves because you're grabbing a lot of rocks etc

Breakneck Ridge is a wonderful adventure-filled hike where you can choose your own paths and difficulty level. I'd recommend coming here earlier in the morning to beat the sun and the crowds. Parking directly at the trail entrance is sparse, but there are plenty of open spaces on the side of the road. The trail itself is well-maintained and marked well throughout the course. The course starts with a short walk to an expanse of uphill scrambling fun. There are signs leading you to easier patches of rock, but you are free to let your inner child free and choose whichever path calls to you. There are four vistas along the way, where you can see rolling hills bordered by beautiful blue water. I'd recommend bringing/wearing the following: -gloves -longer pants. Your knees will thank you. -sturdy shoes with good grip -hat -water -snacks to munch on during breaks Trail end is just a walk away from the start of the trail, so no worries trying to coordinate your car position! This is one of my all-time favorite hikes in New York. It's relatively short, challenging, and flexible; every time I go here I find new ways to push my climbing abilities. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area!

Must go there early if you are taking the train otherwise you will be standing the whole train ride for 2hrs. We caught the 845am train with my best friend at the Grand central and we were standing half way there until some people got off the train. We got off at the breakneck station and walked about 5min to trail. A big warning, at the start of the hike was steep boulders climb. And it continued until your reached the first summit and the second summit. At the time we went hiking there was human traffic climbing up the mountain. We completed to the second summits and there were so many people, and we met few cute kids on the trails too. We stayed and enjoyed the views for a bit as well as took a rest on the second summit. To be honest, the hike I rated as hard hike because I am short and the hike required me to use full force to climb the boulders. It was easier for my best friend because she is taller than me. When we were ready to descend back down, we followed the yellow markers trail which lead us to cold spring exit. Half way on the cold spring exit we realized that exit was too far to the train station so we were rebellious to do short cut to the nearest trail up. Alert, don't do what my best friend and I did. We did do the short cut down to the highway off trail. It was dangerous, by the way we made it down safely. We told each other that it was one of a kind of experience we had together. Would I want to do the hike again? Maybe not. I love hiking and would like to go to new places or new trails.

"This is not walk in the park," the sign says. Breakneck Ridge is probably one of the best hiking trails in NY state. I followed the 3-hour trail (white, red then yellow. It was totally worth. The view of the Hudson River and the Storm King National Park at the first three overlooks was amazing. The first hour of hiking was pretty strenuous. It involved a lot of rock scrambling/climbing, so bring out your new pair of hiking shoes. You also need a few bottle of water/Gatorade. After the third overlook, the hike was very easy. You definitely deserve a few beers after this hike. Lol Can't wait to go back again and try other trails.

MUST MUST TRY THIS TRAIL!!! Me and my friend came to Hudson highland three times because it was the best trail we've tried so far!!! I loved in the beginning it was mainly rock climbing! We'll definitely be back soon!

I've been told countless times prior to my visit to Breakneck that it's some insanely hard hike up steep rocks. I'll say this, if you are NOT an experienced hiker then yes the legend is true it's a tough hike up however if you are an experienced hiker it really isn't hard it's actually really fun. For the love of God if you've never hiked a day in your life do NOT bother attempting this hike. Do not visit breakneck in high heels toting your designer handbag from 6th avenue. Despite the warnings of how hard the breakneck climb can be I always see the "tourists" climbing in totally incorrect gear. Those $300 Nike sneakers will surely have you slip and plummet to your death while my $100 hiking Timberlands will grip the rocks and keep me secure. Once you make it up the face of the steep rock climb the top is fairly flat for the most part. You will encounter a hill or two but all that will pale in comparison to what you just climbed up. Views at top are absolutely amazing and one of the best views I've experienced in a short distance from trail entrance to summit. Come with moderately proper hiking gear, camera and some basic hiking experience to do this and you'll have a blast.

This hike was so much fun. And FREE. Beginners beware. If you aren't a hiker, or even if you are but you like clear paths paved for you, this might not be good for you. Some trails are obviously easier than others, but the white trail (while short) is not for beginners. We did the 2-3 hour trail (white, yellow and red). You can only go up on the white trail because of its steep vertical. You are scrambling up rocks at many points. There are alternate routes for people struggling, but even these routes require some agility. The views are gorgeous. I went towards the end of the season's fall foliage, and it was the perfect time. On the way down, we were surrounded by a beautiful yellow canopy (coincidentally enough while following the yellow trail). I will definitely return, and I hope to explore some of the other trails in the future.

This place is not that far outside the city. We took the Metronorth to get here. This hiking trail is definitely not for out of shape people. It turned out to be a lot more strenuous than I had anticipated, but we made it through okay. At some points, the climb was very steep and if we had fallen, we would have broken our necks. We did the 3 hour trail and the views overlooking the Hudson River were amazing.

Here I go again with my generous 5 rating! However, this place is certainly deserving of those 5 stars. This is quite possibly my favorite hiking spot in the "Lower New York" area. And definitely one of my favorite hikes in New York and the East Coast period. Before I get more in depth, I should note two things: 1) For people who don't hike much and/or aren't in the best of shape, this hike will be pretty vigorous for you. It's very physically demanding and requires some rock scrambling, which is sort of like rock climbing but not necessarily. You won't be harnessed nor would you be completely vertical. However, it definitely requires some maneuvering around rocks and boulders that'll challenge your physical and mental capacity. It's most definitely very challenging. 2) This hike is accessible via Metro North for those of you without a vehicle. It only runs to this trail on the weekends on Saturday and Sundays. There's many different routes you can take once you get to the Breakneck ridge trail and the duration of time differs. I would reckon anywhere between 3-7 hours longer or shorter depending on how you want to do the hike. If you want to take your time and have fun or if you want to do a "speed run" (stupid), then it can be a lengthy hike. As vigorous as the hike can be, the views are always stunning and beautiful and worth the trek up. And as you make your way to various trails, you can enjoy the serenity of nature. Make your way to past the Cornish Hen estate ruins, and into the very cute town of Cold Spring, enjoy the views of the Hudson River. If you can make it on a weekday, do so. The weekends can be very packed with lots of city folk doing a get away for a little bit. Either way, I think this is a great hike for people who don't hike much or even for more advanced or serious hikers. Definitely a very nice trip.

I came here for the hike to the fire tower, and it was wonderful! Parking was a little difficult to find, but we ended up figuring out how to park in the parking lot so as to not block others. My friends grabbed some water and a hot dog from the lady selling them in the parking lot! Right at the foot of the hike, there was someone handing out maps which turned out to be extremely useful! The hike itself was hard. The initial rock scramble was a lot of fun but very tiring and difficult. The line of people going up didn't help much either, though it did make for a nice excuse to rest! There were a lot of viewpoints, and one even had an American flag! Very good views of the Hudson River, definitely. The trails are quite well-marked, but at one point we got lost and saw markers that weren't actually markers. It was quite an adventure figuring out how to get back to the main path, but once we did it was fine. We just paid more attention for the rest of the hike so as to not get lost. The fire tower was great! We could climb up the tower for even more views, and it was really cool. There was a very nice 360 degree view, and it made the hike well worth it. The hike back down was definitely a lot easier than the hike up, but it still took us some time to get back down. Once we were back in the parking lot, we were so relieved but happy we did the hike. I can see why it's one of the more popular and well-known hikes around here! If you hike a lot and don't mind being tired, this is definitely a great hike to do! There are other paths that are shorter (and longer for that matter) if you're looking for an easier or more difficult hike. Not suggested for a rainy day though!

Breakneck Ridge has been on my list of hikes to do for a few years now. I heard that it was pretty challenging with lots of climbing. I was finally up for the challenge this week so I drove up with my boyfriend on a Wednesday morning. I'd suggest that you download an app called Avenza Maps that has a GPS map available of different hikes. The recommended hike is to go from the white trail to the red trail to the yellow. WARNING: The white trail is the length of the red and yellow combined, and it's the hardest. It's literally just climbing up rocks and yes, you'll be using your upper body strength. It definitely isn't impossible as long as you're in some kind of shape (haha) and the views once you get to the top are amazing. Also, take photos on the white trail when you see the water because the views on the red and yellow trail aren't great because you're mostly coming back down and not by the water. I really appreciated that the trails were marked so well (with the color of the paint). It was usually a small box or just a swipe of color. It helped us keep on trail! The hike took me a total of about 2.5 hours and that was with a lot of resting on the white trail to catch my breath and for water breaks. If you want to spend some time at the top to take photos and such, I would allot around 3 hours! Also, there's port-a-potties by the start of the trail and they are super clean!

Breakneck Ridge is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. My boyfriend and I decided to come here since we have been around New York a lot for the past few weeks and haven't been hiking in a while. We decided to do the Breakneck Ridge Trail starting at the white trail then going to red and back down to yellow to finish the hike. If you're coming from 6E to 9D towards Chalet on the Hudson, parking will be after Chalet and the tunnel. Free parking is located on the sides of the highway. If there's no one behind you, I suggest backing into the parking spot so you can get out easier when you're done. As many others may have mentioned, this is a 3-hour hike, if not more if you are not physically fit. This hike does require a lot of stamina and rock scrambling, but I honestly don't think you have to be extremely physically fit. Just know though that your legs may feel weak if you don't workout your legs a lot. There is a trail for an easier alternative of the white trail. You will see it on the trail markers that will indicate the alternative route. Luckily, I didn't have much of a problem. I was sweating a lot though going up as the incline is very steep. If you're going through this trail, you'll only see 2 of the 4 overlooks. I assume the other 2 are probably up higher. However, for the 2 overlooks that my boyfriend and I hiked to, it was beautiful. We were overlooking the bridge and Hudson River. However, that's all to the hike. I wish there were more to it. I did like how the hike was a good workout. If you plan on coming here, I also recommend coming on a weekday and when the whether isn't too hot. On the weekends, this place is filled with hikers. Today, I'm pretty sure I only saw about 12 people. Also, today, the was about 70s which was perfect because you won't get too hot from going up all the rocks.

Cool little hike with a little light climbing. We got a bit lost so ended up hiking less than expected. Wish there wasn't as much tagging/graffiti.

The Short: From NYC, take the Hudson line/Poughkeepsie. Try to grab a seat on the left side of the train so you can take in the glorious views of the Hudson. During certain months, the Breakneck Ridge stop is open, which drops you off a few feet away from the trailhead; other months, you'll need to get off at Cold Spring. The white-yellow-red loop is considered the regular one, and will spit you back out onto Route 9D - you just have to walk for a bit along the highway back to the train stop. Bring (I guess this would apply to most hikes): (1) Grippy, close-toed shoes. I saw an Asian lady hiking in ballet flats and shuddered. (2) Water. Seriously overestimate how much water you think you'll need, especially during the summer months. The rule of thumb is one liter per person, but I would take a little more for splashing down the back of your neck or washing the dirt off your hands. (3) Snacks. I like nuts and dried fruit. Cold Spring is also not far. The Long: We studied up on this trail before going (and by "studied," I mean read a few blog posts and then switched to watching cat videos), so I thought I had some idea of what I was in for, but the rock scramble during the ascent is no joke. The rocks hit you hard and they hit you fast (about 5 minutes into the hike), and there will definitely be parts of the hike where it's best to surrender all dignity rather than risk a broken neck, and get down on your hands, knees, or butt. The ascent tests your balance and upper body strength, where you will need to pull yourself up. This hike was the hardest I've ever done, and a 20-something in decent shape should be able to pummel through, but I'd think twice about bringing children or dogs along. FOLLOW THE MARKERS, NOT OTHER PEOPLE. On our way down, we started clambering after another group of people despite the trail becoming incredibly steep, until someone pointed out the total lack of markers. There was at least one other point where I noticed a group going off-trail and one part where my boyfriend and I missed the turn-off for the red trail. My one caveat is that I sometimes felt the white markers pointing out the ascent (and the x's showing alternative paths) were really difficult, and I opted for another way up. With all that said, this was a hike that I definitely want to do again, now that I know what to expect. GOOD FOR: people tired of the Bear Mountain hiking trails; photography buffs (seriously, the panoramic views are stunning); anyone who desires a heart-pounding workout. NOT SO GOOD FOR: people scared of heights. I'm all for meeting your fears head-on, but you are scrambling up rock cliffs with small footholds. Push yourself, go slowly and maintain 3-point contact with surfaces, stay hydrated, don't look down, and feel like a champion with a plate of ribs after!

I loved Breakneck Ridge! If you're looking for a bit of a challenge but great views, look no further. You'll be on all 4's here scrambling up rocks at some point and reach several lookout points that offer wonderful views of the Hudson Valley. As mentioned, it can be slightly difficult for some people as you will be scaling up rocks a bit, but definitely manageable even for kids. Pack a snack and boots for this wonderful hike! Super easy to get to from NYC by car as it only takes 1.5hrs. You can stop in Cold Springs afterwards for a late lunch and great ice cream!

The first part of the hike that involves rock scrambling is great. I think people exaggerate how tough it actually is. It's doable even if you aren't the fittest person. You do need to reach high up for some parts of the rock scrambling, but I'm short and could handle it, and used more of my lower body strength to push myself up. The views between the official overlooks, that can be seen by following little dirt paths off the trail, are sometimes better than the official overlooks tagged by the Trail Conference. Also didn't know which was the official 4th lookout spot. We reached the sign that said 1240 (or 1260) feet without ever seeing a sign that said "this is the fourth lookout." The trail beyond the official overlook #3 becomes pretty mundane. The trail to get to the red path then yellow path seems to take forever and there aren't much highlights for the rest of the hike.

Amazing hike, very steep though. So worth the views and definitely a work out! Took us about 2 hrs to complete. We took the white trail up then yellow & red down.

Absolutely Beautiful! This was my first hike in NY and the toughest one I've ever been on. Overall, it wasn't that bad of a hike. Once you get past the first 1/2 hour of rock climbing straight up the mountain, you're set. My advice is to wear a T-shirt, long sweat pants, and bring at least 1.5L bottle of water. Grab onto anything you see (rocks, trees, and buddy if you have one) and literally use every part of your body to climb up those rocks. The view from the peak was absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth the huffing and puffing up the mountain. The rest of the hike was pretty easy peasy. Our team did 6 miles for about 4 hours (with breaks in between). I was in such a state of serenity when I got to the forest area and I will definitely make sure to come back during the fall time when the leaves start changing colors.

This hike will break your neck! This is a challenging hike which requires a lot of leg strength. You will be climbing on 4 limbs! Bring extra water. Wear good hiking shoes. When you make it to the top. It is well worth it! The view is amazing! When you have reached the top there will be split paths. One leading back down the other side of the mountain. The other goes into a different trail going towards the fire tower. Which we didn't get a chance to explore.

I went to Breakneck Ridge for the first time yesterday and it was absolutely incredible. The location is not too far from Bear Mountain - just straight down the road until you hit the start of the trail, which you can't miss because you'll see parked cars, portable potties and a little info booth. I'd suggest grabbing a map from the info booth and don't hesitate to ask a question or two - that's what they're there for! It was about 1:00pm when I arrived and there were definitely a lot of people starting to hike at that time too - so I'd recommend going a bit earlier. This is a challenging hike. You will use your legs, upper body, and all the strength you have to pull yourself up and climb those rocks. Wear the right shoes, socks and pants as some areas can be more slippery than others. Don't forget the water, some granola bars or snacks, and some sunscreen as well. I'd highly recommend this hike for anyone looking for an adventure or a challenge. Perfect time of year to really enjoy the view!

I've done this hike a couple of times now and just love it every time. What to bring: - Water, and lots of it. I go at the ends of the season in May/Nov to avoid hotter temps, and even when it's only high 60s I still need at LEAST 32 oz. And that's when I'm really conserving it so I don't need to go to the bathroom while on the trail. To be comfortable I'd probably take around 48 oz, and I can only imagine you'd need way more for summertime trips. On the bathroom front, there are none after the porta-potties at the trailhead, so make sure to go then or find a secluded spot later on. - Shoes with some traction. These don't need to be dedicated hiking shoes - most people wearing running shoes, and as long as there is some grip you'll be fine. - High-calorie food. Nuts/trail mix are classic snacks. Don't forget a lunch too. The hike: - The rock scramble really is not as dangerous as its name or some people might have you believe. It IS strenuous, but still doable even if you don't regularly exercise. I've been at various levels of physical fitness across my hikes and even at my least fit I was able to do it with no problem. You just take more breaks. - There are four viewpoints. A lot of people make it to the first one and think they've made it to the top because there are flags, and sigh with relief that the scramble is over. Nope! There are three more to go! : ) - To me, downhill is actually almost as hard as uphill because while there are no more boulders to climb over, the slope is pretty steep in most places and your knees are constantly bent and working to keep you upright. The thick layer of leaves on the ground also makes things kind of slippery too. Wear thick socks and close-fitting shoes, otherwise your toes jam against the front of your shoes and it hurts like hell.

Not quite sure how to rate the hike as it was my first time hiking but 5 stars for the views and experience. I came on memorial day weekend with some friends and it was my first time hiking so when I saw the steep rocks I got a little nervous. Making it to the first checkpoint was already a challenge because you have to be super careful of where you're stepping onto and also making sure you land on sturdy rocks and not those that are loose and can fall hitting the people below you etc. This hike seems to require some upper body strength because you have to climb over and lift yourself a lot of the times. I have friends who are used to hiking so they were running uphill but unless youre experienced, slow and steeady wins the race! The whole hike took about 4.5 hours because we made a few stops (check point-where the flag is, the top, the mini waterfall, the abandoned and broken buildings/homes) and to say the least, I was super tired but was it worth it? YESS! I got a nice tan! A nice workout if you'd consider it to be and the overall experience, although it was tough was super fun and exciting.

*****Breakneck Ridge Hiking Trail Route 9D - between Beacon and Cold Spring Warning Note: This is not just a walk in the Park- Breakneck Ridge is a steep rock scramble that is for the experienced hiker in excellent condition. You will ascend 1,250 feet in only 3/4 of a mile and will continue approximately 3 hours to loop around a wooded and rocky terrain. Be extremely careful and plan ahead. Reward: Breathtaking views of the local mountains and Bannerman Island (with a castle) along the Hudson River near Cold Spring, Beacon and West Point; as well as, an invigorating exercise regime to exhilarate the mind, body and soul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ahMy5VrwiU&t=281s I actually made a video, it was awesome

This should 100% not be a public hike. While the hikes nearby are fine, the section that is the uphill scramble that lets off from MTA is incredibly dangerous - not because it is hard, but because it is literally unstable. Today we saw one boulder the size of a small car and another boulder the size of a bicycle get dislodged and fall. One girl was frozen, and had the boulder continued to fall and not stop on a ledge, she absolutely would have been seriously injured or killed. No one was hurt, but when we approached the parks department, they said they know of the problem but can't do anything because the MTA owns the section off the Breakneck Ridge stop all the way up to the flags for the initial scramble. The MTA should be ashamed for letting this be open without doing stabilization work on it. Do not hike this section of the trail.