Hudson Highlands State Park

I visited Hudson Highlands State Park for the first time to hike the Blue Trail, also known as the Cornish Trail. It was only my third time hiking, and that’s when I realized how much I love it, I definitely plan to hike more often. Although the Blue Trail is considered beginner-friendly, I found parts of it a bit challenging because of the incline. Still, the effort was worth it and the view of South Beacon Mountain was absolutely beautiful. The hike itself was a great experience, especially with friends. Near the train station, there are small shops where you can grab food, drinks, or any last-minute supplies. There are also restrooms by the station and a portable toilet near the trail. I would absolutely hike here again!

Great hiking trails and very convenient if you live in NYC. It’s only about an hour or so away, making it a perfect day trip. The park offers a variety of trails for all levels, from easy riverside walks to challenging hikes like Breakneck Ridge with stunning views of the Hudson River. The scenery is beautiful year-round, especially in the fall when the foliage is vibrant. It’s also accessible by train, which makes it hassle-free if you don’t want to drive. A must-visit spot for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking for a quick escape from the city.

We visited the state park in Cold Spring, NY. The park was okay, but the Bull Hill trail we took was a little disappointing. There was no view at the top, and the trail signs were not clear, which made it a bit confusing. Still, it was nice to walk in nature and get some fresh air. It’s better than nothing if you just want some outdoor time. But I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a great hiking experience or nice views.

Hudson Highlands State Park is a fantastic place for a hike. The variety of trails makes it perfect for everyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, and you can choose a route that fits your schedule. The view from the viewpoint is simply breathtaking. The park's proximity to Cold Spring and the train station is a huge plus, making it very accessible for those without a vehicle

The best and breathtaking hike not far from NJ or NYC. Short hike trails (white) up to bull hill - Mt Taurus in challenging but enjoyable.

There are several trails in the area, and it is well-maintained and clean. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. You can take a train that takes about 25 minutes to reach the start of the trail, and parking is also available. The views are incredible!

A beautiful place. Fresh air, lots of gorgeous trees, and you’ll find the cutest local squirrels. Heads up — if you like walking, this is a great spot! Just keep in mind that, like many big parks, there are a few risks: you might come across snakes, and there are ticks that can carry Lyme disease (there are signs warning about it). It’s best not to go alone since the park is quite large. During our visit, we saw three men drinking near the edge of the trail. Other than that, the park rangers are excellent — very kind to tourists. The local people aren’t particularly warm, but nature never loses its beauty. That’s the most important part. I hope this helps make your visit even better. 🌲✨

It was a great hike with well marked trails. There are several places on the trail with great views of the valley.

One of the best hikes that I have gone on this year! Initially, we were going to do the Bull Hill Full Loop which is an estimated 3-4 hours. This is definitely a moderate trail. If you go in the winter, take caution with the ice when climbing to the top. After about an hour into the trail, you will see a sign to continue on the Full Loop or the Short Loop. When we reached that point, we switched to the Bull Hill Short Loop. It took around 3 hours to complete. The trails have beautiful views! You will see other hikers, but everyone keeps a safe distance. Take time to stop and enjoy the surrounding. There are portable toilets at the beginning of the trail with hand sanitizers if you need to use a bathroom.

This review pertains specifically to a pretty below average hike I did this past Saturday in Hudson Highlands called Osborn Loop/Sugarloaf Hill. I want to be clear though that I've done other hikes in this park (notably Breakneck Ridge) and they were truly awesome. This was by far my least favorite adventure in the Highlands, and hopefully it guides others to the much more scenic and hospitable areas that are more than worth the price of admission. This particular hike was in my book 50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley. From the AT trailhead off of 403 (right across the street from the Appalachian Market, I took the AT west to the Curry Pond Trail (yellow), which curved and met up with the Osborn Loop Trail (blue) heading more north northwest, before taking a left up the Sugarloaf Trail (red) to the summit, before reversing course and heading back to the intersection with Osborn, continuing east back toward 403, before turning south onto the Carriage Connector Trail, which eventually hits back up with the AT, and then back to the trailhead. It was about 7 miles, and the book estimated this as a four and a half hour endeavor, but it took me about three hours and 15 minutes. I think that's more about the book exaggerating the difficulty of this hike than me being awesome, but your mileage may vary. The biggest issue by far here is the lack of trail maintenance. I'm assuming that's on the NY NJ Trail Conference, but it's inexcusable - it's early August and tick season has been out of control. I shouldn't have to very carefully navigate through overgrown grass and weeds to get through a hike like this. The trail blazes on the trees are EXCELLENT (helps that one of the trails here is the superstar AT) so someone has been coming by regularly to ensure that you can make your way accurately through the myriad of colored blazes, but there are sections of this trail where you don't have a choice but to make direct contact with tons of poison ivy. A huge miss as far as I'm concerned. That's a few volunteers with a weed-wacker one afternoon. Even if you don't want to prioritize the lesser trails like Osborn, at the very least the Sugarloaf trail should be much clearer - it's by far the biggest selling point of the area and the only section I saw other hikers. There were also a few recently downed trees over the path; that I don't have as much of an issue with; it's pretty easy to climb over and around, and obviously a much bigger undertaking than snipping a few weeds back. Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the view from Sugarloaf. I have a picture attached, and you can see the Bear Mountain Bridge (one of the better optics on the Hudson River), along with hiking site classics like Anthony's Nose and Bear Mountain itself. But it's probably 70% obscured by the foliage/tree situation. I don't know if there's a way to improve the view without destroying the integrity of the surrounding greenery, but maybe the other option is to create a different viewpoint that allows for better optics - through the trees straight across the river you can see the gorgeous West Point campus. There's a ton to look at in this area no matter which direction you're looking at, it's just a shame you can't take advantage of it. The prickly pear cactus situation was cool; there's a few batches of it growing on the south-facing side of Sugarloaf, which isn't that common of a sight in this area. Beyond the overgrown trails and limited sights, it's just not a very interesting hike. There are huge stretches where you're just walking around in the woods, which isn't a bad thing but there's not a lot to look at. No significant water features, one fairly recently built gazebo (towards the end on the Carriage Connector Trail), some stone walls/ye olde property lines and...not much else. There's a bathroom and snacks for purchase in the Appalachian Market across the street from the start, which is a selling point, and if you're not up for an insanely strenuous adventure, this fits the bill as well. But I'd go hiking closer to the river in the future - this was a big miss for me.

The short hike to the ruins was totally worth it. The trail was very beautiful and breathtaking. It's an easy trail to navigate, and the walking path is wide. However, due to the thunderstorm we had the past few days, there was a lot of debris and falling trees. Otherwise, it was gorgeus, and I went further and checked out the dam and waterfalls , which is an extra 5-10 min walk.

Well organized trail system with lots of easy, available parking. I took the easy Cornish Estate trail, which is about one mile in and one mile out. Mostly flat terrain, with a little uphill incline at the end. At the end are very cool ruins that make for good photos. There are more challenging trails. Near Beacon, NY, which is home to Bannerman Castle. Some quaint little shops in the nearby downtown. Could make a nice little day trip from NYC.

There is an option between Break Neck Ridge or the Bull Hill trail on this state park. We picked the later being a beginner rate hiker. Unexpectedly, we enjoyed the trail we took in this state park when we finished. We started before 9 am and the parking near the trailhead was already full. Lucky that a-crossed the street near the state park office has still plenty of spots available. Wow! The parking is free being said a state park. A plus for this review. It picked up the elevation right away few yards from the start of the trail. It is still lingered on my mind while walking if we were doing a short loop which is 4.4 miles or the full loop of 5.9 miles. Glad that we did the full loop, it challenged us and we prove of our worth. Aside from the scenic view of Hudson River and the town from the top, we were able to went higher and see NYC from a distance. As we were making a turn for the loop, we passed by so many beautiful trees with vibrant colors of its leaves. Along the way , we passed by small creek and then ended the trail seeing historic ruins of an estate of former well know city dweller. It took us one hour longer than the estimated trail completion time of a blogger. It is worth the effort and time taking this trail.

Another year, another mountain!! I've been on Yelp for 10 years and an Elite member for 6+ years and I just realized we could check in on a mountain... It was my first time tackling Bull Hill Mt. Taurus with 16 of my friends back from nursing school. This time, I decided to take one of my fur babies on her first hike (after checking out videos beforehand to make sure the terrain isn't too bad). A lot of people laughed at the fact that I brought a small breed dog on a hike and while I agree that larger breeds would probably have an easier time, it was still very doable - we both had a lot of fun and she actually wasn't tired from it at all (I was surprised too because she's got little legs). I hike every year and I would say this is not a hard trail. I definitely recommend this place for beginners. However, keep in mind that there is a bit of uneven ground and can be a little rocky coming back down (lots of loose rock and pebbles and mud on the path) and that was probably the only time I had to stop and carry her every now and then to make sure she doesn't get injured. The views of the Hudson below were impeccable. You won't regret it.

Nice state park for hiking. We went on a mild June Saturday afternoon. The park has many trail of differing difficulties. If you see a trial description with "scramble" in it, that will be a very, very hard trail requiring great physical exertion. Just providing that tip because we noticed lots of people getting to the scramble section of one trail that either (1) immediately turned around or (2) put themselves in danger trying to climb rocks when they had no business doing so (out of shape/overweight individuals). If you plan on a longer hike, carry a good backpack with a waist strap to carry your water and snacks. Keeping your hands free is essential on some of the harder sections.

We used the parking lot by Sprout Brook for entry and enjoyed a relatively lightly humaned hike - a few sets of hikers out, with about 50% masked - we actually stepped off the trail to let the selfish folks pass. Trails in relatively good shape, with a couple of muddy spots requiring some balance and a few steep uphill sections. Mostly narrow sections requiring single file. There are three sets of trails, and you can select how far up - and how difficult - you want to take your walk. Some streams, ponds and small waterfalls provided by Mama nature. Great day, wonderful weather and glad to get out. Love our Town of Cortlandt!

I'm an avid hiker and love this region of mountains to hike spanning from Beacon mountain, Fishkill Ridge and Taurus Mountain! I've been all over these mountains in recent years. Depending on the route you take the hikes vary from moderately difficult to very difficult. There really is no "easy" route in my opinion because you will eventually find yourself going UP. Summer months bring plenty of water and a good pair of hiking footwear and no the fancy Uggs while are beautiful boots do not qualify for proper footwear. Wear something designed specifically for hiking because I've seen countless people slip on rocks because their $400 pair of "Yeezy's" lacked the grip necessary to navigate some rock obstacles. In winter months be sure to pack micro spikes for your footwear in case you come across ice where you risk injury trying to cross large masses of ice. Above all else please BRING A MAP darn it!! While I don't mind saving you when I find you completely lost, I will lecture you on not having a map especially when the wonderful trail stewards who volunteer their time do give out maps for FREE at the Breakneck trail head. Bring MAP, water, food, camera, good footwear and have fun but be safe.

A couple of weeks ago, my family embarked on the 1.5 hour drive from Manhattan up to Cold Spring, New York to hike the Bull Hill Trail. Bull Hill, also called Mount Taurus, is part of the Hudson Highlands mountain range, and the State Park offers a few different trails. Breakneck Ridge is probably the most well-known, as well as the most strenuous, despite its short length. As this was our introduction to hiking in the Hudson Highlands area, we opted for Bull Hill instead. The Bull Hill Trail comprises a full loop (5.5 miles) and a short loop (4.3 miles). Time is an important factor when determining which one to take. The full loop clocks in at about 4-5 hours, while the short option lasts 2-3. A word of caution, however: distance does not matter as much as one's ability to handle a steep incline. The first half requires a lot of climbing, given that it's an uphill path, and the second half is markedly easier on the legs, providing much-earned relief. There's no shame in pausing for quick 5-minute breaks along the way if needed - plenty of hikers, including myself, stopped to take a breather once in a while. And besides, who wouldn't want to bask in the beautiful views from the top? Bring durable shoes with plenty of traction, a camera, a water bottle, and maybe a snack (or a picnic lunch, which some groups took part in after they reached a stopping point, usually at the scenic spots). Even though Bull Hill isn't a particularly advanced trek, I wouldn't advise beginners to choose it as their first hike. I'm looking forward to my next trip up to the Hudson Highlands, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, so I can take on the challenge of Breakneck Ridge.

We hiked the white/WB, yellow/UC and red/BK and blue/CN loop today. White trail goes upward and was somewhat strenuous but was the way to get on the yellow trail which had wonderful views of the Hudson. The red/blue trail was an easy hike back. If you're traveling with young kids/stroller, I recommend only hiking the blue trail from the parking lot to the Cornish Estate Ruins. The small lot fills up very quickly so early arrival (8 am) is a must. Only port-a-potties at the parking lot were available but they were clean ( in the morning anyway). I also recommend stopping by Round Up Texas BBQ for a meal. Food was delicious and affordable. Plenty of picnic tables for outdoor dining.

this spot is extremely beautiful and has great scenery. i'd highly recommend stopping by and enjoying the nature here.

Great place for all year good or great memories with friends and family. Safe place to go.

Many trails to choose from with varying difficulty in this multi-location park. We chose the easy Stoney Point Trail, located just north of Cold Spring. Beautiful hike along the river and then up a small hill to a cliff overlooking the Hudson. On this crisp winter day it was a perfect 1+ mile circular counter clockwise hike.

I've only hiked here 7-10 times and I can't get enough of it. The hiking views are amazing, it's dog friendly, and people are so friendly. Level of difficulty: I came here (breakneck ridge) probably 6 times last year and the last time I came, there were a group of girls that ran out of water so I had an extra bottle to spare. So if you're reading this review make sure to bring a ton of water and a snack. There is also climbing involved so you may have to lift yourself up from big boulders. Washburn and bull hill are easy hiking trails. The views are just as beautiful but doesn't require the level of intensity as breckneck ridge.

This was one of the best hikes, not really the easiest one, but it definitely worth it! This place has so many spots to explore, we couldn't cover the whole area in one day. Hudson Valley has a lot of breweries around so after a hot day it is very nice to check them out, or they have nice ice cream shop nearby

This review is specifically for the Washburn trail. A lot of great things about this hike! Parking was simple, the port-a-potties at the base actually smelled good (?!?). This hike isn't a rock scramble, bit it is pretty steep pretty much from the get go, you will work up a sweat going up. What this also means is that you get great views of the river and the mountains on the other said very early in the hike. In fact, this is one of those hikes where the views in the first half are better than in the latter part, which becomes flatter at the top, and you're mostly walking through the woods, though at the high point there is another view where you can see the NYC skyline in the distance. Coming down there are some sections with loose rocks, so be careful. Luckily there are lots of thin trees to grab on to. The path is overall easy to follow and well kempt, but even if the trail ever becomes vaguely unclear, the trail markers are excellent (white metal circles nailed to the trees) and really easy to follow. They place them every few trees and through the entire hike, I think the farthest I ever saw between trail markers was maybe 50 feet? Usually they were much closer together -- so I never felt scared of getting lost. This a moderately challenging hike that you can feel safe doing solo.

We did the "Full Bull" hike and loved it. This was my favorite hike of the season. The views were nice and the ruins towards the end were a lot of fun to explore. Lot of spots to get great pictures, but in the natural areas and at the ruins. The hike itself was moderate, but easier than I though it would be. I am 300lbs; I imagine if I can do it, most people can if they choose to stick with it. The beginning little bit was the worst, then it was a cake walk from there.

The breakneck ridge hike is hard for the first 1.3 mile. Straight mountain climber style. Not recommended for the unprepared or weak. It is a tough climb to be honest. First 1.3 mile is rock climbing. Next 1.5 mile will descend but depending on which way you take. Otherwise it will be just steep muddy or rocky roads.

We hiked Bull Hill short loop in the summer with our small dog, and he did really well. Few short bullet points: 1. bring water 2. wear good hiking shoes (lots of unstable rocks) 3. first 2.5 miles or so are uphill, but gets easier after that 4. summer has lots of bugs and ticks! 5. wear sunscreen 6. take a picture of the map at the beginning of the trail 7. trail is relatively well marked 8. port-a-pottys only at the beginning of the trail I enjoyed the views and loved that this park was so close to NYC. Fall would be gorgeous here. Happy hiking!

Took the metro north from the city to this Beautiful trail. The first 0.4 miles are the hardest (white trail ).The yellow trail have the best views. I did the short loop which took me 2:30hrs to complete.and,It was all worth it Next time I will do the full loop.

Did this hike on a Sunday in October. Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) can be a bit challenging at times, so I was glad I didn't bring my little dog. We followed the white trail and it felt a lot longer than it was. Make sure to use the bathroom before you start the hike!

1:30 Hr Away from New York City. Level: Intermediate / Advance Hiking / Rock Climbing Different trailers (I did the Red Trailer which was more rock climbing). 4 mile distance (Approximately 3:30 hrs trip) Free copy of the map provided in the beginning of the route. (Right after the mini tunnel) Beautiful scenery view (not as much as Minnewaska and Mohonk Preserve) but there's no fee to hike this part of the area. Parking is a bit pain in the butt (Maybe 30 spots available in the parking area) and the rest parks on the side of the road. Most of them took the Train since it was 1/2 mile away from the hike. PS... NO Restroom PS2.... Put some bugspray, lot of weird things around the bushes! PS3...... If you are afraid of height, then just stick with the other routes.

If you up for a little adventure, take day off and take a ride to Hudson Highlands State Park. It's not a just hiking trails - this park is natural and historical preserve, and as multifaceted as it gets. We only explored small part of it - the preserve is so vast, it will take weeks and months to see it all. Mt Taurus was our destination for the day, and after easy ride on MetroNorth we were all eager for the hike... We started at charming town of Cold Springs - from there, you can take several trails to reach the mountaintop (all trails clearly marked, and pretty busy, but it's hiking season after all). About 2 hour hike to the top of the mountain is average difficulty, but stones can be annoying, summer sun is merciless, so hiking shoes, sunblock, water, snacks, towel, change of tshirt would be helpful. The view from the top of the mountain is pretty spectacular - Hudson hugging the green hills, and on a clear day you can even make up New York skyline on very horizon. There are several flat stone outcrops to stop and take pictures and enjoy fresh air and the views. You can take different trail going back to town - less steep, more woodsy, and offering coveted shade. It's pretty awesome to just relax, walk the forest road and watch wild life. Those frogs are adorable!!! Birds are chirping around, and in August you can even will find berries along the trail. On the way down the mountain, there are several ruins of estates for you to explore - it is amazing to see what still standing after all the years, and see how nature taking over something that was proud man's creation in those days long gone. There is also area with stone "memory towers" - little rocks placed on top of each other by hikers. Add a rock, build your own memory, and leave those that were made by hikers before you intact.... The mountain, the hike, the streams, wild life and the peace of nature - pretty much the best way to spend summer days.

Here's the lowdown on the Breakneck Ridge trail. 1. WEAR HIKING BOOTS. Sounds obvious, I know, but since the most rugged terrain we have in NYC is Central Park, I thought I'd remind you. There's a reason why it's called Breakneck Ridge. The first 1.5 miles of this trail is a steep rock scramble (see photos) of at times near vertical angles and you will need all the traction you can get. 2. Get up early. As of this review, there are only 2 metro north trains stopping at Breakneck Ridge on Saturdays, and the latest one is at 8:47 AM. Even if you drive, this is a good 70 mins out of manhattan depending on where you live. There are more frequent trains to Cold Spring, but Cold Spring is about 30 mins walk from the actual trailhead. Unless you like to warm up for your hike by... well... hiking, your best bet is to take the train straight to Breakneck. The fun thing about doing this is we met tons of other NYCers whom we could then not-to-secretly follow to the trailhead, which is about 1/4 mi away. You can take the more frequent Cold Spring station train on your way back, depending on what course you take. 3. Plan your route. There are no signs on these trails, only markers, which can at times be as cryptic as a faded spray of paint on a tree. Each trail has its own paint/marker color: the main Breakneck Ridge trail is white. Fortunately for us unprepared Manhattanites there were free maps in a box at the trailhead. We took the Breakneck Ridge trail to the Notch Trail (blue), which then forks just south of Surprise Lake. Take the Brook Trail (red) which as you travel eventually allows you to turn to the blue Cornish trail (confusing I know!) running parallel to the Metro North train tracks. Stay on this trail till you hit the exit. Now pause and savor that sense of accomplishment of looking back on those peaks you just scaled. There. Longest review I've ever written and on one of the most exciting topics possible to me. This trail is not for everyone - fear of heights, chain smokers, you get the point. There are at least 3 peaks to scale before having any option of turning back - - unless "back" means descending down the same rocks you came up. Trust me, not a desirable option. But if you like a challenge - so worth the amazing views of the Hudson at the top.

Just 1 hour away from NYC or Northern NJ you can find yourself in this beautiful and peaceful place with clean air surrounded by nature. Breakneck ridge is not for beginners, it starts up a very steep incline and will leave you tired and breathless very quickly if you are not prepared for this extremely strenuous hike. It can also be quite dangerous if the ground is slippery. I would exercise extreme caution when when hiking here. There are many other much safer and easier trails around here also. The view and the workout you get from conquering the breakneck ridge is spectacular. Once you reach the top, there are a few options available for you depending how tired you are. You can continue on to overview the lake and the fire tower which is another 4.5 miles longer or so, or you can turn to the red trail and head down to end up back on the highway and walk to your car. Be careful walking as the highway is very narrow. Always make sure you are geared up properly and carry more water then you think you may need. I see so many people run out of water without even reaching the top. Invest in a backpack with a bladder for much easier hydration. You will not be disappointed with this hike.

I came here around end of April last year to hike Breakneck Ridge. Breakneck Ridge was the first and best hike I had ever had. They say it's not for beginners, but it was a lot less strenuous then I initially anticipated. The views you get to see are breathtaking and worth the energy you need to spend to get there. Around the end of April, it will still be somewhat chilly, so dress in layers. If you get hot, you can peel them off later. The first 1.5 miles or so is rock scrambling, which is like rock climbing without the ropes. This rock scrambling was my favorite part of the hike. Amazing amazing fun, and it's a good workout. Be prepared to get down on all fours at points and use your hands. This is not recommended if you are afraid of heights or have a back problem. After the rock scrambling, the hike is still pretty steep but not as steep as before. There are some points where you should be careful descending down. Be attentive to where the markers are. It's easy to miss them and get lost, especially if you are not experienced in hiking. Luckily, we had a few experienced hikers to keep us on the trail. Because we had a large group, we took overall 6 hours, including rest and lunch for those who were slower and couldn't keep up. Afterwards, we went down to the little town of Cold Springs to re-energize ourselves with food. Hiking really increased my appetite, despite all the food I brought. Hardest part of the hike was probably holding in my pee for 6+ hours. The lighter you pack, the easier the hike will be, but here are some recommended great/items to bring: Hiking Shoes - Make sure you bring the sneaker type of hiking shoes and not boots. You will need more flexibility to do the rock scrambling. The rocks can get slippery, but I had friends who also wore just plain sneakers and they climbed just fine. Gloves - Not necessary, but helpful for the rock scrambling if you want to protect your hands. Snacks - I brought Kind bars and PB&J sandwiches. Water bottles - I brought about 3 bottles, but only finished 2 of them. Raincoat or Umbrella - Not necessary, but some people in my group brought these. Camera - Definitely bring this to capture your experience. Someone in my group also had a GoPro.

Wow what a liberating experience!.. Hudson Highlands state park offers the most beautiful and breathtaking views all around... if you want to feel like it is just you against the world while taking in the amazing scenery, breathing in some fresh air, all while challenging yourself, come here!!! This was my first time on an actual hiker trail and I didn't know what to expect, I loved the rock climbing though!! What a tough hike up, steep, some loose rocks, I mean I'm glad I went with someone who was familiar with the trail or I would have been clueless lol.. it took us about 2.5 hours or less to get all the way to the top and finish. I mean we were no bullsh*t here. Split a bottle of water before and didn't carry one with, had our phones for our pics of course, and just straight up hustled that mountain.. if you would like to enjoy lunch and stuff up at the top it's awesome but neither of us wanted to carry anything! I didn't think the hike was as serious as the sign makes it out to see but better to be safe than sorry and let people know that obv if you're not in decent shape, you might encounter some issues.. port-a-potties located at the start and end of the trail... we took the red coming down bc it was more steep and involved rock scrambling as well (not as much on the way to the top) and yellow I believe is an additional hour longer but more of a walk and not as strenuous.. I totally loved the hike though and will def be coming back in the fall! What a truly peaceful and free feeling, great for the soul :) And download the app so you can detect where you are on the mountain.. white leading into yellow or red trails.

Wow, I can't believe my first hike was this Breakneck Ridge Trail. It's really more of a rock scrambling adventure on your hands and feet than a hike. This mountain is incredibly steep and challenging (but painfully do-able). GOOD HIKING SHOES AND A SENSE OF BALANCE ARE A MUST! Highly recommended items: hiking shoes, 2-shoulder backpack, 3 bottles of cold water/fluids, sunscreen, lunch/snacks, camera, trail map, compass, and a sense of direction Others: towel, bug spray, hand sanitizer, plastic shopping bags (for trash). Make sure your backpack is not too heavy. --------- Some other stuff you should probably know --------- Breakneck Ridge Trail is one of the most challenging yet rewarding trails in the Northeast region. It's also one of the few trails, if not the only, that is easily accessible from NYC via public transportation. (It does have parking though so you can also drive.) On weekends, the Hudson Line on the MetroNorth stops at Breakneck Ridge (1 stop after Cold Spring), twice in the morning and once in the early afternoon. If you are heading from Grand Central Terminal, this is a $26.50 round trip off-peak ticket and only the last 2 train compartments will open at Breakneck into Route 9D. A short 5-10 minute walk on 9D will bring you to one of the entrances of the trail. There will also be a person selling trail maps there for $4. Then you're off! Along the way up, you'll see a flag planted at one of the rest stops of the white trail. This cliff also has one of the first gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley. I'd say that by this point, you are halfway to two-thirds of the way through the most difficult part of the ascent. Look for "Easier Ascent" signs when a flat wall of boulders are presented to you. The detour is easier than the killer climb up those rocks but even they are not easy by any means. The trail will eventually flatten out with some ups and downs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I highly recommend this trail to enthusiastic hikers. Everyone in my group enjoyed it immensely. The views at the top of the Hudson River were breathtaking. If you are wearing shades, take them off so your eyes can take in nature's beauty. You'll hear (and see) cargo trains passing through the mountain across the river. Apparently there's also a castle (in ruins) in the little heart-shaped island in the middle of the Hudson River. Overall, It's a great and quick getaway from the bustling city life of Manhattan/NYC. I'm proud to say that I survived this trail, not to mention that it's my FIRST. It was an insane but manageable climb ("hike" makes it sound too unrealistically easy). I think I'll go check out other trails first before attacking this one again. Who knows, maybe I'll find these other trails boring ;-)

What a fantastic day! We left NYC on a Saturday on the 10:43AM Metro North train. We arrived at 1PM. The park is very close to the train station, just a short walk. There is "Main St" where you can purchase all kinds of things from antiques to lunch. A group is us went. 5 total. Before walking to the breakneck ridge hiking trail we hit Main Street where we visited "Green Cafe" for a pre hike sandwich. Delicious! Then we went to the PARK which was incredible. It was marked really well. There were some very challenging spots to climb but were all athletic. On the trail we ran into all kinda of people, old young middle aged and even some doggies! The doggies were killing the climb! We had a fantastic day and will be coming back soon to hike to the fire tower. My advice: start early (8AM) on a nice day. We started too late (because there was rain until 12P) but it was still EPIC!

Drove an hour and a half on a Saturday morning. Got there around 10 AM. Could not park anywhere in the entire town of Cold Springs. Very disappointed that there is not more parking/clearly indicated parking as it seems like there are a lot of beautiful places to hike.

So many trails, plus you don't have to drive to the park you can take the Metro. I recently took M over to hike The Old Cornish Estate and Bull Hill. The only issue I ran into was non-masked hiker thinking COVID19 is over. So be aware people don't care. At least the views are worth it. I also filmed the hike and added it to my Youtube channel. Enjoy and be Safe. https://youtu.be/6TvWTUSZ5j0

This review is for the Cornish/Northgate trail to the ruins. We went on a Wednesday AM with the pup. It appeared that the lot used for this off 9D was undergoing construction for a new lot, which it great for future visits. I ended up parking on the opposite side with Little Stony. The first part was a bit overgrown, but well marked. Then you hit a slow incline of paved driveway. Crazy to think someone's way old buggy or car went all that way to get to the estate. It's fairly small, but there's something magically about it. We were the only ones there and got to do a full photo shoot of the pup in her fake, formerly rich estate. Out and back from trail head to ruins runs a little less than 2 miles, so I would encourage pairing it with Little Stony or hiking more than the ruins to get longer hike in. You can definitely hear the road for most of the hike as well.

Very rocky trail and if it is the least bit moist you need to be careful to not slip going faster than standard walking speed. With that in mind, it is breathtaking and there are so many good trails to follow.

Came here on a whim. We also brought our dog. We took the Cornish trail to the ruins on the left to start being that I read starting to your right was a bit difficult. The trail is very well labeled and they provide you with a map at the beginning. The view was amazing and I got a little workout in. After the hike we stopped by the town of cold springs and had some pizza. We drove in and took the train home. Would recommend

The Hudson Highlands is a gorgeous area of the Hudson Valley with beautiful, scenic views. My friends and I have driven up twice from Philly for day hikes (in less than 6 months), and it's definitely worth the 2.5 hour drive. I've only hiked the Breakneck Ridge trail (white trail), a challenging 3.5 mile hike with awesome views of the Hudson River and the surrounding area. Scaling the rocks in the first 1/2 mile of Breakneck Ridge is probably the most fun/challenging part of this trail but make sure you wear shoes with good grip! The rest of the hike is not too exciting but is beautiful in the Fall, with all the red, yellow, and orange, foliage. I have yet to hike all the way to the fire tower, which according to another hiker is the highest point of the Hudson Highlands. It will definitely be top priority for my next day hike here! Bring lots of water, snacks, and a good lunch. There are plenty of places to stop and take a break to enjoy the breath taking views!

Great hike! Took the white trail to red trail to yellow trail as recommended. Four overlooks to see and some really nice scrambling. As the sign suggests, definitely not a walk in the park. Would like to come back next time and take the white trail all the way to Beacon to see the Fire Tower...

This park and hike was amazing, I would do it again however whoever listed this as "moderate" hike was definitely mistaken. It was a pretty steep uphill for a good 30-40 minutes, and at times I thought I might die. It was also VERY crowded, I'm not sure I've ever encountered so many people in the woods on a trail before! Apparently is a easy train ride from NYC so I guess people come out for the day... very attractive, young NYC people, so that's a plus, but I think I still prefer being in nature somewhat alone to take it all in. The trails were marked super well, and there is even a trail suggestion tent set up on the main road. Overall 4 stars.

Some of the best hiking in the Hudson Valley. From Camp Smith to Fishkill Ridge, you really can't go wrong with any of the trails in this area. My go-to hike is Bull Hill/Mt. Taurus. The initial climb is hard enough to be a challenge, but not so long that you can't enjoy it. The views are amazing, it's not too crowded and the hike down the backside of the mountain is long enough to get you some mileage. The ruins of the Cornish Estate are an added bonus. Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in the Northeast. Avoid it on weekends if you can. Anthony's Nose is a must see.

You figure a place called Breakneck Ridge has killed what...at least a few idiots a year. I'd encourage anyone who isn't a complete fatty to attempt this climb, but if you step, step correct. If you're planning to ascend the face of the mountain, which is mostly sheer and craggy rock, you'll need a good amount of water. While plenty of people do this, you know, in running sneakers with no equipment or fluids, they're pretty foolish. Sure, you're only a few miles from civilization, but any good hiker/climber carries an appropriate amount of shit, even on a day trip. My recommendation, other than good hiking shoes/boots, is a pair of tough gloves (I like cowhide), since the first two hours or so of Breakneck (if you're going to the third summit) is comprised largely of having to wedge yourself between rocks, and you'll be using hands and feets. Anti-tick/mosquito spray is also a very wise idea, since those midgey bastards pop out from everywhere. There is the occasional rattlesnake or fox around the mountain, though they never bothered me. Aside from all this, I see a bunch of dogs doing this climb, and it's really not impossible, though it is one of the hardest trails I've done around New York. While the trails are marked pretty clearly, it's easy to lose your way and that's how you get lost on a mountain at nightfall. My chosen path is to park past that underpass/tunnel going north, and climb up the white trail, all the way until the red trail on the other side, which is more of a typical tough downhill hike, with less rock scrambling. If you're planning to hike most of the trail, plan to start no later than 11am, to be safe. In sum, the views are gorgeous and contest every claim that New York is not a vastly beautiful state in its own wild way. I also peed on these mountains many times while you weren't around.

Whoever told me the white trail was the easiest one was completely lying. It was more like rockclimbing and it was by no means an easy hike or trail. I came here on a Sunday morning taking the 2nd of 2 Metro North trains coming up from the city to the stop, Breakneck Ridge. Walked about 10 minutes to the white trail and began my 4 hour hiking journey. Really everyone had said white was the easiest but it was definitely not easy at all. Not even relative to the other trails we were on (yellow and blue). It had spectaclar views but get ready to climb lots of rocks. We weren't up that far on the white trail and there was really no way to get down from where we were. The white trail did have the best views of the water. There are maps at the base of each trail but they aren't super helpful. There is parking available at different parts of the park. Also from the end of the blue trail, it was about a mile walk to the Cold Spring train station.

Oh my god, amazing! I had been READY to get out of the city for a while for a hike upstate and finally got around to doing it today with a group of friends. We climbed Mt. Taurus, taking a few different trails throughout the entire hike. The hike was pretty strenuous for the first hour or so, you gain A LOT of elevation in a short period of time. Once you're on the top of the mountain, the views are spectacular. Large stretches of the Hudson underneath you and the rest of the range, the town of Cold Spring, etc. The hike down is lovely and doesn't involve too much rock scrambling. There are also amazing ruins from what was once a mansion on the blue trail on the way down. I can't recommend this state park enough! It was just what I needed. Its only an hour and 15 minutes from Penn Station, and $24 round trip so you really have no excuse to not go!

This park contains the famous and well reported on Breakneck Ridge hike. The first 45 minutes or so is a bit like walking up irregular rocky stairs, but after that it levels off and gets easier for the most part. Not to say that it is hard, I have seen children and the elderly on the trail. Just go at a comfortable pace. And be advised that there are some "rock scrambling" portions of the trail where you may have to use your hands. Nothing at all like rock climbing but it isn't simply just walking. Unless you take the alternate (marked) routes that are easier. The views from the lookout points are really nice, especially during Fall when the leaves change. The entire hike (White trail to Yellow trail to Red Trail, which is the shortest loop) takes 3 hours at a leisurely pace. I am not sure if Mt. Taurus / Bull Hill is also considered to be in the Hudson Highlands State Park, but it is about a mile away from Breakneck (and easily walkable from Cold Spring) and also has great views.

Came here for Fishkill Ridge: Lambs Hill, it was a good and long hike. We did the red trail to go up, then did a loop around the white trail. There were couple of overlooks, and interesting spots.

Definitely not for the faint hearted, but breakneck ridge is a great workout with scenic views - similar to what other reviewers have said. Be prepared for a combo of steep hiking and rock climbing. Bring substantial food and water. Probably wouldn't recommend wearing shorts on the hike since your legs and knees will likely make a lot of contact with the rocks. Can't wait to go back!

Get away from it all! This park is just a short ride up the Hudson River on the Metro-North line. The scenery on the voyage up is spectacular. The high cliffs that buttress the river have a majestic feel to them. Really incredible in the fall when the leaves are changing. Take the train to either the Cold Spring or Breakneck Ridge stop. Cold Spring is a cute little town that has some decent shops, restaurants and coffee places. Follow the NYC crowd when you get off the train to know the direction. The Breakneck Ridge stop is literally just a pause along the side of the tracks. There is no station... in fact there isn't anything there. This stop drops you right at the park itself. The park is mostly undeveloped so you can just meander through the woods. The are incredible vistas that sweep through the entire Hudson Valley. The autumn colors abound and are quite breathtaking from the vista. I recommend this day jaunt to anyone who is itching to get out of the city, but can't afford a car to do so. It's invigorating and enjoyable. After all the hiking, you'll sleep like a baby, too! Be sure to read up on the park and to bring proper materials (water, appropriate shoes, etc.). Plus, check the Metro-North schedule so you know when to leave and when to be back to the train to get home. There are several groups that organize trips for hikes, so surf the web and you can most likely attach to one.

Where to even begin by saying this place is amazing, as a new beginner as a hiker this is an amazing "trail" just keep an eye out for the color postings while your walking if not, you will get lost! Like I did but the experience is amazing. Make sure you wear some great gear and also while your parking make sure to leave a note on the windshield therefore if you get lost, they can either contact you or your emergency contact that you have on there as well! Very Important! Parking you need to park on the side of the road you'll see once you get there, but make sure to get there early! Like around 10:00AM and if you're just starting to hike I would say earlier like at 7:00AM. Definitely do your research to find any trails or maps while you go hiking, bring a COMPASS, before you leave your car make sure the coordinates of the car so you can retrace your steps if you get lost! Wear comfortable hiking shoes and then you should be good to enjoy this Mountain! Overall awesome place and experience.

Some excellent hiking here. Many great views. Terrain varies . There are a few different loops some harder then others. Look at a trail map before you and get your route dialed in.

aka breakneck ridge. Start at the white trail -- also where the rock climbing was-- the climb up gets a bit tough but really exciting and fun. Do not even think about going down once you're up. You are literally hugging onto the rock when you're climbing. No safety ropes or anything. I almost slipped wearing the wrong kind of shoes. Free parking, go early before 11am for parking and to avoid any congestion on the way. Bring at least 1 Litre of water, lunch, and the right clothes wear. It is colder there but once you start, you can work up a sweat and then it gets hot.