NYC will always be number one in our hearts, but if you’ve been itching to swap city skyline views for something, well, a bit different (just for a bit, we promise!) we know just where to go: Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson Highlands State Park.
Sometimes when you spend a lot of time in New York City it’s hard to imagine that there’s life outside of here, but just 50 miles north of the city is Hudson Highlands State Park, right outside of the town of Beacon. The park accounts for over 8,000 acres of mostly undeveloped preserve stretching from Annsville Creek in Peekskill north to Dennings Point in Beacon. Here you’ll find everything from young deciduous forest to rocky ridges and summits towering above the surrounding area, so yeah, it’s much different than our concrete jungle.
Naturally, the Hudson Highlands provides ample opportunity for visitors to enjoy many outdoor activities, whether you’re interested in boating, fishing, birding, and more. You can even take a boat to Bannerman Island where you’ll find the beautiful Bannerman Castle, which dates back to 1901, standing in all its glory.
But arguably our favorite thing about Hudson Highlands State Park is the hiking. In fact, there are over 70 miles of trails in the park, one of which is our favorite: Breakneck Ridge.
Hiking Breakneck Ridge Trail
Breakneck Ridge is wildly popular among avid hikers, and it’s not because they’re trying to prove their capability of conquering the trail’s intense steepness (or, on second thought, maybe that’s part of it). Rather, not only does the trail boast multiple cliff overlooks and sweeping views the entire way up, but the top opens up to jaw dropping panoramic views of the Hudson River and rolling mountains.
But you’ll certainly have to work for that view–on your way up the trail you’ll have to climb over large boulders and scale rocky walls on several occasions. In other words, huffing and puffing will likely be the soundtrack to your hike.
So yes, while Breakneck Ridge hike is extremely difficult and not typically suggested to amateur hikers, kids, or pets–unless your pet is small enough to be picked up and carried at some parts, which some people do–the view certainly makes it worth it.
How long is Breakneck Ridge hike?
If choosing the long loop, Breakneck Ridge hike is 2.8 miles long and takes about three hours. However, if the long loop isn’t for you, you can still enjoy the trail to some extent via shorter trails, which are as follows:
- Short loop – 1 mile – 1 hour
- Moderate loop – 2.1 miles – 2 hours
- Long loop – 2.8 miles – 3 hours
How to get to Breakneck Ridge from NYC
By Car
To get to Breakneck Ridge by car you’ll take I-287 to exit 13 for Palisades Parkway toward Bear Mountain. Continue for 8.7 miles until you reach the exit for US 202. Take that and continue for a little less than a mile before turning onto NY-9D. Breakneck Ridge will be 11 miles ahead on your left.
Keep in mind that while parking is free there are limited spaces along the road, so you’ll want to arrive early.
🚗 ~1.5-2 hours
By Train
To get to Breakneck Ridge via train, you can take the Metro North which will stop right at Breakneck on weekends. During the week, however, you’ll have to get off at Cold Spring, a town about 2 miles from the trail head.
🚊 ~1.5 hours
Note: Breakneck Ridge Trailhead is currently closed due to construction on Breakneck Connector and Bridge, but definitely break in those hiking shoes to prepare for when it reopens! And you can still enjoy Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve during the closure.
You can get a bird’s eye view of the Breakneck Ridge trail map below: