Hike of the Week 11/3/2005

Breakneck Ridge trail is treacherous, magical

Location:  Hudson Highlands State Park, between Beacon and Cold Spring

Length:  9 miles, 4.5-8 hours round-trip

Rating:  Very strenuous

Dogs:  dogs

Map:  NYNJTC East Hudson Trails map set. NYNJTC New York Walk Book, Map #2

Features: Very rugged ridgeline, open summits, expansive views of the Hudson River and the Hudson Valley

Watch out for: Deer ticks, vertigo, hordes of hikers on the weekends.

Background:

This trail is in the Hudson Highlands State Park, comprised of 3,800 acres on the east side of the Hudson River: 2,767 acres are south of Beacon and north of Cold Spring and a separate 1,033 acres are south of Garrison.

Hike Description:

This rigorous full-day hike from Route 9D to the South Beacon fire tower and back is a classic — a rite of passage. The first mile or so is dauntingly steep and very rugged and rocky. But, this is what draws people from all over the world: Aussies, Europeans and Asians mixes with Manhattan train riders and Cold Spring locals. The first "summit" will take what breath you have left away. The second "summit" is looming over you. Just beyond are the third, fourth and fifth. Be very careful on these. The sheer drops could be deadly and there are bypass trails marked by Xs. Don't be shy about using these. Beyond the fifth step the crowds thin out dramatically. You'll be sharing the ridge with only a few diehards. You'll eventually reach a wooden observation platform, with a final deep gulf separating you from South Beacon. The long, steep descent leads to a steep Breakneck-style scramble up rocks and cliffs before the trail finally levels out and reaches the once-proud fire tower now in sad, deplorable condition — thanks to its accessibility to ATVs and trail bikes. Enjoy the panoramic views and your trail lunch, but to the south is the long, long series of peaks you must climb back over to complete your rite of passage back to your car in the long lineup on Route 9D.

How to get there: 

From Poughkeepsie, take Route 9 south to Route 9D south to Beacon, about two miles north of Cold Spring. Park along 9D just north of the tunnel. Pick up the white 2-by-3 blazes on the river side of the road up and over the tunnel.

About the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference : The NY-NJ Trail Conference is a federation of hiking clubs, environmental organizations and individual members who volunteer their time and resources to build and maintain hiking trails and protect related open space in the bi-state region.

Information : For a more detailed description of this hike including a map, visit www.nynjtc.org and click on Hike of the Week. For information on NYNJTC activities, call 201-512-9348 or email info@nynjtc.org.

Hike of the Week is a regular feature in the Poughkeepsie Journal Players section, call 845-437-4848. This hike is contributed by Ralph Ferrusi of Stormville.

V3 Last updated: November 6, 2005   Copyright © 1996-2004  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.