Join me for a beautiful outing on the impressive Breakneck Ridge on the banks of the Hudson River.  This is part of the Hudson Highlands.  We'll ascend the Ridge with its almost immediate and persistent views over the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain and Bannerman Island with its castle ruins.  This initial portion of the hike is steep and climbs roughly 1200 feet in about half a mile.  You will need to use your hands to pull yourself up briefly in some sections of this trail.  The loop continues along Breakneck Ridge out to Sunset Point and returns by way of  the Wilkinson Memorial Trail and Sugarloaf Mountain...each with its own views of the surrounding area.

Total miles and elevation gain:  6.0 miles and approximately 2100 feet in cumulative elevation gain.

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical late fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, gloves, knit cap, and a windbreaker/raingear/fleece layer.  Your boots should have good traction.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.

Carpooling:  Contact the leader or other participants to organize a ride share. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area. 

The trailhead is located between Cold Spring and Beacon, NY along Route 9D.  It is 2.4 miles north of Cold Spring (from the intersection with Main Street) or 6.0 miles south of Beacon (from Route 84; Exit 11).  There are a couple of parking lots and roadside parking along Route 9D (Breakneck Road) north of the railway tunnel.  Regardless of where you park, walk south to the trailhead on the northside of the tunnel.  Look for a grey Hyundai Elantra with NH plates or look for me standing at the trailhead. 

FOR METRO NORTH RAIL SERVICE:  Trains run from Grand Central Station along the Hudson Line (Green).  Stops are available at Cold Spring or Beacon.  There is a whistle stop at Breakneck Ridge, but this doesn't seem to be available off-season (or it may need to be arranged with the conductor).  The 7:43AM train arrives in Cold Spring at 9:05 and in Beacon 9:16AM.  There is cab service from Beacon.  Contact me or other hikers to coordinate any additional travel arrangements.  Let me know ahead of time, if you use rail service, so that we wait for you.

GPS Coordinates for Trailhead:  41.447809,-73.980861 (373 Breakneck Rd; Beacon, NY 12508)