Breakneck Ridge Loop Hike

After picking Dean up at the Cold Spring Train Station, we headed up to the Breakneck Ridge Trailhead just about 2.5 miles to the north.  We arrived at about 9:20AM and waited for others to show up.  There were not alot of cars here yet.  We ended up being a group of six hikers (Dean, Greg, Jim, Dominic, David and myself).

We waited until about 9:45 and then we decided to start.  The day had started out fairly overcast along the Hudson River Valley, but it was quickly breaking up to yield a mostly sunny and warm day.  The trail ascended immediately to climb around and over the tunnel below and by 10AM there were near persistent views over the Hudson.  The trail was fairly steep and rocky, but manageable.  A short time later there were good views to Bannerman Island with its abondoned castle and by 10:25 we had reached the first prominent ledge which was marked with a flagpole.  Storm King Mountain on the opposite shore still had clouds brushing across it.  From here the trail continued to climb along a sheer cliffside to another open ledge (the rocky ridge is stepped).  A really nice guy who was climbing with us took a couple of group photos for us on the first and second ledges.  The trail entered the woods for a short time before climbing up the side of the third step.  There was an alternate trail here, but most of us ascended via the side ledges.  There continued to be great views to the west and south along the Hudson.  It was about 11AM and we took another break up on this open south-facing ledge.  From this ledge the trail descended into a col and passed the junction with the Undercliff Trail before re-climbing up to the final major scenic overlook.  It reached an elevation of 1079 feet here.  It was 11:35AM and we decided to take an early lunch break here.  In addition to the southward views, Lake Surprise could be seen to the northeast.  

After lunch we meandered a bit along the ridge and by 12:30 we reached the Bypass Trail.  We discussed what the group wanted to do and ultimately decided to take this trail given our progress so far and the time.  This was the Red Trail and this descended back down the northside of the ridge.  With all the herd paths in the woods we lost the real trail and ended up on some open areas and ledges with views up the Hudson and down upon Sugarloaf Mountain.  After another break, we continued along the herd paths until they faded away.  At this time we could see a line of hikers in the woods and proceeded to re-join the trail after bushwhacking a short distance through the mostly-open woods.  This trail descended steeply in spots, but was not too overwhelming.  At 1:30 we reached the junction with the Wilkinson Memorial Trail.  Half of the group decided to stay here while Jim, Dominic and I took the Wilkinson Trail up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain.  This was a fairly short, but a moderately steep trail up to its open summit.  There was a gnarled dead tree, which given other trip reports, has iconically stood on the edge of the peak for along time.  We took a short break while chatting up another group here before heading back and re-joining the others in the group.  It was about 2:20 when we got back to the trail junction where the others were resting.  We took a short cookie break and then continued down the remainder of this trail back to the road and the short walk back to our cars.  It was just before 3PM.

We all agreed to head to Whistling Willies in Cold Spring for an early meal and drinks.  We continued with great conversations and by 4:30PM we called it a day.

What a perfect post Thanksgiving Day hike!  We couldn't have asked for better weather as it was unseasonably warm and sunny.  I also couldn't have had a better group of guys, with whom to hike and spend the day.  Everyone just seems to effortly click together and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day!  Thank you to David, Dean, Dominic, Greg and Jim for joining me on this wonderful fall outing! 

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.