This is the second blog in the series. The first one was Arden Point and Glenclyffe
Breackneck Ridge is easily the most intense day hike in upstate NY. It is a steep ~3-4 mile round trip hike. It is strenuous and I would not recommend this one for first time hikers. Also, this trail is not pet friendly, please try yourself before taking your pet.
THE COMMUTE
1. Get to Penn Station in NYC
From Jersey city / rest of New Jersey
- Path takes you to 33rd street, from where Penn Station is a few minutes walk.
- NJ Transit takes you to Penn Station.
From NYC, you know how. Take any of the subways that leads you to Penn.
Of course, if you have more dollars to spare, use Lyft or Uber to get to Penn.
2. Take Metro North, Hudson Line (Green Line) from Penn to Breakneck Ridge.
Please note that the train schedule is different for weekdays and weekends, when you have more trains stopping at Breakneck Ridge. Please check Metro North schedule before you plan.
- You can buy tickets at Penn station or
- Use the MTA eTix Mobile App (most convenient) or
- Buy ticket on the train with cash (more expensive than station and app). I haven't seen card machines with ticket collectors, so please ensure that you have sufficient cash and change, if you choose this option.
I always use the MTA eTix app - It is very convenient. You can book the ticket whenever you want (I do it when I am on the way to Penn). Activate the ticket after boarding the train - DO NOT activate before boarding. Once you activate your ticket, there is no way to reverse the action and the ticket is valid for the time period of the journey. You have to present the app if demanded by the ticket collector, so ensure that you have enough battery before you activate. I have seen an example where someone's battery ran out and had to buy a new ticket from the collector.
3. Once you reach Breakneck Ridge, walk to the trailhead
- Facing the direction of the train (i.e. North), get to the right side platform. I have been dropped on the right platform on the 2 trips I made.
- Once you are on the right platform, walk through the the only exit to route 9D
- Without crossing 9D, turn to the right and walk for a few minutes along 9D.
- Just before the tunnel, you will notice a small registration center (during summer). Even if you don't see it, the trailhead can be easily seen before the tunnel. DO NOT cross the tunnel - The trail will take you over the tunnel.
THE HIKE
The trail begins on route 9D before the tunnel and gradually takes you over the tunnel on to the rocky sections ahead. The incline increases gradually as you move forward. Once you enter the rocky section, please be careful of rock falls initiated by fellow hikers ahead of you. You have to scramble through vertical rock sections on this hike, please wear appropriate clothing.
This hike is immensely popular and gets really crowded on summer weekends. And, the crowds come here for a reason - Breakneck Ridge offers stellar views of the Hudson river.
The first view point offers a beautiful view. Don't mistake it for the summit, there is more to go. The views get better as you go higher.
On an average, it takes about 4 hours for the round trip back to the station - Please plan accordingly. You could do much more depending on how much energy you have left.
In the trail above, I have marked the starting point (i.e. breakneck train station) in a red circle. A few trail options are marked in blue:
Option 1: Easier, shorter - BR-UC-BK
Option 2 : A little longer but ideal for a day hike : BR-BB-WM
[BR, UC, BK, BB and WM are trail IDs. Details are in the link here)
Of course, you can always continue on to Beacon towards the North or Cold Spring to the South (not marked by me, there are multiple options). On one of my trips, I took Option #2 above and then took a cab to Beacon - you can enjoy a drink in this historical city and then take the train back to NYC.
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Earlier blogs in this car-less, NYC day hike series :
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