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Breakneck Ridge with a bypass that makes for a shorter run.


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Map Key

2.8

Miles

4.5

KM

64%

Runnable

1,164' 355 m

High

31' 9 m

Low

1,129' 344 m

Up

1,135' 346 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

66%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views

Overview

Breakneck Ridge is a classic loop in the Hudson Valley that is accessible by Metro North from NYC. It is extremely steep at first, but doesn't require much scrambling. This run includes the bypass trail to make for a short and fast trip, but still includes all the challenges of a longer route.

Need to Know

There's a hot dog stand between the main parking and the train stop. They taste better after the run.

Description

This loop can be accessed on weekends via the Metro North Hudson line or by car (ample parking). There is a special stop for Breakneck Ridge - be mindful as it is a single train door that will open onto a "station" that is no more than a set of wooden stairs. From the train stop or parking, make your way south along the road to the trailhead. The trailhead is just before a tunnel on the right/south.

The ridge ascent along the Breakneck Ridge Trail is very steep, but you can see some old switchbacks to make it basically a steep run-up. You won't need your hands for much more than balance, but I wouldn't bring kiddies on this trail. Once to the top, you get excellent views of the Hudson River and access to a large number of trails.

Stay on the white blazes past the several few peaks and viewpoints. You'll intersect with a trail featuring yellow blazes that send the trail to the right, but stay with the white Breakneck Ridge Trail. About 3/4 of a mile past the yellow blaze intersection, you'll see red blazes for the Breakneck Bypass Trail where you'll head to the left.

Follow that for another 3/4 of a mile and it'll dead end into the Wilkinson Memorial Trail, which has yellow blazes. Take a left there and it's a quick shot back to the main road.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Roeder

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 61 votes

#129

Overall
  4.8 from 61 votes
5 Star
87%
4 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in New York

#129

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44 Views Last Month
11,273 Since Jun 9, 2017
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Photos

Breakneck Ridge III
Apr 23, 2015 near Cornwal…, NY
Breakneck Ridge I
Apr 23, 2015 near Cold Sp…, NY
Breakneck Ridge. Bear Mountain, NY.
Oct 29, 2016 near Cornwal…, NY
View of the Catskills from the top
Apr 23, 2015 near Cold Sp…, NY
Hudson River from Breakneck Ridge
Sep 27, 2018 near Cornwal…, NY
Scrambling up Breakneck Ridge
Mar 25, 2021 near Cornwal…, NY

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