Cold Spring, New York
Breakneck Ridge Loop
The Hudson Highlands' famous hand-over-hand scramble above the river.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Length
- 3.7 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,450 ft
- Duration
- 3–4
- Best Season
- Apr–Nov
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Hudson River views, Rock scramble
About the trail
Breakneck Ridge is one of the most popular — and most demanding — day hikes within striking distance of New York City. The white-blazed trail leaves NY-9D and immediately scrambles up rock faces with Class 3 moves and exposure to the Hudson River 800 feet below. Multiple false summits lead to wide-open views of Storm King, Bannerman Castle, and the river bending south toward West Point.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 41.4471, -73.9787Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Take Metro-North Hudson Line to the seasonal Breakneck Ridge stop (weekends).
- Walk south along NY-9D 100 yards to the trailhead.
- Follow white blazes up the scramble.
- After the third summit, descend via Undercliff Trail (yellow) and Brook Trail (red).
- Return along NY-9D to your starting point.
Parking
Limited roadside parking on NY-9D fills before 8 AM. The train is the better option.
Tips from the trail
- Wear shoes with sticky rubber — wet rock is treacherous.
- Not recommended for kids under 10 or anyone uncomfortable with exposure.
- Cold Spring village has food and the return Metro-North platform.