Breakneck Ridge Long Loop Hiking Guide

Breakneck Ridge is the Hudson Highlands climb people talk about: a white-blazed scramble that starts almost on the shoulder of Route 9D and goes straight up bare rock above the river. Right now you cannot do it the usual way. The trailhead, two neighboring trailheads and the Breakneck Ridge train stop have been shut since April 21, 2025 while the Fjord Trail's Breakneck Connector and a new bridge are built, and the closure has been extended through 2026.

no permit neededno dogs
Difficulty
strenuous
Distance
3.7 mi
Elevation gain
1,442 ft
Trailhead
Cold Spring
hand-over-hand rock scrambleflagpole overlook above the riverviews to Storm King and Pollepel Islandclosed for Fjord Trail construction
springfall

What Is Closed and Why

NY State Parks closed the Breakneck Ridge, Wilkinson Memorial and Lower Brook trailheads together with the Metro-North platform beside the tunnel. The work is the Breakneck Connector and Bridge, an off-road path and a crossing over the tracks meant to keep hikers from walking the narrow shoulder of Route 9D. Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. said on April 1, 2026 that those trailheads and the station will stay closed through the end of the year; the original announcement described a two-year closure, which points to 2027. Parking anywhere on 9D north of the tunnel is prohibited, and illegally parked cars in the preserve are ticketed or towed.

The Route, for When It Reopens

The park's long loop leaves the tunnel on the white Breakneck Ridge Trail and climbs a steep rock scramble past four overlooks; the first has a flagpole and looks across to Storm King and Pollepel Island. Beyond the scramble, turn left on the red Breakneck Bypass and descend to the yellow Wilkinson Memorial Trail, which returns to 9D. State Parks lists the loop at 3.25 miles and three hours; one Hudson Valley trip log measured 3.7 miles with about 1,440 feet of ascent and a high point near 1,207 feet. A shorter version drops down the green Nimham Trail from the flagpole.

Is It Too Much for You?

The park calls it a difficult climb over some of the steepest, most exposed ground in the Highlands. You need sturdy shoes and both hands free. It does not recommend the ridge for beginners, for pets, in stormy weather or after rain, when the rock gets slick. If any of that describes your plan, the closure is a good moment to pick a different hill anyway.

Where to Hike Instead

The Washburn and Cornish trailheads, the Notch trailhead, Little Stony Point and the Mount Beacon trailhead all stayed open through the construction. Bull Hill from the Washburn lot is the closest substitute, with river views and steep rocky footing but no true scramble. Mount Beacon, a few miles north in the city of Beacon, climbs past the old incline railway to a fire tower at 1,610 feet. Watch the Fjord Trail's announcements page and the State Parks alerts page for the reopening date before you plan a return trip.

Hiking tips for Breakneck Ridge Long Loop

  • Do not park on Route 9D north of the tunnel; it is prohibited for the whole closure and cars get towed.
  • Check the Hudson Highlands State Parks alerts page before planning a 2027 trip; the reopening has no set date yet.
  • When the ridge reopens, go early in the morning; it is one of the busiest hikes in the region on weekends.
  • Skip the scramble after rain; the park advises against it when the rock is wet.
  • Leave dogs home for this one; the park rates the ridge unsuitable for pets.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop
  • Mount Beacon Fire Tower Trail
  • Little Stony Point

Hike this trail with TrailMates

Breakneck is shut for now, but the Highlands around it are open. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Bull Hill while the ridge is closed. Download the TrailMates app to connect.