• Hike distance: 3.2 mile loop

• Trail rating: Difficult

Prepare to use your hands and don't look down as you scramble nearly straight up the side of Breakneck Ridge.

Located only 1 hour north of NYC, the Breakneck Ridge Trail is an exciting and challenging climb that's not for the faint of heart.

At only 3.2 miles round trip, this hike is short and sweet, and leads to insanely gorgeous views of the Hudson River and the mountains of the Hudson Highlands.

Breakneck Ridge is a popular hike for locals, upstate NYers, and basically anyone looking to escape New York City. So, as you can imagine, it gets pretty crowded. Be sure to show up as early as possible to beat the crowds - especially in the summer and fall!

**TIP: To navigate using Google Maps, use the address on Route 9D in Beacon. **

Visiting from New York City? This is one of the few hikes in Upstate New York that is easily accessible without a car. Simply take the Metro North! On the weekends, the train stops at Breakneck. During the week, you have to get off at the nearby town of Cold Spring and call a ride to the trailhead.