Directions for the Breakneck Ridge Hike [NYC Outdoors]
From Grand Central (make sure to pick up a timetable!), take the Metro-North Train (Poughkeepsie Line) to Breakneck Ridge, a trip of approximately 75 minutes. After the Cold Spring station, pack up and move close to the door, as it’s not readily apparent where the train will stop, and the stop is very brief.
Once off the train, follow the crowd south (in the direction of New York City) towards the rail tunnel. The trailhead is just off the road on the right-hand (Hudson River) side.
From there, the 1.5-mile, 800 ft (vertical) scramble begins. Follow the white blazes (marks on rocks and trees) to several ledges, each with a better view of the Hudson River. This is the most difficult part of the hike, so make sure to take time, check frequently with slower group members and let faster hikers pass by.
From the viewpoint, you will see Storm King Mountain across the Hudson River and, after a while, Bannerman’s Castle on Pollepel Island upriver.
Follow the white blazes east (away from the Hudson River). At 1.5 miles from the trailhead, pass the Breakneck Bypass on your left (red blaze). Take a right for the junction with the Notch Trail, marked as a blue blaze. Head down the ridge in a southerly direction. The Hudson River will be on your left.
The Notch Trail (blue blazes) descends to a small reservoir. From this point, if you wish to end the hike, the easiest way down is along the Brook Trail (red blazes) towards the Hudson River, where you will meet Route 9D. From there, hike downriver (south) to get to the town of Cold Spring, which has hourly train service.
Follow the Notch Trail (blue blazes) over the bridge (crossing Breakneck Brook) and passing some ruins. Follow the Notch Trail southward, up the slopes of Bull Hill (also known as Mount Taurus). Approximately 1.5 miles from the reservoir, near the top of the ridge, there will be a four-way junction. Make a left on the Washburn Trail (white blazes) and continue uphill and in a westerly (towards the Hudson River) direction. The trail intersects with a carriage path on several occasions before reaching the (viewless) summit. Continue a bit further for excellent views of the Hudson Highlands (and, if it’s a clear day, the Catskills). From there, the Washburn Trail drops down to Little Stony Point on the Hudson River, crossing the Undercliff Trail (yellow blazes) approximately halfway through the descent.
Once you reach the parking lot, walk south (right-hand side as you’re facing the river) to the town of Cold Spring, where the Metro-North train provides hourly service.