When planning a trip to New York City, make sure you include a day trip to the Hudson Highlands because, whilst you may well be thinking of conquering the iconic Empire State Building and submersing yourself in city life, taking the time to head north to hike Breakneck Ridge won't leave you disappointed.
There's nothing quite like arriving into New York City. The buzz of the city is mesmerising as you walk the streets to get your bearings and plan out the rest of your visit. All the usual things to do in New York are of course on your list, but taking a railroad journey slightly north with give you a completely different perspective on New York.
Whilst Manhattan is a hotbed of life, entertainment, tourists, billboards and traffic, the Hudson Highlands Stake Park provides you with a brief escape from the mayhem of Manhattan and a host of hiking trails that are glorious. The Breakneck Ridge hike is one of the best to conquer.
How to get from Manhattan to the Hudson Highlands
From Manhattan you'll need to head to Grand Central Terminal where Metro-North trains depart hourly to Cold Spring, your gateway to the Hudson Highlands. The journey takes 90 minutes and will cost between $14-$22 or $30 for a return journey.
After departing it won't be long until the sights of Manhattan disappear and the vast countryside of upstate New York comes into view, with the Hudson stretching out in front of you. It's a brilliant train journey north as the route tracks the banks of the Hudson all the way to Cold Spring, crossing numerous creeks along the way.
A Sports Travel Tom tip, sit on the left hand side of the train to get the best views of the Hudson River as you travel north.
Once you have arrived into Cold Spring, a small village which sits on the banks of the Hudson, you'll walk towards the centre from the village along Market Street. Before turning right onto Main Street and walking underneath the railway, you'll find an excellent coffee shop called Rincon Argentino on the left.
It does great coffee and the owner has good knowledge of the hiking trails as well as good conversation before you embark on your Hudson Highlands hiking adventure.
After you have passed underneath the railway you will walk up the village's Main Street for two blocks before turning left on Fair Street. You will follow this road along until you eventually reach the Hudson Highlands Park Office which is the start point for many trails in the area.
How to hike Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson Highlands
For the Breakneck Ridge hike, you'll need to walk along the Cornish trail and follow signs to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. The last stretch of this little warm up walk is walking through the tunnel on a main road. It's a little disconcerting but you'll be through it within a couple of minutes.
When you exit you will be greeted by park officers who are situated at the beginning of the Breakneck Ridge trail and can talk you through it all. Don't forget to pick up a map, so you can keep checking the route you are taking.
During the weekends, you can actually go one stop further on the train to the start point of the Breakneck Ridge hike start point and miss out the first park of the hike from the centre of Cold Spring, should you wish.
From the start, it is a steep 3-hour climb upwards. It's a scramble 90% of the way until you get to the USA flag, which is an incredible viewing point and a great spot for a packed lunch overlooking the Hudson River. Don't forget to take at least 3-litres of water. You'll need plenty especially in the warmer months.
After the USA flag point, you'll climb again, although from here there are a couple of alternative paths which bypass the steepest of scrambles - but get you to the same point. Along this stretch the views open up all over again, giving you even better views than you got at the flag.
You're heading for the junction onto the Yellow trail, which marks the point when the climbing is done and you are now heading back downhill towards the Park Office and Cold Spring.
The decent begins with rocky steps before turning into a proper path through the woods.
Eventually you will join back onto the Cornish trail, the same trail you began on.
When you arrive back at Cold Spring, you must stop off at the superb Cold Spring Depot bar. It has a great outdoor terrace and is full of other hikers sharing their stories of the day. The perfect ending to a memorable day's hike before the jounrey back to Manhattan.
Things to remember: - You must take more water than you need. Whilst this hike is doable for non-professional hikers (like me) it will take its toll. I drank a good 3-litres and still wanted more. - I hiked this trail in late June on a hot and humid day. Take a hat, plenty of sunscreen, food and first aid kits and don't forget insect repellent. Ticks are in the area and there are warnings about them. It is good practice to regularly reapply.
When you get home, take a shower and have a thorough check to see if any ticks have attached themselves to you. I was fine, but better to be safe than sorry. If you are unfamiliar with the area, go at the weekend when other people will be climbing with you. It's comforting knowing other people are around.
This hike is incredible, one of the best I've done and well worth the effort it takes. The views, landscapes, and the wonderful village of Cold Spring all make it a must-do adventure when visiting New York City.
Let me know in the comments below if you'd like to tackle the Breakneck Ridge hike when in New York.
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