Day Hike Ideas for NYC Area?

“okay - my fellow nyc bp'ers - i need to go on a day hike - are there any other places i should know about other than Harriman for a train or bus accesible day hike?”

“You could try the long path, it starts right across from the GWB, but it kinda sucks for the first few miles...”

“you've done it?

also - is it well marked?”

“Well marked? Let me put it this way- For the first few miles, there's only about a hundred feet between the Palisades Parkway and the Hudson river. The trail's between those two, so it's impossible to get lost. There are times when you're almost literally walking on the parkway too- I did the first ten miles back in June or July, there were no water sources in that stretch, and it was a bee-yotch trying to get to sleep that night with the traffic roaring by all the time. It's worse during the daytime. As far as a dayhike goes, I think it's the closest thing to you, but you will be disappointed.”

“any other suggestions? I have a map for breakneck ridge and i know its close to the Hudson line - but with a name like that - I'm wondering if its a safe spot to go to this time of year....

anyone know?”

“I smell a day hike coming up!!


ok time to plan a day hike trip


when ?
where Breakneck ridge.


Ive never been over that far but ive hiked a couple of trails nearthere. but that dont count!!!”

“when do you want to go? i've got maps for just about everywhere these days - i've heard that Breakneck is a tough climb in spots - but i'll look into it

date? anytime...soon”

“after the new year. or maybe Dec 27-28?”

“well, since i don't think I will be able to home for xmas - then the weekend of the 27th is cool...

however, if my mom flips out and guilts me into going home(i want to go - just need to work) - then it'll have to wait until the new year

i'm going to try to squeeze one in within the next week though...”

“I've been up to breakneck ridge a bunch of times. Train service ot the Breakneck ridge may be seasonal or at request only- check up on that. The ridge itself is a nice scramble, rocky, and a bit of a workout. Being in the sun most of the time, it won't hold snow as long as a trail under tree cover and if temps are above freezing for any appreciable amount of time I would think the ice situation shouldn't be that bad.

That said, if the ridge is not doable because of snow or ice, there are several other trails and loops in the area to do.

The ridge is the one of the best day hikes I've yet to find within commuting distance of nyc.”

“thanks warren - will be sure to check it soon - very soon”

“What WarrenNYC said. I've probably climbed Breakneck literally dozens and dozens of times. It's an awesome hike. A good power dayhike is to follow the white trail markers to the firetower on S. Beacon Mountain.”

“sounds good - how long a hike am I looking at here?”

“Depending on your pace, you can get to the highest point of Breakneck in about an hour, hour and a half. There are several false summits, you'll think you reached the top, only to see there's another peak. It'll do this to you three or four times.

If you decide to follow the white trail along the ridge to the tower on S. Beacon, plan on pretty much a full-day since the days are shorter. The last time I did it back in July, I believe it took me about 5 hours, including stops for lunch on the trail, watching deer, ect..

Great views from the first ridge you climb, by the way. It's right on the Hudson, and you can see West Point to the south and on the other side of the river.

On a seperate note, I used to live in Cold Spring, which is the town just south of Breakneck.

Here's a topo of Breakneck Ridge”

“Breakneck it is then - from the looks of the map - the trail will be determined by the train - but it's nice to see so many trail options

thanks for the info”

“There's a group meeting at Anthony Wayne Rec. area at 8:30 tomorrow for 10 miles of trekking/orienteering and then a 15 mile bike ride on the roads.

I'll be there. This is a group that is training for adventure racing. Anyone is welcome, I think. Let me know if you want info.”

“Somehow, it seems like a place named "Breakneck" has that name for a reason...”

“Fritz,

Can you post more information about this group? Also, are there any future activities?”