breakneck ridge

“Newbi here, I just hiked slide on sunday and felt good afterwards.. need info on Breakneck ridge.. read a few blurbs on different websites.. sounds hard in beginning then eases up.. any info would be appreciated.. want to do it this sat.thx... coldfeet”

“its in the k wise book.. u got that?

close to #44.”

“please advise, don't understand... breakneck ridge in ny..thx”

“oh.. sorry.. wrong ridge.”

“Is this the Breakneck Ridge in Southeast New York? The reason I ask is because you also mentioned a Slide Mtn, and Slide Mtn is the tallest peak in the Catskills.

Anywhoo, if it is, you might want to check out the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference. They do much of the trail maintenance in Southeast NY outside of the catskills, and have all kinds of information on their trails.

I haven't been up to Breakneck Ridge myself, but I hope this helps.”

“Yes it is,, thx.. I read about your Marcy trip.. I really wanted to go but i'm a newbi and wasn't mentally ready... I hiked up slide with Jackcannine.. I believe you met him at the Ithaca trip a few weeks ago.. I missed that due to a wedding.. Trying to get into shape with legs, lungs and brains, well 2 out of 3 is fine for me.. If the weather holds for a few hours on Sat. I'll hit Harriman with Jack or check out Breakneck... thx..Coldfeet”

“Coldfeet - I've hiked up Breakneck Ridge dozens of times. I used to live in nearby Cold Spring and Peekskill, and even when growing up in Florida, I'd hike Breakneck most summers when visiting family in the area.

Parking, just take Rt. 9D past Cold Spring. You will encounter a tunnel. Pass under and look for parking off to the left. The trailhead up is right near the mouth of the north end of the tuennel.

Follow the white blazes up. It's very steep for the first half mile or so, but you are afforded great views of the Hudson River. You'll reach several false summits along the way. The first one probably gives the best views. Good spot to eat lunch.

It'll be heard to tell exactly when you're at the top, but when the trail starts ducking into the woods, you'll figure you've reached it. You can continue to follow the white blazes for several miles to the firetower on Beacon Mountain. That stretch of trail is pretty easy going. Doing that and coming back takes several hours, but it's a nice hike.

Have fun and best of luck.”

“Thx Artex.. sound like a few good hours of weather on Sat.. what the heck.. never know if i don't try!”

“Cool. If it's wet, just take your time and be careful. Lots of stretches where scrambling is required, and the exposed rocks can get slippery when wet.”

“Thx for info.. thinking of picking up knees pads in case i need to get on all 4's.. no comment please.”