Home › New York › Cold Spring › Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 218 Google reviews · Running trail in Cold Spring, New York · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Breakneck Ridge Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking area featuring a rock scramble, plus marked trails (easy to challenging) with Hudson River views.
What runners say about Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
“Definitely worth to drive out here to see such a Beautiful view.”
“Trails were clearly marked the whole way and we had a great time climbing up via the white trail and coming down on the more paved part of the blue trail.”
Breakneck Ridge is one of my favorite trails… The starting portion gets your heart rate up, has great views (like any other trail in the area), and there are tons of trails you can jump on to lengthen your hike. Things to know… -parallel parking is on the side of the road once you go through the tunnel.
It's a moderate hike with lots of rocks, took the longest trail here of 4.5miles. Enjoyed it really, nice one near NJ and NY near to other trails nearby. Loved the Giant Stairs and then liked Breakneck for its difficulty level.
One of the best but most challenging hikes in NY. I went on a late October weekday afternoon and the trail wasn't too crowded, but you do have to trek all the way from the Cold Spring metro north station if you're not driving. I did the medium loop and was very satisfied.
Tough scramble, but otherwise, a very doable hike. I've probably done the long loop 4 times so far. Make sure to bring ample hydration - 2 Gatorade bottles and 24 oz of water were not out of the question for me. You're gonna need it! Also: skin protection.
Trail conditions & character
“Best views of the Hudson valley, also one of the most difficult hikes in the Hudson valley (full loop).”
“very limited parking, so best to get there early, especially to beat the sun because it does get hot with limited shade along the trail.”
“We did the Breakneck Short Loop 1Hr 1 Mile Hike by starting with the White Trail and return with the Green then Yellow Trail onto the Wilkinson-Memorial.”
“This is one of the most fun trails in the area because of the steep rock scramble at the trailhead, but once you get up to the lookout, there's plenty of flat trails for miles.”
“After a certain point some places are impossible for dogs to pass”
“In all honesty, the White Trail is a very challenging route with incredibly rocky uphill climbing path.”
“This is one of the most fun trails in the area because of the steep rock scramble at the trailhead, but once you get up to the lookout, there's plenty of flat trails for miles.”
“Trails are very well marked and have a decent view from the top.”
“There are also porta-potties for visitor convenience.”
Plan your run at Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(845) 265-3175
Running trails near Cold Spring
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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