Okay, so last weekend I decided to finally tackle that Hudson Valley hike I’ve been meaning to do for ages.
The Prep: First thing’s first, I actually looked at a map. I know, shocking, right? But seriously, the Hudson Valley is huge, and I needed to narrow it down. Settled on Breakneck Ridge because, well, the name. Figured it’d be a good challenge. I packed the usual suspects: water (and lots of it), snacks (trail mix and a banana, classic), sunscreen, a hat, and my hiking boots. Made sure my phone was charged and downloaded an offline map, just in case.
Getting There: Getting there was a bit of a mission. I don’t have a car, so I hopped on the Metro-North train from Grand Central to Breakneck Ridge station. Pro-tip: get there early, especially on weekends. The train fills up fast with other hikers eager to escape the city. The train ride itself is pretty scenic, following the Hudson River, so that was a nice bonus.
The Hike: Alright, Breakneck Ridge lives up to its name. It’s basically straight up. Like, rock scrambling from the get-go. I started slow, taking my time and making sure I had a good grip on the rocks. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone afraid of heights. There were a few points where I was practically crawling. But the views? Totally worth it. Every time I stopped to catch my breath (which was often), I was rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains.
The Summit: Reaching the top was an amazing feeling. I sat there for a good half hour, just soaking it all in and eating my banana. The views were incredible, and I felt a real sense of accomplishment. Took some pictures, of course, but mostly just enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Coming Down: Now, coming down Breakneck Ridge can be tricky. It’s steep and rocky, so you have to be careful. I took the Wilkinson Trail down, which is a bit longer but much less steep than the way up. It was still a good workout, though. The trail winds through the woods, so it’s a nice change of scenery after the exposed rocks of Breakneck.
What I Learned:
- Water is your friend. Seriously, bring more than you think you need.
- Good shoes are essential. My hiking boots saved my ankles more than once.
- Take your time. There’s no rush. Enjoy the journey and the views.
- Check the weather. Hiking in the rain or extreme heat would not be fun.
Final Thoughts: Hiking Breakneck Ridge was tough, but incredibly rewarding. It’s a great way to escape the city and challenge yourself physically and mentally. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good hike near NYC, just be prepared for a climb!
