Help me make this hiking trip a trip to remember!

March 20, 2008 9:14 AM

Girlfriend stealing account: I am planning a hiking trip for about 10 people this Saturday to Hudson Highlands Park. Some of us have medium hiking experience, some of us have none. Is the Breakneck Ridge hike too difficult for us?

Some of us are in shape; some of us are not - but we're all young and have decent energy. I have been reading about the Breakneck Ridge trail being the most famous and most popular. However, I have also read that it can be quite challenging to the amateur hiker. Does anyone have any experience with this trail? Does anyone have any other suggestions that would provide amazing views and isn't boring? Also, any other advice for the beginning hiker? We have a time constraint of about 3-4 hours (my friend suggested around 5 miles). Thank you in advance!

posted by redhotchips to sports, hobbies, & recreation (7 comments total)

This is doable for all. I have done this trail several times including once with a guy in khakis, loafers who was smoking a cig. He huffed and puffed but made it. The first part of the trail is a scramble up to a great view so I think it is worth it. Cold beer in Cold Spring afterwards worked real well for us too.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:41 AM on March 20

The Appalachian Trail through the Osborne Preserve might be what you are looking for. It's a little longer than what you wanted, but there are great views and you can always cut it short.

I clicked on this hoping to hear an account of girlfriend stealing. I am highly disappointed in the lack of dirt this question provides.
posted by Alison at 9:43 AM on March 20

I have hiked the trail several times with friends of various physical abilities, some who were not in the greatest shape. It is definitely challenging for those who are not used to hiking but, if you have enough time to take it slow, everyone in your party should be able to make it.

The first couple of miles are quite steep, indeed. There are a few places that require using your hands to scramble on rocks and grab trees. Actually, more than them being in shape, you might want to be sure that your friends don't get easily spooked by steep inclines. It's really not all that dangerous, I see families with small kids hiking it all the time, but it can feel intimidating for people who aren't used to it. One of my friends got a little spooked in places the last time we went, but she made it without major problems. Just make sure to follow the white paint blazes that mark the trail and you'll be fine.

Depending on how long it takes you to get to the top, there are a lot of trails that connect to the Breakneck trail. My favorite hike to do is to hike up Breakneck, then follow the white marked trail along the ridge until I intersect with the blue marked trail. Taking a right on the blue marked trail takes you down off of the ridge into a valley where there is a reservoir (unfortunately not suitable for swimming) and the ruins of an enormous old farm and dairy. The remnants of the old buildings are really fun to poke around in. From there you can follow the red marked trail back down to the highway, take a right and walk back to the train. (At least, I think those are the correct trail colors. I don't have a map of the area, hopefully you do).

It sounds like you probably won't have the time to do this, but you can also connect with the yellow blazed trail and hike all the way into Cold Spring and catch the train there. I really like to do that, but it does take some time, especially if you have slower hikers with you. Anyway, I love the whole area so I highly recommend the hike.

My impression is that Breakneck is probably the least boring and most scenic trail that you can easily access from the commuter trains, but others may have good ideas. Feel free to me-mail me if you have other questions.
posted by otolith at 9:57 AM on March 20

Here's a map of the area. It's kind of small and crappy, but you can see the trails marked by their colors: "W" for white, etc.
posted by otolith at 10:06 AM on March 20

I clicked on this hoping to hear an account of girlfriend stealing. I am highly disappointed in the lack of dirt this question provides.

I clicked with the expectation of reading an ask.me about someone's kleptomaniac girlfriend, too. . .

I haven't been on this trail but noticed the reviews mention requiring the use of hand holds in a few sections. For very inexperienced hikers, this might be somewhat scary. If you're leading the hike, why not grab a buddy and do a quick day trip today or tomorrow and check out the route? That way you can make a wise choice taking into account your group's collective abilities- if you hike it on Saturday, then you'll have scouted it ahead of time and can guide your group to the less exposed parts of the trail. If you do it, make sure you vet your inexperienced hiker's gear (shoes particularly) ahead of time.
posted by arnicae at 11:07 AM on March 20

I'm with Alison, I thought I'd be reading about a girlfriend stealing. The lack of dirt is refreshing but oddly disappointing: ) I don't know anything about hiking or this particular trail but thought I would post the idea of having some sort of protection from unwanted visitors, ie, animals. Pepper spray or a small stun gun would be good to take along with you and hey, if a girlfriend does decide to steal from your backpack, you're ready for her!
posted by Harrison912 at 1:11 PM on March 20

For a day hike, pack lightly. Camera, flashlight, sweater, rain gear, spare socks, basic first aid kit, bandana, lunch/snacks and plenty of water. One of those foil blankets for shelter/warmth if you get stuck. You'll also want to carry on you matches/lighter, camping knife, map, compass, & whistle.

A hiking stick is best. Don't cut one from trailside if you can avoid it. Find your local boy scout supplier and get a staff for a couple of bucks. Easy to stain and seal. They'll also sell a leather piece to add as a handgrip.

Make sure your hiking boots are broke in before taking them on a hike.

Keep a good pace and take regular rest breaks. Don't push yourself to exhaustion.
posted by Kioki-Silver at 1:52 PM on March 20