Breakneck Ridge, Mountain summit in Hudson Valley, United States.
Breakneck Ridge is a mountain summit rising 1,260 feet (384 meters) above sea level with rocky cliffs stretching along the Hudson River between Beacon and Cold Spring. The terrain consists of multiple steep layers leading upward, with white blazes marking the path through rock formations toward the Beacon Fire Tower.
The southern face bears traces of historic quarrying operations that shaped the current rock formations visible today. These 19th-century extraction activities left their mark on the mountain's profile.
The Ninham Trail carries the name of a Wappinger leader, connecting visitors to indigenous roots of the region. Stone steps cut into the mountainside link hikers physically with the rock itself.
The base is easily reached by Metro North Railroad, which offers a weekend flag stop specifically for hikers at this location. Parking is available along Route 9D near the trailhead for those arriving by car.
The steep one-way ascent includes multiple rock scrambles that demand careful foot and hand placement for safety. The white blazes help hikers navigate through sections where the path becomes narrow and exposed.
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