Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon
A technical climb and ridgeline traverse to the summit of South Beacon Mountain.
Hiking Extreme
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 892 m
- Descent
- 892 m
- Duration
- 4-5 hrs
- Low Point
- 4 m
- High Point
- 476 m
- Gradient
- 17˚
Breakneck Ridge is a popular but strenuous and technically-challenging hike that leads to a gorgeous overlook of the Hudson River and the Hudson Highlands.
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Description
The ascent up the ridge is steep and technical, requiring arduous scrambling up a never-ending series of boulders. In some places, the ridgeline is quite exposed, too. While this exposure opens up gorgeous views, hikers with a fear of heights should proceed cautiously. On the flip side, if you're sick of hiking mellow trails that simply wind through the woods, consider tackling Breakneck Ridge as a truly challenging climb!
The lollipop loop shown here is one of the longer routes incorporating Breakneck Ridge. This 8.3-mile lollipop includes a lengthy traverse of the entirety of Breakneck Ridge, undulating up and down the ridgeline before making a final ascent to the summit of South Beacon Mountain. The route then returns along the stem of the lollipop before breaking off onto a different ridgeline, descending along the flanks of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Since this longer loop version is much less trafficked than the 3-mile version, expect even more technical challenges, a fainter trail, and some sections of overgrown trail in mid-summer.
Note: At the time of this writing, the trailhead is currently closed for renovation from March 1, 2023, to July 1, 2023. It should reopen after that time.
Sources: https://www.travelingfoundlove.com/hiking-breakneck-ridge/ https://triptins.com/breakneck-ridge-hike/
Difficulty
Extreme
Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".
Features
- Picturesque
- Summit Hike
- Forestry or heavy vegetation