Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Trail

A demanding hike up the steepest and most exposed scenic trail in the Highlands, with sustained views from open ridges and returning through quiet forests. The steep windswept spine of Breakneck Ridge is considered the most difficult and rugged ascent in the Highlands. Rising from nearly sea level on the Hudson at Breakneck Point, to 1,100 feet on Breakneck’s summit in less than 0.5 mile, it is a rock scramble requiring an all-fours approach. Because the sheer southerly face of Breakneck draws very close to the trail in spots, this hike is not advisable in wet or icy conditions, or even in periods of high winds—and it’s not a good choice for unfit hikers or ones with bad knees. This is an aerobic workout of intense effort, and most hikers will find that they haven’t carried enough water (trail leaders for the Appalachian Mountain Club generally require that participants carry 2 liters, minimum, on hikes of this nature). The route described here is a long day hike, but there are several options for shortening the hike if you need to.