Breakneck Ridge Trail (White)

Breakneck Ridge Trail (White) is the steep, rock-scramble climbing line up Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson Highlands near Cold Spring, NY. It’s mapped as a hard long-distance hiking route (about 6.08 km). The white blaze is the key marker for staying on the intended ascent line.

Expect strenuous climbing with exposed rock features where you’ll use your hands during the scrambles. The overall effort is typically finished as a short but intense day outing, with sources describing it as taking roughly 2–3 hours for the scramble-focused route variants.

This white-blazed climb is usually paired with other colored trails to make a loop. A common short loop option runs up the White Trail and returns via the Green (Nimham) and Yellow (Wilkinson) trails back to Route 9D.

Another common longer loop option stays on the White Trail to connect with the Red Breakneck Bypass Trail for the descent, then returns via the Yellow (Wilkinson) trail back to Route 9D.

Practical access is from Route 9D: the trailhead is described as just off NY-9D, with the Breakneck Ridge or Cold Spring Metro-North stops close enough for a short walk/taxi approach. The route is also described as part of local “challenge” routes centered on the White Trail start.

Weather matters on this trail: wet or stormy conditions are singled out as making the granite surfaces extremely slippery, so plan to avoid those conditions and adjust gear/approach for traction on rock.

More information: Map, 15 Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in the U.S., Breakneck Ridge Loop - Harriman Hiker