The first 1+ mile of this trail is a steep ascent that takes you up a a series of view points with panoramic views of the Hudson River and surrounding area. The next 1.7 miles follows the ridge line and offers a series of viewpoints to both the river and surrounding parkland before decending to an unused dirt road within the park. From the road the trail again ascend to Sunset Point (good view), descends to Squirrel Hollow Brook and then ascends steeply to South Beacon Mountain.

A series of connector trails allows you to shorten or lengthen the hike to include other trails in the area. Two of my favorite options are to combine Breakneck with the Wilkerson Memorial trail over Sugarloaf mountain to form a 5.5 mile loop or to take Breakneck to the Notch Trail which travels over Mount Taurus and descends the Washburn trail. (I think this is 6-7 miles but I have never really calculated the distance).

Take NY 9D to 2 miles past Coldsprings to where Breakneck juts out into the Hudson. Just past the tunnel there is a small parking area. Overflow parking areas are available further up the road. You can also take Metro North Hudson line.

Great views of the Hudson River and surrounding valley. Steep initial ascent with lots of great lookouts for resting then great ridge views along the trail.