Near Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Firetower
Heading up the Breakneck scramble in light snow
Near Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Firetower
Breakneck Ridge III
Near Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Firetower
Breakneck Ridge I
Near Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Firetower
Test yourself (and your nerve) with the rock scrambles of Breakneck Ridge, the trail goes left from here, up that steep incline to the left of the hiker.
Near Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Firetower
One of the numerous overlooks of Breakneck Ridge. This spot overlooks the Hudson River with Storm King Mountain in the distance.

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Hike Route

Breakneck Ridge to South Beacon Mountain Firetower

5.0 (1 Rating)
An extension of Karl W's Breakneck Ridge to Sugarloaf Mountain Loop, this adds a scramble and some impressive views.
8.1
mi
Distance
3,095
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsOne Way OnlyViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.1mi
Distance
3,095ft
Elevation Gain
3,124ft
Elevation Loss
90%
Max Grade
1,594ft
High Point
9ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Follow the white blazed Breakneck Ridge Trail (BR) from the trailhead. It begins with some very intense uphill sections and the first set of scrambles. There are several scenic overlooks on the way up, stop at them as you please. You'll stay on the white blazed BR past the green blazed NH which will diverge to your left. Continue on the BR past the yellow blazed UC trail which will diverge on your right. Continue past the red blazed BB which will diverge on your left.The blue blazed NT will merge with the white blazed BR trail from your right. Continue on the blue and white blazed BR/NT trail.The blue and white blazed BR/NT trail splits into a blue blazed NT and a white blazed BR trail. Follow the white blazed BR trail, which will be the rightmost of the two trails. Continue on the white blazed BR trail past the intersection with the yellow blazed WM. Following the white blazed BR will bring you to the second set of rock scrambles. Shortly following the scramble, you'll arrive at the fire tower. The firetower makes a great place to stop and lunch. Climbing to the top offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. The best vistas of the entire hike are here.After you are done at the firetower, backtrack along the white blazed BR. When you arrive again at the intersection with the yellow blazed WM, take the yellow blazed WM on your right. Continue along the yellow blazed WM until it merges with the blue blazed NT. Hook a hard left, and continue along the blue and yellow blazed WM/NT trail.The blue and yellow blazed WM/NT will split. Follow the yellow blazed WM, which will be the rightmost of the two trails. Continue on the yellow blazed WM trail past the red BB, which will diverge to your left. Continue on the yellow blazed WM past the green NH, which will diverge to your right.The yellow blazed WM ends at road 9D. To get back to the trailhead from here, turn left and hike so that the railroad and river are to your right (with the mountain on your left).

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Contributors
Alexander Saff