This is a broad term for the lands on both sides of the Hudson RIver in the vicinities of Cold Spring, Cornwall on Hudson, and West Point. On the West side of the river you have Storm King Mountain and on the East bank Breakneck Ridge and Beacon Ridge. Storm King and Breakneck sit on opposite sides of the river, and though I am no geologist, it is not hard to imagine that softer rock connected these two eons in the past.
Breakneck Ridge is probably the most strenuous hike within 50 miles, but certainly the most strenuous hike reachable by train from Grand Centra Station in NYC, and is one of the most popular day hike destinations in the Tri-State area. There aren't many one-way trails, but this is one of them. It is highly advised to climb Breakneck, and not descend, but if you were to descen it, that is a task for the young, if not young at heart. It takes many hand-holds to pull yourself up various dodgy sections. This is not rock climbing, but is probably considered bouldering. All the way up are stunning vistas up and down the Hudson, where daily, goods are moved by barge up and down the river, and of course all the pleasure craft. While there are more than a few options, I would say most people do what is called the "Long Loop" which reaches the immediate summit, and then loops around the back and down to the road. There was a shorter cut-off for those that bit off more than they could chew, and for the seasoned hiker looking for elevation differences, the trail bends to the North and you can loop in The restored Beacon Fire Tower, which on a clear day offers a 360 view that includes the city skyline.
Just getting started, atop the Metro North Tunnel with Storm King Mountain on the far side.
Through the trees looking up-river with Bannerman's Island and Castle (google it)
One of the first shelves on the ascent, a symbol that reflects this country more today than simply being worn out.
Still on the shelf, that is the flag pole with Storm King. The cut you see is Route 218. Below us is Metro North, and 9D
Cornwall-on-Hudson as well as Cornwall proper, Newburg further up-river and Bannermans Island
Lucky for us it cleared for a short time allowing this composite capturing more. This is probably the highest shelf before the trail turns North.
After turning North, there is this out-cropping that offers up another stunning vista. No, you never get tired of vistas.
This was lower down on the ascent, and was a smaller shelf that skirted the rocks to get to another ascending part.
Route 84 bridge with Newburg on the West side, and Beacon on the East, and the restored fire tower. (Google it)
3 image composite out one side of the Observation Deck Beacon Fire Tower.
Water Crossing near the base of the final climb up to the fire tower.
May 25, 2019 Cornwall-on-Hudson and Storm King
Late Spring trees with foliage
May 2019
A little higher up May 2019
Looking towards The Catskills
Looking West
Bannerman's Island and looking Northwest
Storm King Mountain offers up some challenging loops as well, all scrunched into the land between Route 218 and Route 9. There are only a few trailheads, and the rest is "Don't Park Your Car Here Or You Will Be Towed" parking. The last time I did Storm King, we did the long outer loop, and there were at least 2 days that followed where I couldn't get up or down the stairs in my home without the assistance of the railing. This is not a hike for legs that aren't used to all that descending.
First vista climbing with Cornwall in the distance. Cornwall-on-Hudson is to the left.
Elevation gained, looking down river at Cold Spring. Breakneck hidden to the left.
A wee bit further up and this shelf with the proper vista is reached. Cold Spring
Looking West
At the southern end of the loop, Cold Spring to the right, and Breakneck off to the left
This is atop a section that Jed calls "Stairway to Hell" Route 218 left, and Breakneck right.
Another Cold Spring vista
South of Breakneck Ridge and North of Cold Spring is Bull Mountain, another hard climb, though not as hard as Breakneck, but still filled with a lot of very nice vistas overlooking Cold Spring, West Point, Storm King, and Breakneck Ridge. There are more than a few trail options up there, but most do the big bull loop which has a more gradual descent through an old property that was once one of the many jewels in the Hudson Valley. You can find details on the Cornish Estate by googling it and read it for yourself. It's very impressive.
The best place to start this hike is right off of 9D just North of Cold Spring in the hiker lot that provides access to the trail system to the East as well as to Little Stony Point on the West side of 9D. I highly recommend walking over to Little Stony Point after your main hike. Whether you choose the high or the low trail, the views up and down the river are fantastic from the point.
Storm King and Route 218 (Closed in the Winter)
Cold Spring below, and West Point in the middle distance.
It's a clear day and in that haze is a city view. West Point and Bear Mountain in the background.
Snow Melt ponds
Little Stony Point High Trail vista. Not too shabby.
From Little Stony Point looking North towards Newburgh and Cornwall.
Just above the Cornish Estate
