The Hudson Valley encompasses a scenic portion of New York State spanning the regions along the Hudson River from just north of NYC to Albany. Often overshadowed by the nearby Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, hiking the Hudson Valley can provide visitors with challenging trails and rewarding views to rival any in New York State. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or just passing through, there are endless adventures to be had. Keep reading to learn more about three of the best and most popular Hudson Valley trails!
BreakNEck Mountain
Arguably the most strenuous hike of the Hudson, Breakneck Mountain is a popular destination that earns its name. The mountain provides one of the most intense vertical rock scrambles around! Visitors can park for free at roadside parking available on route 9D. Many also take the Metro North Train out of NYC. The train drops off at the “Breakneck Ridge” stop (easily walkable to the trailhead) and takes between 2-2.5 hours from Grand Central.
The Breakneck Ridge trail is 2.5-4 miles, depending on which route you choose, and gains 1,250 ft of elevation. The main route up is steep and strenuous for most. It involves scrambling up a steep ridge, and occasionally has small sections of climbing over boulders, if you choose. On the main “white trail” up to the ridge, several forks provide an easier or harder route option.
Hikers who reach the Breakneck ridge are rewarded with one of the finest views in the Hudson! Across the river sits the famed Mount Storm King and you can see Bannerman Castle in the distance as well. From the ridge, many continue a short distance to the true summit of the mountain. Note that with trees and shrubbery covering the true summit, the views are less than superb.
From the flagpole or true summit, there are several options for descent. Ascending the white trail to the ridge is considered ONE WAY and descending back down the same steep scrambling trail is not advisable (hence the name BREAKNECK ridge). There is a short loop, moderate loop, and long loop down. The moderate loop is the one I’d recommend. It provides an enjoyable jaunt down the mountain and winds through the ruins of old country estates (with several informational displays) as well. When completing the moderate loop, you will end up walking for a short distance along the highway before arriving back at the trailhead. The path is well off the road and I found it safe. You will traverse beneath the mountain via a short tunnel before arriving back at your car!
Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze
The labyrinth trail is widely considered the most elite rock scramble around. Located on the grounds of the famed Mohonk Mountain House, access to the labyrinth is not cheap but I believe it is worth it. In 2022, entering through the gatehouse of the Mohonk Mountain house is $35 per person. This fee grants access to the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House and the 70+ miles of surrounding hiking and carriage road trails. The price is steep for sure, but well worth it if you enjoy rock scrambles, stunning views, and an afternoon wandering the beautiful and sprawling grounds of the Mountain House.
After passing the gate house you will need to park in the Gatehouse parking lot where there is a restroom and adequate signage to plan your day. The hike from the gatehouse just to the Mountain House itself is approximately 2.2 miles of well manicured but varied terrain. The famed Labyrinth hike begins adjacent to Mountain House next to Mohonk Lake. The area around the Mountain House is beautiful and worth exploring!
The Labyrinth hike itself is not long, about 1 mile out and back, but has some more challenging features. The hike is more a series of scrambling over rocks, climbing ladders, and occasionally jumping from boulder to boulder. There are tight spaces and more than one area that requires removing your backpack to complete as well. The Labyrinth trail ends with the famed “lemon squeeze.” This obstacle involves acting like a lemon and climbing up a narrow passage before squeezing through the opening above. This part was particularly fun but tighter than expected! After the lemon squeeze, hikers are greeted with sweeping views of the countryside and Catskill Mountains in the distance. A short hike from here, finishes with spectacular panoramic views from Sky Top Tower, standing 1,542 ft above sea level.
The carriage road trails down from the Tower are scenic in their own right. Numerous well constructed viewing booths constructed into the cliff, offer seating and enjoyable views. There are two main paths down from the Tower. One leads more directly back towards the parking area deeper into the woods. The second is closer to the lake and culminates back at the Mountain House. I’d recommend that you take the carriage road closest to the lake when descending, to best take advantage of the scenes of the lake and mountain house in the distance.
Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park
This unique experience is not so much a hike, but still well worth your time when exploring the Hudson Valley. The history of the site is worth mentioning. Once a major rail corridor connecting New England and New York to more western regions, a fire damaged the bridge beyond use in the early 1970s. Sitting idle for years, major public/private restoration efforts took place resulting in the bridge reopening for pedestrians in the year 2009.
The bridge is now enjoyed year round from dawn to dusk, weather permitting. Parking is free in lots on either end of the bridge. Access into the park is also free and visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, or biking the trail. For those looking for a longer day of cycling, numerous other bike trails connect to the walkway and bike rentals are available via Hudson Valley Bike share in Poughkeepsie as well!
The walkway is 212 ft tall and spans 1.28 miles each way, making the Walkway over the Hudson the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world! It is quite impressive standing at the bridge’s center, looking out of the adjacent urban, mountain and river landscapes. A 21 story glass elevator is also available 7 days a week 10A-6P, taking visitors from the Poughkeepsie waterfront at Upper Landing Park to the bridge above. Consider contacting the park ahead of time to ensure the bridge and elevator are open if weather or timing is of a concern (current phone number found on website). The park also hosts numerous events and activities should this interest you as well.
After your walk or biking adventure, consider visiting Zeus Brewing Company for a full dinner menu, good beer, and irresistible sunset views over the Hudson River and Mid Hudson Bridge. You are sure to have a great time adventuring with friends in this fascinating part of New York!
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