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Breakneck Ridge Improvements

Welcome to the new and improved Breakneck Ridge Trailhead and Upper Overlook

 
This project marks the launch of Phase 1: Breakneck Connector & Bridge of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail. We are excited for you to explore and enjoy the work that was done to restore and preserve this special spot in the Hudson Highlands. On the right, you will find a map highlighting key areas of improvement.

Scroll down to see 'before' and 'after' photos and learn why and how improvements were made as you visit the locations in real time. Happy trails!

Welcome to the new and improved Breakneck Ridge Trailhead and Upper Overlook

This project marks the launch of Phase 1: Breakneck Connector & Bridge of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail. We are excited for you to explore and enjoy the work that was done to restore and preserve this special spot in the Hudson Highlands. Below, you will find a map highlighting key areas of improvement.

Scroll down to see 'before' and 'after' photos and learn why and how improvements were made as you visit the locations in real time. Happy trails!

Restoration at start of trail--This portion of the trail was heavily eroded. The exposed tree roots shown in the “before” image above are a tell-tale sign of trail overuse, creating hazardous conditions for both hikers and the trees themselves. The beautifully constructed and inviting rock staircase we see now provides a safe and wide passage to accommodate visitors going up and down from Upper Overlook. Stonework by Tahawus Trails and Jolly Rovers Trail Crew

breakneck ridge trailhead

Closed social trail intersection--In the image above, we see a user-created trail diverging to the left of the established trail. These “social trails” cause damage to habitats and can lead to lost hikers. This area also displayed gully erosion, exacerbated by off-trail hiking pressure. The new rock staircase defines the official trail clearly and will keep hikers on the appropriate path. NYS Parks trail crews worked to “brush-in” the social trail to further dissuade hikers from using it.

social trail brush in

Meander paths--Many unauthorized social trails existed in this sensitive area due to exploration by curious users, which fragmented the landscape and caused erosion. In creating this Upper Overlook area, some of the existing paths were retained and formalized, creating access to viewsheds; areas for large numbers of hikers to spread out while waiting to climb Breakneck; and a clear delineation of trail vs habitat. Other paths were closed to allow the landscape to heal from overuse. Meander concept design by SCAPE Landscape Architecture

meander paths

Trail Steward Station-- The image above shows the former New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) Trail Stewards Station, on the side of busy and dangerous Route 9D. This new station—and its location here—creates a much safer experience for hikers and stewards and offers clear visibility of the strenuous Breakneck Ridge ascent. Stewards provide much-needed local hiking information, maps, and even water to unprepared hikers, and have been instrumental in reducing lost hikers and rescues, easing the burden on local volunteer responders. This upgrade signifies the permanence of this important program, and the partnership between the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, New York State Parks, and NYNJTC. Design by Gray Organschi Architecture, engineering and build by Heitmann Builders

steward station

Scramble Filter--Filters, common on mountain bike trails, are designed to help users determine their readiness for a route by allowing them to experience a typical trail feature and simulated on-trail conditions. With this scramble filter, Trail Stewards will be able to help hikers evaluate their readiness to ascend Breakneck, ensuring that hikers have a safe and enjoyable outing in the Highlands.

scramble filter

Initial Breakneck Ridge ascent--This portion of trail was heavily eroded and widened as hikers had created multiple paths through the boulder field, including one that led into a sensitive habitat area. Loose boulders on the trail posed a risk of injury to hikers. Tahawus Trails utilized native stones from the site to create a rustic but clear stone staircase, which stabilizes and re-establishes the trail and will safely guide hikers to the base of the rock slab scramble ahead.

initial ascent

Header image photography: Ty Cole

Base map of Upper Overlook: SCAPE Landscape Architecture

Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail
c/o Scenic Hudson
85 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
info@hhft.org
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