Hudson Highlands Hiking

Hudson Highlands State Park consists of approximately 4,200 acres. It is administered by the Taconic Region of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The 1,024-acre Fishkill Ridge Conservation Area, owned by Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc., is managed as an extension of the Park. Lands acquired by the Open Space Institute, a non-profit, privately funded conservation organization, provide additional recreational opportunities in the region. These are the North Redoubt area and Arden Point in Garrison and a tract providing access to Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) from the east.

North of Cold Spring	South of Cold Spring
Click the maps for a larger view

Fishkill Ridge. Follow the Fishkill Ridge Trail (white) from the metal tanks of the Beacon water supply, reached by a narrow road which branches off of East Main Street 0.2 miles east of Howland Avenue. The trail makes a loop along the ridgeline over Lamb's Hill and Bald Hill with fine views of the urban and rural areas to the north, east and west. The round trip from the water tanks is about seven miles. The loop also may be reached from the east on the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow) beginning on the Old Albany Post Road (old Uhl Road) off Route 9, three miles north of Route 301.

South Beacon Mountain. Marked by its abandoned fire tower, this is the highest summit of the Hudson Highlands. The hike begins on the Notch Trail (blue) on Route 9D, four miles north of Cold Spring. Where. the Notch Trail turns off to the right at the junction with the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow), continue on the Wilkinson. The Breakneck Ridge Trail (white) joins from the right and then breaks away sharply uphill to the left; follow it up Devil's Ladder to the top. The round trip is about six miles.

Breakneck Ridge. A climb over some of the steepest terrain in the Highlands, plus some of its most dramatic views, make Breakneck an exhilarating outing, although not a good choice in slippery conditions or strong winds. The Breakneck Ridge Trail (white) begins just north of the tunnel on Route 9D, 2.1 miles north of Cold Spring. Several viewpoints are passed, each followed by a brief descent and another steep climb before the top of the ridge is reached. Continue past the junction with the Notch Trail (blue) to where the two trails diverge. Bear left on the Notch Trail, then left again on the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (yellow), which returns you to Route 9D 0.3 mi. north of the tunnel. The Wilkinson passes over Sugarloaf North, with views including Bannerman's Castle on Pollepel Island. The total distance is 5.5 miles. A trail scheduled to open in 1997 will connect Breakneck Ridge and Bull Hill.

Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus).The Washburn Trail (white) begins on Route 9D, 0.8 mile north of Cold Spring, skirts an abandoned quarry, then rises steeply, with ever wider views to the south and west before reaching the wooded summit. Continuing north past a clearing with a view of the Shawangunks and Catskills, the Washburn Trail ends at the beginning of the Notch Trail (blue). The Notch Trail descends the north side of the mountain, then turns west. At the Breakneck Brook crossing, turn left on the Brook Trail (red) which follows the stream on an eroded woods road past numerous remains of an abandoned estate. This trail leads down to Route 9D 1.7 miles north of Cold Spring. A more popular route is to leave the trail and return by way of the graded Dairy Road, which ends at a gate only 0.2 miles north of the Washburn trailhead. This route is 4.5 miles in length.

White Rock/Canada Hill. There are many opportunities for circular hikes in the Southern Highlands. One hike is to start from the east via the AT (white) where it crosses Route 9 at its junction with Route 403. Where the AT turns left to climb the ridge, take the Carriage Connector (yellow) which ends at the Osborn Loop (blue). Continue straight ahead on the Osborn Loop to the junction with the Sugarloaf South Trail (red). A side trip (one mile round trip) to the top of Sugarloaf South yields views up the river to West Point and south to Bear Mountain Bridge. The Osborn Loop turns south along the western flank of the mountain and then turns uphill to reach its southern terminus at the AT. Follow the AT north along the ridge and then descend to the junction with the Carriage Connector. This loop hike is about 6.5 miles excluding the side trip.

Anthony's Nose. From this southern gatepost of the East Highlands, there are broad views of the Hudson Valley to the south, Iona Island and Bear Mountain Bridge in the foreground and the heights of Bear Mountain Park across the river. Its viewpoints are favorites with birdwatchers for observing eagles, hawks and vultures. The Camp Smith Trail (blue) begins at the old stone toll house on Route 6, 0.7 mile north of the Camp Smith entrance. Over its 3.1 mile course to the summit, roughly parallel to the highway, the trail rises 1,100 feet. If a second car has been parked just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge, continue northeast another 0.6 mile to the Appalachian Trail coming up from Route 9D. The half mile descent to the highway on the AT brings the total distance to 4.2 miles.

New York-New Jersey Trail Conference volunteers construct trails and provide general maintenance, including blazing, brush clearing, removal of fallen trees and erosion control. The National Park Service has transferred additional responsibilities for the Appalachian Trail to the Trail Conference.

This information is excerpted from the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference brochure, “Hiking Trails in Hudson Highlands State Park.” Hikers should not embark on any of these trails without the proper preparations, i.e. maps, water, proper clothing, etc. Maps of these trails may be obtained from the Conference at:

232 Madison Ave., #802
New York, NY 10016
(212) 685-9699
Email: nynjtc@aol.com
Web site: http://www.nynjtc.org

Trail Use

Stay on the trails to minimize the impact on the forest environment. Shortcuts across switchbacks, which lead to erosion problems, are especially damaging.

Maintaining a quality hiking experience requires keeping the trails free of litter and the environment undisturbed. Carry out and take home everything you bring in.

Wear sturdy shoes or boots with non-slip soles. Dress in layers of clothing so you can adjust for changing conditions.

Blazed trails sometimes traverse private property, the result of carefully negotiated agreements. Exercise care so the trail status is not endangered. If unmarked trails or woods roads extend into private property, respect the privacy of the owners and do not trespass.

Health and Safety

Be conscious of your risks. An injury on the trail, where there is no quick access to medical help, is always a serious matter, especially in winter, or on a seldom-used trail where assistance in an emergency cannot be counted on. Leaving the route you plan to hike and the time you expect to return with a responsible person is a sensible precaution if you hike alone.

No water found on the trails is safe to drink. Carry an adequate supply of water with you.

The deer tick, which transmits Lyme Disease, is common in this area. In its nymph stage, it is no larger than a pinhead. Light colored clothing will make ticks easier to detect. Long sleeves and trousers tucked into socks will help, but there is no sure defense. Check yourself thoroughly after every hike.

Rabies is prevalent in raccoons, skunks and bats. Avoid any direct contact with wildlife.

Poison ivy is widespread in some sections. Keeping to the center of trails will help avoid it, as well as minimize exposure to ticks.

Restrictions

The trails are restricted to day use only. Camping or making fires is not permitted.

No vehicles are permitted on any hiking trails. This includes mountain bikes as well as all terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and snowmobiles.