Appalachian Mountain Club New York-North Jersey

Greetings

Its that time of year when the mountain laurel begins to show its colors
Will it be out in full bloom ? doubt it, but we should still get SOME color

Meet at Lake Skannatti harriman park
because of the limited parking hike will begin at 9:00 am

NO DOGS
NO SMOKING
NO public transportation

bring water , boots poles and a reasonably good attitude

thanks
jay
201 966 5482

Mount Taurus and Breakneck Ridge are two of the most popular hiking destinations
in the Mid-Hudson valley. Today, we'll get to hike both mountains.

First we'll walk from Cold Spring to route 9D and
hike up the Washburn Trail which will take us close to the summit of Mount Taurus.
After a short break, we'll be spending most of the remainder of the morning on the Undercliff trail, heading
North to Breakneck Ridge. Finally, we'll take a short
scramble to our lunch spot at the top of Breakneck Ridge which offers great views of the Hudson River,
Storm King and Pollepel (aka Bannerman) Island.

After lunch we'll head back to our starting point using the Breakneck and Cornish trails.
The Cornish Trail has ruins of the old Cornish Estate with several new trails and interpretive signs.

Join Bionic Man (aka the leader) on a variation of his training hike.

This hike has it all – Wanaque Reservoir Views, Van Slyke Castle, Ramapo Lake, NYC Views, and rarely seen views of Pompton Lakes using a rarely used trail as well as a possible bear sighting – last time I saw it, it waved its paw at me as if to say, “nice to see you again!”.

Hiking time is expected to be around 6 hours covering 14 miles/1,500’. We will take the occasional aesthetic break as well as lunch. I expect the day to take around 7 hours.

Your reward at the end of the day will be a hot tub and/or swimming pool for those with more time (First four who let me know).

For self-sufficient hikers who might be short of time or miscalculate their energy, there are early bailouts. If you think this might be you, please bring a map – I highly recommend the Avenza app on your cell phone with the NY-NJ Northern New Jersey Highlands (Combined).

While the distance on this hike merits a strenuous, the pace will be a “compassionate” vigorous.

This hike is targeted toward solid vigorous hikers who want to challenge themselves with a longer day or strong hikers who want a longer day on rarely used trails. If you have not done a vigorous hike of at least 10 miles before, please contact the leader to verify this is a hike that is appropriate for you as this is a big day for most hikers.

Side note: For those who have joined me on the much shorter variation of this hike, this hike is significantly harder. If you are thinking of coming, you must meet the requirements in the previous paragraph.

Current forecast is good, but if it changes, rain will cancel.

Please note that Covid-19 has persisted in our region from its onset in 2020. In the interest of public health, please do not join this hike if symptomatic of Covid-19 or infected with it.

On this hike we will have some nice viewpoints on the ridge, as we ascend Parker Cabin Mountain, and return on a scenic woods trail. We begin our hike right at the meeting spot, and spend much of our day on the RD and Yellow Triangle trails. The hike ends in the town of Tuxedo, where we can spend some time enjoying the international cuisine, and have easy access back to Manhattan by train, which departs at 4:20 for the return trip.

This hike, rated as vigorous, is not suitable for beginners or slower hikers who cannot keep up or stay with the group. We will hike at a steady, brisk pace (not super-fast but not slow) over a distance of around 8 miles, with some steep hills on hiking trails in the woods and on rocky terrain. Cumulative elevation gain will be approximately 1700 feet. Hikers should wear hiking boots, have at least 2 quarts of water/sports drinks along with lunch, and be in good condition to complete a strenuous hike (Per AMC policy our hikes are intended for adults 18 years and older, and dogs are not permitted, unless indicated otherwise).

Rain or even questionable forecast, as well as wet and slippery rocks, may cancel or modify; check website for latest updates. We meet at 10:30 in Tuxedo. The transportation information for both public transportation leaving from Penn Station and cars (AMC Trans code: 9C on the AMC New York-North Jersey website) is indicated below. Please purchase a one way ticket since there may be rides back to the city offered.

9. 9:07 a.m. NJ TRANSIT train from Penn Sta. arriving Secaucus 9:16. (There are a couple of later trains but I recommend taking this one.) Change to Port Jervis line in a different part of the station after entering main train hall, leaving Secaucus 9:30.

C. Tuxedo, Orange CO., NY. Arr. 10:29. From Rt. 17 north turn R on East Village Rd. Meet in commuter lot just past the tracks. $3 parking fee, or park for free in adjacent lot on the road if space available.