Mount Taurus and Breakneck Ridge (Vigorous)

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.

https://www.scenichudson.org/explore-the-valley/outdoor-adventures/adventure/cornish-estate-ruins/

This hike has two significant climbs, Taurus and Breakneck Ridge,
but we'll be rewarded with some really nice river views throughout the day (especially during lunch).
Expect a 10 mile hike at a brisk (3 level), 2000 feet of elevation gain with limited stops.
Please bring 2 liters of water, lunch, snacks, hiking boots/trail shoes
and poles if you have them. The hike would be rated 3D10 under the old system.
No smoking, no dogs.

If you're coming by train, take the 8:55 Hudson Line train leaving Grand Central to Cold Spring, arriving at 10:15 (see 5D on
https://amc-ny.org/hiking-faqs/transportation-codes/)

Drivers: Park at the Cold Spring Metro North train station at around 10:10. The leader will be driving.

Everyone: Walk from the Cold Spring station to the front of the Depot Cafe at the base
of Main St. I'll be waiting there w/ sign in sheets. I expect the hike to end
no later than 4:30.

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.

AMC website listing:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001BxiX2AS/act00013819