Last Minute DH - Hudson Highland (Cornish Estate, Breakneck Ridge, Beacon Tower)
Details
Last minute public transportation accessible Fall Double Header (DH) Hike in the Hudson Highland/Storm King Mtn Area. This will be another local fun and challenging hike, located in the Hudson Highland with beautiful fall colors, varied terrain, historic ruins at Cornish Estate, and spectacular views of the Hudson Valley from Breakneck Ridge as well as South Beacon Fire Tower. Due to Construction the hike will start from Cornish Estate Trail at Bull Hill Parking Lot at 9:00am (just outside of Cold Spring and across from Stony Point to the right) as you go north on 9D.
This is a FULL DAY hike. Though we will take breaks and enjoy the views, the entire hike will take at least 8hours (incl breaks). We will cover 10.4 miles with a total elevation gain of about 2950 feet. This is a fun, though moderately long and difficult hike with some steep portions. It will be divided into 3 legs.
- First leg (est 1.5hrs, 9-10:30) Start on Cornish Trail (Blue) to Brook Trail (Red), will explore Cornish Estate and hike up to Breakneck Ridge from Under Cliff Trail via Cornish (Yellow via Blue from Red).
- Second leg (est 2.5hrs, 10:30-1:00) Breakneck Ridge to the Beacon South Tower on Breakneck Ridge Trail (White)
- Third Leg (est 3hrs, 2-5:00) return back to the parking lot on Breakneck Ridge to Cornish (Blue)
A late lunch (est 1:30pm) break will be held at South Beacon Tower.
Everyone should bring some lunch, snacks, and at least 3 liters of water for the hike. Have snacks in your pocket and a 2.5-3 liter camel back (recommended) readily available to hydrate and sustain yourself as your hiking.
Expect temperatures in the 50-60s. Dress in layers as you will warm up as we move and become cold if we stop. Recommendation is to limit cotton clothing that does not wick (no cotton t-shirts) As for gear, everyone should have good boots or sneakers, and as mentioned attire and camelback.
Only physically fit individuals should participate, though no prior hiking experience is necessary. Refer to photos for an image of the hike trail if the following link does not work.
Also get a free map of NY Hudson Highland State Park from NY Parks and Recreation on Avenza (Avenza app available as well)
All hikers will receive a carpooling sign-up spreadsheet Tuesday morning before the hike. Drivers if you are coming up the Hudson on 9, it would be great if you could pick up hikers at the Cold Spring Station. Hikers expect to contribute $5-$20 to your driver if you are carpooling from the city or if driver's are picking you up from Cold Spring Station.
The plan is to leave New York City before 7:00 a.m. on Saturday so that everyone can meet at Storm King parking lot by 9:00 a.m. Hikers, if you are taking the train to Cold Spring, you have to be on the 7:56 Metro North train to Poughkeepsie and get off at Cold Spring (you will arrive at 8:20). Also if there are enough hikers coming from Manhattan, carpooling by Uber from Cold Spring, walking from train station, or getting a zip car from NYC is also an option. The trailhead is about 1.00 miles away from Cold Spring.
Depending on interest, we will grab food and/or drinks after the hike at the Cold Spring Depot.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VS4KadZKAfZSEqDA
Lastly, if you RSVP and attend this event, you assume all risks and responsibilities for yourself. BLAZE NYC is not liable to any accidents or injuries that take place during the event.