Closures begin at Breakneck

Apr 21

Written By HVNY

Popular trailhead, train station to shut down for two years for renovations

The Breakneck Ridge station on Metro-North’s Hudson Line, along with the Breakneck Ridge trailhead and several other popular hiking routes, will close for two years beginning Monday, April 21, 2025 as the first phase of construction begins for the new Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, a 7.5-mile linear park connecting Cold Spring and Beacon.

The Breakneck Ridge Trailhead, Wilkinson Memorial Trailhead and Lower Brook trailheads will be closed beginning Monday, and will remain closed until construction is completed. All parking on Route 9D will be prohibited north of the tunnel.

The interior trail system will remain open, according to project officials, with access available via The Washburn/Cornish trailheads, Notch Trail, and Little Stony Point.

Construction for phase one includes the Fjord Trail’s Breakneck Connector and bridge over the train tracks, “a safe alternative to walking along the dangerous and narrow State Route 9D,” according to project officials.

“This is the start of a transformational project that will ensure access to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve for people of all abilities and recreational interests,” says Amy Kacala, Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail’s Executive Director. “At the same time, it will help better manage the increased tourism the region has been experiencing while helping to restore the natural ecosystem of the Hudson Highlands. It’s truly a resilience project in every sense of the term.”

The first phase also includes a complete renovation of the Metro-North Breakneck Ridge train station with the installation of longer, higher platforms and ramps, as well as a new path between the station and the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. “Organized and formalized parking, including small lots on the west side of Route 9D,” and improved access points for first responders are also part of this first phase of the project.

Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said, once completed, the new station at Breakneck Ridge “will make it more attractive than ever to take the train to the trails.”

For alternative hikes in the area, visit: http://www.breakneck.info/alternative-hikes