Why Will a Popular Beacon, New York Trailhead Be Closed For 2 Years?
As the snow starts to thaw, hikers are setting their sights on the many hiking trails across the Hudson Valley.
However, a popular Dutchess County trailhead will be out of commission...until further notice.
Popular Dutchess County Trailhead Announces Closure
On Friday March 14th, 2025. New York State Parks & Historic Sites took to social media to alert hikers of a big change coming to a heavily trafficked trail in Dutchess County.
According to the post, the Breakneck Ridge Trailhead and the Wilkinson Memorial Trailhead, as well as the Breakneck Ridge Train Station, will be closed starting on April 21st.
They add that the trailheads will be closed until further notice with an estimated date of reopening in 2 years.
Why Will Breakneck Ridge Trailhead Be Closing For 2 Years?
Of course news like this comes to a shock especially to many regulars on the Dutchess County Trails.
NY Parks explains that a construction project is set to begin on the Breakneck Connector and Bridge project that will " make the area safer for hikers and motorists, organize parking, and bring much-needed improvements such as restrooms and trash and recycling receptacles to the area."
The website Breakneck.info has additional information regarding the closure and what to expect in 2027 when it reopens.
What to Expect in 2027 When Breakneck Ridge Trailhead Reopens
Any one who travels near Route 9D and Breakneck Ridge will tell you just how chaotic the area gets with visiting hikers. The Breakneck.info website states that, that particular corridor is especially dangerous.
READ MORE: Ulster County Carriage Trail Closed Until Further Notice
This project brings together Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc, along with Metro North, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and the New York-New Jersey Conference in hope to make the area safe for hikers and motorist alike.
Some future improvements include:
Off-road parking areas to the west of Route 9D and formalization and reduction of parallel parking on the east side of 9D.
complete renovation of the Metro-North Breakneck Ridge train station.
the Breakneck Bridge—a route over the train tracks for both trail users and the Department of Environmental Protection.
The Connector and Bridge will meet Accessibility Guidelines for Federal Outdoor Developed Areas (AGODA) standards, providing increased access to the river and views of Storm King Mountain via a new Lower Overlook at the foot of Breakneck Ridge.
Learn more and stay up to date at Breakneck.info.
For those looking for new hikes to check out across the Hudson Valley while Breakneck Ridge is under construction should take a look at these suggestions below:
The 25 Absolute Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley
Gallery Credit: Weston Loving
6 Hikes To Explore Abandoned Ruins in the Hudson Valley
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