Harriman Hiker: Harriman State Park and Beyond: Breakneck Bypass and New Nimham Trail

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Breakneck Bypass and New Nimham Trail

Hudson Highlands State Park,
Dutchess / Putnam Counties,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Wilkinson Trail: Yellow blaze
Breakneck Bypass Trail: Red blaze
Breakneck Ridge Trail: White blaze
Nimham Trail: Green blaze

Total Time: 3:25 hour
Estimated Distance: 2.25 Miles

Pros: Good climb and great views
Cons: Breakneck Trail very busy
Hike Type: Loop
Level of Difficulty: Very Difficult

Map of Route:
https://goo.gl/maps/8LPRGQmAvtu7azep9

I was at Breakneck Ridge earlier in summer, and noticed signs for a new trail in the area. The new trail starts at the flag area at the first stopping point at and first major view at Breakneck Ridge. I checked on this based on the new signs and saw this was a short loop from the view back down to the parking. Wanting to do a longer hike, I decided I'll do a longer hike and take this trail down on my return route.

I parked on Route 9D past the tunnel, at the Wilkinson Trailhead. I took this trail past the new Nimham Trail, and then took the Breakneck Bypass Trail at the split. This is a steep and continuous climb up Breakneck Ridge on the northern front, though it is not quite as steep and dramatic as the main Breakneck Ridge Trail. Near the top there is a great view facing Sugarloaf, where I took a short break, and then continued to the Breakneck Ridge intersection.

I took the Breakneck Ridge south, heading down many of the steep scrambles, and at the area with the flag at the Nimham Trail, I took this new trail, northward bound and down the mountain. This new trail is well-groomed and features nice stone stairs on its descent. At the Wilkinson Trail, I took the trail down and then back to my car.