Oh Deer

Less than an hour from the sky scrapers of NYC and sitting in the shadow of the infamous Bear Mountain lies the rest of Harriman State Park.  On this journey, I set out to find the Pine Swamp Mine but my hiking journey took an unexpected turn.  Join me as I search for Pine Swamp Mine and experience the realities of less than stellar route planning.  Along the way we’ll encounter Surebridge swamp, the AT trail, deer bones, live deer along with a trees, lakes, streams and hills.

Location: Tuxedo, NY.  Near Lake Skanatai, Pine swamp and Surebridge Swamp

GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 41.242481, -74.101796
Season (video): Spring
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny
Trail (video): Long Path
Difficulty: Moderate
Views: Trees, Lakes, Swamps (more interesting than you may think)
State Park: Harriman State Park
Access: Car Parking Lot off 7 Lakes Drive
Recommended Supplies: 2 x 1L bottles of water or sports drink (more during summer), a small snack, map, compass & first aid kit.
Other: Day Hike, Backpacking, Bird Watching
Safety Direction (if lost): East will take you back to 7 Lakes Drive

Icy climb

An hour north from the skyscrapers of New York City, join me as I backpack one of the best hiking loops in the United States overlooking the scenic Hudson Valley River near Cold Spring, NY.  The snowy rocky cliffs and steep ascents prove challenging but extremely rewarding during this winter time hike.  Travel with me as I guide you through the breakneck ridge bypass loop.  We’re greeted with many excellent views of the Hudson River Valley, Bannerman Castle and snow covered landscapes.

If your interested in a longer hike of Breakneck Ridge, be sure to check out my Breakneck Ridge and Wilkinson Memorial hike. To see a summertime hike, see Breakneck Ridge bypass loop

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 41º 26.59′N, 73º 58.68′W
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours at moderate pace with time for sightseeing and rests.
Season (video): Winter (Late Janruary)
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny
Trail (video): Breakneck bypass
Difficulty: Moderate
Views: Lower Hudson Valley, Westpoint, Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, Bannerman Castle
State Park: Hudson Highlands State Park
Access: Car Parking Lots and side of road are plentyful on Route 9D minutes north of Cold Spring and very close to trail head.  Metro North station stop extremely close but runs on restricted weekends/holiday schedule  only (Hudson Line).
Recommended Supplies: 3 x 750ml (20 OZ) bottles of water or sports drink (more during summer), a small snack, map, compass & first aid kit.
Other: Day Hike, Backpacking, Bird Watching
Common Wildlife Encounted: Birds, Large Black Snakes (infrequent)
Safety Direction (if lost): West take you towards the Hudson and Route 9D.

Directions

Breakneck Ridge Trail (White): The trailhead starts on the north side of the tunnel on Route 9D.  This trail is indicated with white markers/blazes.  You will start a steep rocky ascent but wherever there’s an area that requires some tricky climbing, there is a marked alternate path which you can take if you feel uncomfortable.  5-10 minutes into your climb, there will be a stone building to your left which has the inscription “City of New York Catskill water supply 1912″.  The stone building looks like an old fort and is abandoned. This first leg of the hike will test you but when you make it to the first plateaux the toughest part is behind you.  Continue on the white trail past the second and third plateaux.  After the third plateaux there will be a yellow trial on your left leading down.  Continue on the white trail which leads up a bit more until you get to the ridgeline.  While walking along the ridgeline, you will pass a pond (dries up in summer) and further on there is an unmarked path that leads off to the left (30 seconds off trail) and this affords another scenic overlook the Hudson River Valley.
Breakneck Bypass Trail (Red): Continuing on the white trail, you’ll soon encounter the red trail on your left.  This is well marked with tree red triangles on a large stone.  Turn left at here and continue on the red trail.  This starts your decent back down the mountain.  It’s mostly a dirt path but in many spots it’s relatively steep so be careful when the ground is wet or covered in leaves as it’s area where one can easily slip if moving to quickly.
Wilkinson Memorial Trail (Yellow): When you reach the end of the red trail, you’ll be met with the yellow trail.  Proceed left down the hill.  As you continue on the red trail you’ll cross a flowing stream.  After about 30 minutes on the red trail, you’ll end up back on route 9D a couple minutes North of where you originally started.  If you parked in the main dirt parking lot or at the trailhead, go left (south) to find your car.  If you took the metro north train, go right  (north) to return to the train station.

Hiking Tips for Breakneck Ridge

1. If hiking during late spring, summer or early fall, start your hike early in the day. The first section of the Breakneck Ridge is the most intense section of the hike. You’ll burn through a lot of energy & generate a lot of heat which can make it less pleasant if your doing this section during the heat of mid-day.

2. While hiking the first section you’ll encounter several trickier climbing areas. If you feel uncomfortable with any of these climbs, look for the alternate paths which is usually marked with an X and/or the word alternate. All alternate marked paths will lead you back to the main trail within a few minutes so you won’t miss out on the main trail.

3. Be sure to bring enough water and/or sport drinks especially during hot days. Consider brining water and add powdered electrolytes to ever other bottle of water you go through. Your great hike can quickly turn unpleasant if you run out of water on a hot day.

4. You can hike this in running shoes but some of the climbing area can be tricky if you cannot get a good grip. Good hiking boots will provide the desired traction as well as keep your feet getting sore as you get further into the hike.

5. Bringing some light snacks will help keep your hike spirited and enjoyable.

6. Bring a camera to capture some priceless shots & memories!

7. Hiking alone can be great, but traveling with a good friend is safer & often more fun.

8. Be sure to bring a well marked map and compass with you. Being unsure of where you going and if your lost is never a good feeling.

9. Car parking in a dirt parking lot and on the side of the street is plentiful but if your coming from New York City, consider the Breakneck Ridge Metro North Train (Weekend and Holiday only) stop on the Hudson line.

10. Don’t forget to sign in at the Trailhead log book!

Hope you enjoy these pictures of the Breakneck Ridge bypass Trail loop.

Breakneck Ridge Bypass Trail Loop Map

Indoor Camping

Natural disasters have been occurring with greater frequency for decades now.  Within the last ten years though, the pace seems to have speed up.  Far to often, many find themselves without the basic utilities that we’ve grown to depend on.  Heat, water and electricity are required for most in modern society just to stay alive.  Many no longer have the passive tools or dwellings designed to deal with these as these needs are supposed to be handled by our utilities and modern electronics… until we lose these utilities, what then?

When Hurricane Sandy came through, I had a small taste of what it’s like to not have access to utilities for a prolonged period of time.  Due to camping gear and some good planning, it’s effects were mitigated.  Have a peak at my time spent without modern conveniences.  Tip 1, to kill time, make a video

Sight seeing from atop Anthony's Nose

30 Minutes North of New York City, lies the quick but enjoyable hiking in and out trail known as Anthony’s Nose.  It offers similarly spectacular views to that of Breakneck Ridge and Mount Taurus;  In fact it offers a more sweeping view of the Hudson Valley and directly overlooks the scenic Bear Mountain bridge.  It offers a moderate and enjoyable hike to its peak.  A great hike for children, newer hikers or anyone looking for a spectacular view.

Location: South of Cold Spring, NY
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 41.32283 -73.97407
Duration: 90 minutes at moderate pace
Elevation gain: approx 700 ft.
Season (video): Summer
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Views: Hudson River, Hudson Valley, Bear Mountain Bridge, distant New York City Skyline (on clear days).
State Park: Hudson Highlands State Park
Access: Bear mountain-Beacon Hwy.  Park on the East side of the Bear Mountain Bridge.  Walk a few minutes North, trail will be clearly marked on your right hand side by large sign.
Recommended Supplies: Compass & bottle of water
Safety Direction (if lost): East
Trail Directions: From the road you start on the white trail (Appalachian Trail AT).  When you get near the top the white blased AT Trail will go left and the Blue Trail will go to the right.  Take the Blue Trail.  After another 10-15 minutes you’ll reach a T intersection.  Go right 1 minute and you’ll reach Anthony’s Nose.

Bermuda railway trail

The island of Bermuda is best known for its natural beaches, beautiful island vegetation, friendly and safe atmosphere, and of course the Bermuda Triangle.  A lesser known feature of the island is old Bermuda railway trail.  The railway way ran the entire length of the island and served as the islands sole means of mechanical transportation since cars were initially ban from the island.  Long ago they decided to allow motorized vehicles and dismantled the railway.  Fortunately for us, the path that the railway took was not developed but rather left as a 22 mile walking trail which spans the entire length of the island!  It passes many natural beaches, scenic areas, residences… well really everything there is to see since it runs the whole island.  A fantastic way to see Bermuda.  Want to know more?  See the video where we travel the first segment of the trail starting near Heritage and Kings Wharf.

While in Bermuda we also had a chance to explore the Crystal & Fantasy Caves.  They feature deep, clear underground pools of clear blue water. The cave  is filled with incredible natural formations of stalactites on the ceiling of chandelier clusters and delicate crystallized soda straws.  Stalagmites rise from the floor paired with stalactites.  They are uniquely beautiful and an adventure to discover, “Bermuda’s True Hidden Treasures”.

Road Sign

30 Minutes North of New York City, lies the quick but enjoyable hiking loop known as Turkey Hill near Yorktown, NY. While it does not have the dramatic views that Breakneck Ridge offers, it is also a much less challenging hike which makes it ideal for beginners, young children and those looking seeking a less intense physical experience while still enjoying the beauty of the nature and a moderate uphill climb.

Location: Near Yorktown, NY
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 41.246837, -73.791218
Duration: 40-60 minutes at moderate pace
Season (video): Spring
Weather Conditions (video): Cloudy
Difficulty: Starting on Blue Trail – Easy. Starting on White Trail – Moderately Easy.
Views: Hudson River, distant New York City Skyline (on clear days).
Access: Route 118 (Saw Mill River Road), 1 minute north of Route 118 & Route 129 intersection.
Recommended Supplies: Compass & bottle of water
Safety Direction (if lost): East but it’s a small park you’ll hit a road any direction you go.

Exposed Coral Shoreline

Located in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay has plenty to offer the wound be tourist.  Norwegian cruise line (NCL) operates this Island as a destination for some of it’s tropical cruises near the Caribbean.  Much of this island is currently undeveloped offering the opportunity to explore and do some fun tropical island hiking through the jungle.  While exploring the island, I’ve made a tropical island survival spoof video.  Enjoy!

Location: Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 25.824810, -77.910061
Duration: Freestyle, Up to you!
Length: Freestyle, Up to you!
Season (video): Winter
Weather Conditions (video): Cloudy
Trail (video): dirt paths or find an opening in the jungle & go!
State Park: NA
Trails taken: Dirt paths + bushwhacking
Difficulty: Easy on dirt paths, moderate through forest

Views: Natural beaches, Tropical & Jungle plants, Coral & Ocean

Access: You must take an NCL cruise that stops there
Recommended Supplies: Bottle of water
Safety Direction (if lost): Find the shore & follow it till you see a path

IFRAME Embed for Youtube

Grass Trail

Named after wildlife photographer Allan Cruickshank, the Cruickshank trail offers exception views of Florida’s marshland.  For birders, this is one of the premier bird observation locations in the entire country.  Countless migratory bird species inhabit this area all year round.  To add some excitement, the American Alligator & Bob cats can also been spotted in this area.  Hiking on the trail is safe as long as it’s done in daylight (park closes at night) and your attentive to your surroundings.

The trail winds around the marshland and is dotted with palm tress.  Located near Kennedy Space Center, NASA buildings can be seen from the trail and if you timing is perfect, you could even witness a rocket launch!  An observation platform and a photography blind are located near the parking lot for those who prefer not to venture to far in.

Location: Near Titusville Florida.
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 28.677406, -80.771554
Duration: 2-3 hours
Length: 5 mile loop
Season (video): Early winter
Weather Conditions (video): Sunny but cool Florida winter day
Trail (video): Alan Cruickshank Trail off of Blackpoint Wildlife Drive
State Park: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Trails taken: Alan Cruickshank
Difficulty: Easy

Views: Kennedy Space Center buildings, bald eagles, osprey, killdeer, pelicans, pintail, roseate spoonbills, great egret, wood storks, white Ibis, blue-winged Teal, bobcat, american alligators, marshland, salt marsh, mud flat, refuge impoundment

Access: Take interstate 95 towards Titusville.  Take 406 East Exit and continue over bridge (aka Max Brewer Memorial Parkway).  Take a left onto Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, and continue till Stop 9 (park besides bathrooms).  $5 vehicle entry fee
Recommended Supplies: Bottle of water & Mosquito repellant
Safety Direction (if lost): Follow the shoreline in either direction back to Blackpoint Drive

Day 2 video below. See Day 1 here.

Situated at the corner of 3 states this backpacking adventure takes us into MA, CT & NY all in one overnight adventure.  During our ascent of Mt. Frissell, we’ll cross the highest point in CT.  The Bear Mountain hike in CT has a plaque that states it’s the highest point but it was latter discovered that it is indeed here on Mt Frissell.  The week prior was filled with heavy rain so the trail was wet & there were many streams but the cool November air made for an excellent hiking climate.  A bridge was washed out crossing was more involved but not impossible.

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY on Route 9D
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 42.085898,-73.461695
Duration: 2 day overnight hiking and camping
Length: 15 mile loop
Season (video): Late Fall
Weather Conditions (video): Partly Cloudy
Trail (video): Alander Mountain loop
State Park: Mount Washington State Forest
Trails taken: Alander mtn. Trail, Ashley Hill Brook, Mt. Frissell Trail, South Taconic Trail, Alander mtn. trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Views: Alander Mountain, Brace Mountain, Mount Frissell

Access: Near South Egremont, MA.  Parking available at State Park HQ near the intersection of East & West Streets.  Near YMCA.
Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a full day hike or overnight (some resupply streams are available), snacks, Energy Bar, Meals, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Safety Direction (if lost): East

Day 2 video above. See Day 1 here.

Trail Map

Uphill climb

Situated at the corner of 3 states, this backpacking adventure takes us into MA, CT & NY all in one overnight adventure.  During our ascent of Mt. Frissell, we’ll cross the highest point in CT.  The Bear Mountain hike in CT has a plaque that states it’s the highest point but it was latter discovered that it is indeed here on Mt Frissell.  The week prior was filled with heavy rain so the trail was wet & there were many streams but the cool November air made for an excellent hiking climate.

Location: North of Cold Spring, NY on Route 9D
GPS Trail Head Coordinates: 42.085898,-73.461695
Duration: 2 day overnight hiking and camping
Length: 15 mile loop
Season (video): Late Fall
Weather Conditions (video): Partly Cloudy
Trail (video): Alander Mountain loop
State Park: Mount Washington State Forest
Trails taken: Alander mtn. Trail, Ashley Hill Brook, Mt. Frissell Trail, South Taconic Trail, Alander mtn. trail
Difficulty: Moderate

Views: Alander Mountain, Brace Mountain, Mount Frissell

Access: Near South Egremont, MA.  Parking available at State Park HQ near the intersection of East & West Streets.  Near YMCA.
Recommended Supplies: Enough water for a full day hike or overnight (some resupply streams are available), snacks, Energy Bar, Meals, map, Compass, First Aid Kit
Safety Direction (if lost): East

Day 1 video below. Click here for Day 2

Day 1 video above. Click here for Day 2

Trail Map