Letters to the Editor in June 2015

Read our letters to the editor for June 2015, including our Where in the Hudson Valley “Flag It Down” contest answer

Where in the Valley…?

We asked our fearless readers to identify this challenging (some say death-defying) hiking route nestled between Cold Spring and Beacon. Many of you guessed Anthony’s Nose, located near Cortlandt Manor. Although that summit of that Bear Mountain State Park trail also has an iconic flagpole, the one featured in our May issue is actually at Breakneck Ridge. This strenuous trail, reaching approximately 1,260 feet above sea level, contains striking views of the Hudson River and several other Valley landmarks, including Storm King Mountain. Some say that only experienced hikers should attempt to scale Breakneck, but kudos to many of our amazing readers who have braved the rocky climb to make it to the top! And a high five to Tricia Devine of Pine Plains for being the first to correctly identify this trail. Click here to guess the location of a larger-than-life statue.

I hike this rock scramble often, with friends, family, even alone. It’s one of the best in the Hudson Valley.
Eric Dayton
Newburgh

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My girlfriend almost killed me when she read that it’s “suggested for experienced hikers.” You see, soon after our first date I invited her to hike with me, not mentioning that it might be a bit more difficult. The hike was challenging and we were able to guide an unprepared hiking couple down the mountain.
Shawn Gale
Newburgh

It’s been a navigational landmark on the Hudson for years and years, and I thank the individual(s) for their memorial to missing, but not forgotten, companions. May they all come home one day.
Dana Stewart
Beacon

Don’t take your dog on it. Too hard on their hips.
Robert Maddock
Beacon

I haven’t hiked in a while and I decided to take on this hike. Boy was I wrong to start out here. It has been one of the most challenging hikes I have ever done but comes with a very nice reward at the top. And when I get back in shape I want to do it again.
Scott Ricci
New Windsor

I love to hike Breakneck in the fall! The views are beautiful.
Alexa Mortiz
Goshen

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One of my favorite hikes. It just gets better from there!
Cara Meling
Cornwall

I enjoy hiking this trail. It helps take your mind off things. There are beautiful views at every ridge. Just watch out for very large Black Rat Snakes on the trail.
Tom O’Brien
Newburgh

Did it once, it was scary. Luckily there is a long, but easy, way down so you don’t have to go back the way you came up.
Natalie Wilkinson
Newburgh

Did the hike with my husband last Mother’s Day. Not an easy hike but the views are completely worth it!
Yunice Heath
Beacon

My first trek to the top was with some friends in high school and our history teacher, Mr. Fast, sometime in the late ’80s. I remember feeling accomplished when we made it to the top. We did, however, take the easy back route down. It was a hard hike up but we worked together and made it up as a group. Thank you Mr. Fast for that group trip!
Kimberly Antalek
Beacon

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breakneck ridge
Photograph by Bevin Supina

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