  This peak on the east side of the Hudson River sits atop a tunnel that was drilled out for Route 9D and Metro-North Railroad tracks. This mountain goes right to the river's edge, giving you the feeling of looking directly down on the river. It is on the opposite side of the river from another significant valley peak -- Storm King Mountain.
The Views: Spectacular. Rocky crags with no trees allow for
unfettered vistas up and down the valley. Hawks fly at eye level. So do planes
cruising down the valley. Here you can get a view of just how busy
the river can be with barge traffic, cruise boats and jet skis. The Hike: Taking the "white" trail from 9D, the trail goes straight up as you climb over rocks. You'll need all four appendages to grasp and pull yourself up the mountain. It takes about an hour to reach the first of several lookout plateaus. The hike down is tricky, given the vertical drop of this trail. Not recommended for children. Give yourself 60-90 minutes for the descent. History: Granite blasted from the sides of this mountain has been used to build the Brooklyn Bridge, West Point and the front steps of the capitol building in Albany. The scars to the mountain are clearly visible. Directions: Traveling northbound on Route 9D north of Cold Spring, pass through the tunnel that goes through Breakneck Ridge and immediately pull off on the side of the road. The trail entrance is on the "river side" of Route 9D, right next to the tunnel entrance. It is marked by three white diamond-shaped reflectors nailed to a tree.
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