U.S.A. Scary sounding places: Breakneck Ridge

The area known as upstate New York (to differentiate it from New York City) is extraordinarily beautiful. We had a chance to explore this region bit by bit every week we could and we loved every minute of it.

The eastern side of North America has been an eventful place in the last few centuries. But let's go back a bit longer than that. The whole of the eastern side is a mountain range that is known as the Appalachians. Millions of years ago it was likely much taller, similar to the Rockies. But over time they weathered down to be a series of lower mountains - still spectacular, but perhaps a bit easier to climb.

One place not far from where we were is a small town called Rosendale. Likely it was founded by Jacob Rutsen, son of Dutch immigrants. Incidentally, there were several Dutch colonies - the whole of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware were Dutch, but later on were captured by the British.

In 1825 dolomite was discovered and large scale mining began to produce cement. In 1872 a railway line was built with a spectacular bridge, the Rosendale Trestle, that crossed over the Rondout creek you see in the picture above. When it was built it was the highest span bridge in the U.S.

Eventually it was closed to train traffic, but eventually opened up again as part of the Wallkill River Valley Trail. Which I think is rather lovely. Now you can walk across and enjoy the rather spectacular scenery. There is even a parking lot which happens to have a rather interesting history. The lot was formerly a series of kilns for making cement. In 1899 there were a series of collapses in the caves inside the mountain. There was considerable consternation since 150 men were employed in the mines, but it turns out they were all outside enjoying their lunch break when the collapse happened and thus were saved.

Now the area next to it has been turned into a rather lovely park. I love the variety of greens in creation.

Another great hike only 30 minutes drive from Wallkill is the ominously named Breakneck ridge. After our old friend Joey showed us this spot, we returned a few times and enjoyed it each time.

It's a pretty strenuous hike (there is a big sign warning that 'this is not a walk in the park') straight up a near vertical rocky slope. The crazy slog to the top is rewarded with ever more expansive vistas over the Hudson. We took a quick break at this point, but there were even higher peaks to hike to.

This was in early spring so it was still a bit chilly and most of the trees were still leafless.

You might remember our friends Narit and Karina from Thailand. Later on in the summer we met up with them again and took them for a 'mild hike'. At least that's what I told them. They had these nice happy smiles just before we hit the sign warning that anyone with any kind of health problem should definitely not pass beyond this point.

They both love photography, so we always end up spending half our time doing impromptu photo shoots.

Its important to look at little details, not just the sweeping vistas!

On the way down, there is an old abandoned mansion that provides lots of interesting arches and photo opportunities. It was built in the 1910s, but has lots of it still standing.

One final thing to mention is the Wallkill rail trail. This was a former railroad which has been converted into a hiking/biking trail. It goes on for almost 40kms through lovely forest, scenic bridges (including the Rosendale Trestle that we mentioned at the start), over rivers and around lakes. We did as many sections of it as we could, and every bit was worth it.

It crosses the cute little town of New Platz that had this small but absolutely packed bookstore. I asked this gentleman if he minded being in the picture (he didn't) and it led to a one hour conversation on various different topics including why God permits wickedness. Never be shy to talk to random strangers, you never know where the conversation may lead!