Has anyone climbed break neck mountain? I think I want to climb it when it is glazed with ice.

Only the hiking trail is legal for "climbing" as the PIPC is in charge.

parts of the hiking trail can get glazed with ice, though crampons aren't really necessary. a fun hike in the winter -- and there won't be any crowds

What is the PIPC?

Some friends of mine (non-climers) hiked break neck and described it as a friction climb from bottom to top. Would you consider this accurate? Do either of you know of any websites with maps of the mountain?

pipc stands for the pallisades interstate park commision, which administers hudson highlands state park (where breakneck ridge is) -- unfortunately they don't allow technical rock climbing, except at peter's kill. i wouldn't really call it a friction climb from bottom to top -- it's really a class 2 hike with some class 3 options. in the winter, there are some parts that can get icy -- but if you're very careful you won't break your neck. the best map is by the ny / nj trail conference. here's an 1892 topo map of breakneck ridge. it's a really fun hike with outstanding views.

Quote:

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break your neck

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at a place called break neck ridge? come on...

yea i know i'm a really funny guy ...

It is the only place I know of with a dedicated train stop just for the hiking. Watched a pair of Peregrines working for a meal off the cliff side one day, and the guano at thier favorite perch is usually very eveident. The views of the Hudson and West Point area opposite are really quite spectacular. You can do a number of hikes into the Highlands from the top of the ridge.

current conditions on breakneck