NYS Parks limits parking for Breakneck Ridge amidst COVID-19

March 30, 2020
2:54 pm

COLD SPRING – The New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation office has taken additional measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 at Hudson Highlands State Park.

To reduce density and encourage social distancing at Hudson Highlands State Park/Breakneck Ridge, the following park restrictions are in place indefinitely due to COVID-19:

Aerial view of the now closed MNR parking near the trailhead.

The Scenic Hudson parking lot and trailhead at Mount Beacon is closed.
The Metro-North parking area near Breakneck is closed; parallel parking along its edge is available.
Parking spaces along Route 9D in Fishkill (north of the tunnel to Breakneck lot) will be reduced and all parking will be converted to parallel parking in order to reduce density.
The Chalet parking lot is closed.
Parking spaces along Route 9D South of Breakneck will be reduced.
The Washburn Lot will remain open.
Philipstown’s Fair Street and Fishkill Road will be closed to parking.
Parking spaces along Route 9D in the area of Anthony’s Nose in the vicinity of the Appalachian Trail as well as the Goat Trail will be reduced.
Additional parking restrictions may be implemented to reduce density if conditions warrant.
Recently installed barriers to limit parking near trailhead.

NYS Parks has issued a statement saying “State Parks encourages New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bike, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with your immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety while practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State Park facilities may be closed to prevent community spread of COVID-19, parks, grounds forests and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.”

Additionally, all State Park playgrounds, athletic courts, and sports fields are closed. Visitors are asked to choose parks that are close to your home and follow CDC/NYSDOH’s guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19.