Breakneck Pond AMC Loop

Harriman State Park,
Rockland Co.,
New York

Hiking Trails:
Pond Loop Trail: Green blaze
Cranberry Mountain Trail: Unblazed
Pine Meadow Road: Unblazed

Total Time: 2:00 hour
Estimated Distance: 4.1 Miles

Pros: Scenic lake and trail
Cons: No views or scenic vistas

Hiking Partner:
Shimmy Rosenberg

The previous week I had hiked around Conklin Mountain, and passed near Breakneck Pond. I wanted to explore the area some more, and take the Cranberry Mountain Trail and connector trail from the AMC Harriman Center. We parked in the parking area at the AMC Harriman Center, and walked to the beginning of the new Pond Loop Trail that goes around the lake, starting at the section on the northern part of the lake. 

We took the trail briefly until the unmarked trail that connects to the Cranberry Mountain Trail. On top of Cranberry Mountain at the top of the hill there are some large water tanks, which apparently supply water to the AMC camping area. We then went down to the Cranberry Mountain, taking that trail to where it ends at Pine Meadow Trail. Both the Cranberry Mountain Trail and Pine Meadow Road are very wide trails.

We took Pine Meadow Road until an unmarked trail which comes out from Pine Meadow Road right past Cranberry Mountain. The trail goes along the ridge of Cranberry Mountain, then goes down and meets up with the Pond Loop Trail. We then took the Pond Loop Trail around the lake, going around the longer route along the southern part of the trail. We then continued back to the AMC Camp and back to our car.

Map of the Route

AMC Pond Loop Trail at the Breakneck Pond Outlet

Small Beach and Boat Launch at Breakneck Pond

Me on a Rock in Breakneck Pond at the Beach

Breakneck Pond by the Outlet

Signage on the AMC Pond Loop Trail

Breakneck Pond, Looking towards the AMC Camp

Rock Peninsula in Breakneck Pond

Water Storage Tanks Atop Conklin Mountain near Breakneck Pond

Shimmy Walking on the Cranberry Mountain Trail

Shimmy on the Unmarked Trail on Cranberry Mountain

Tents along the Rocky Flats Tent Sites Area

Signage at the Rocky Flats Tent Sites

Beaver Damage on the Trees along the AMC Pond Loop Trail 

Breakneck Pond from the Western Side

End of the AMC Pond Loop Trail at the AMC Camp