Earlier in the week, I lamented to Greg that I felt like I’d missed out on autumn. We only had a few perfectly-cool days in the city, and our trip to Vermont was a little early in the season, so I felt like I’d missed the crisp, colorful fall days that I love so much.

Always my hero, he immediately planed a weekend hiking trip (I’m just ignoring the fact that Greg loves hiking and assuming the trip was all about pleasing me). We boarded the Metro North train with one destination in mind: Breakneck Ridge.

As we sped along the tracks, the Hudson River flowed past us with gorgeous trees in vibrant fall colors on the opposite shore. It was STUNNING and I can’t believe some commuters get to look at this autumn splendor every day.

We exited the train at Breakneck Ridge Station and found ourselves right smack in the middle of fall. It was perfect, and everything I had been missing!

We headed to the trail and began our adventure.

See, it was a true autumn wonderland!

But not before long, I began to understand why it’s called Breakneck Ridge. No, I didn’t break my neck (luckily!) but I did realize that when Greg said it was “steep,” what he really meant was we’d be climbing straight up a sheer cliff. I’m talking deliberately moving forward on all fours, making sure we didn’t fall backwards. It was less of a “hike” and more of a rock climbing expedition!

And this is how it continued, for as far as the eye could see.

We continued onwards, me doing my best to enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves while not falling down a mountain.

And Greg just enjoying every minute.

We finally reached the first lookout point and it was breathtaking. It almost made me forget the difficult climb. Almost.

But then we had to continue onwards, because according to Greg the views are best from the very top.

After deciding I was never going hiking again, we finally made it to the top. And yes, Greg was right, it is beautiful.

We sat down to fully take in the views.

And then since the sun was beginning to get closer to the horizon, it was time to head back.

Luckily we did not need to scramble back down the way we came! Instead, there’s a back way that’s much easier. The trail just kind of meanders down, and I loved it because I got to really enjoy fall without the fear of falling (see what I did there?).

The autumn reds, yellows and oranges were at their finest.

And we stumbled upon some other bright colors too!

We continued on to Cold Spring’s cute little village in search of the burgers our friend had recommended.

And we finally reached it, leaving the splendid fall colors behind.

It was a perfect autumn day…

Minus the hiking!

~A

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