Kidz Guides Rating: 3/4 Z’s

So Many Stairs! Hiking Nimham Trail at Breakneck Ridge 🥾🐶⛰️

By: Two Trail-Tested Kids and One Mountain-Climbing Pup

We made the trip up to Breakneck Ridge ready to tackle the Wilkinson Trail, but when we got there… surprise! The trail was closed for restoration. After an hour in the car, there was no way we were turning back — so Mom and Dad found another way up: the Nimham Trail.

Let’s just say… if you like stairs, this one’s for you!

The Nimham Trail = Nature’s Stairmaster 🪜⛰️

While Wilkinson is all about rock scrambling and climbing, Nimham is basically a never-ending staircase carved into the side of the mountain. And we don’t mean smooth, even stairs — we’re talking steep, winding, rocky steps that go on forever. (Okay, not *forever*, but it definitely felt like it!)

But honestly? It was still really fun. We counted steps, took turns leading, and laughed every time we thought we reached the top… only to see more stairs waiting.

Nacho Joins the Climb 🐾

One thing that made the hike even better? Our dog Nacho came with us! He was pumped from the first step and loved meeting other dogs and hikers along the trail. The Nimham Trail is dog-friendly, so it was awesome to bring him along for the climb (though he handled the stairs better than we did!).

We made sure to pack plenty of water and snacks for all of us — including treats for Nacho, who definitely earned them.

Same Epic View, Different Trail

The best part? Even though we took a different route, we ended up at the same viewpoint as the Wilkinson Trail — and it’s still just as amazing. You get a panoramic view of the Hudson River and West Point, and it’s totally worth the climb.

We snapped a few pics (including one of Nacho looking very proud), and then… it was time to go back down. Yep, all those stairs in reverse. Our legs were noodles by the end, but it was SO worth it.

Final Thoughts: A New Favorite Hike (with a Lot of Steps)

Even though Wilkinson was closed, Nimham Trail gave us a brand new adventure — and a serious leg workout! With easy-to-follow trail markers, a pup-approved path, and the same epic view at the top, it’s a great alternate route for families and dog-lovers</strong.

Bring your water, your sneakers, and maybe a few jokes about stairs — you’re gonna need them!

Looking for more hiking adventures? Check out our dog-friendly walk through Palisades Interstate Park or our sand dune adventure at Silver Lake with Nacho!