Cold Spring (New York)
A scenic train ride along the Hudson River from NYC’s Grand Central Terminal, Cold Spring is where I first began to truly appreciate nature.
Here there are hikes of all distances and difficulties and a quaint town with shops and restaurants. The surrounding area has many wonderful things to do as well. This region, like so many others in New York, is a place for all seasons and all ages. A place to escape the city and spend time with friends and family in the fresh air.
Great Experiences Near Cold Spring (Boscobel Gardens, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Culinary Institute, Storm King Art Center)
Getting There
Traveling By Train (MetroNorth)
The MetroNorth from Grand Central is a scenic and peaceful train ride along the edge of the Hudson River that takes 90 minutes to reach Cold Spring Station. The left side of the train when facing front has the best views. Two train stops provide trail access for hikers:
Cold Spring Station: Operates on a frequent schedule in both directions 7 days a week and provides the best access (within 1 mile walk) to the Washburn/Cornish and Nelsonville trailheads. Cold Spring Station is indicated on the map further down this page as a circled “T” along the river in the bottom right quadrant.
Breakneck Ridge Station: On weekends and holidays throughout most of the year, northbound trains stop at Breakneck Ridge (a few minutes after Cold Spring Station) in the morning and southbound trains throughout the afternoon and evening. Only a couple of doors open onto a tiny platform so pay attention to the conductor. This station provides the best access (within 0.5 mile walk) to the Wilkinson Memorial and Breakneck Ridge trailheads. Breakneck Ridge Station is indicated on the map further down this page as a circled “T” along the river in the top left quadrant.
Traveling By Car
Cold Spring is 60 miles / 90 minutes north of New York City. The Washburn Trailhead has a parking lot and further north along the road (Route 9D) towards Breakneck Ridge / Wilkinson Memorial Trailheads there is a mix of parking areas and parallel roadside parking. There is street parking in the town of Cold Spring and once you have explored the main hiking areas, a future visit could entail visiting the parking lot near the intersection of Secor & Pearl St in Nelsonville less than a mile up Main Street/Route 301 where you can set out on hikes from the Undercliff Trailhead. Parking areas are indicated on the map further down this page as a circled “P”.
If hiking with a group that has multiple cars, two cars create more flexibility because you can “shuttle” / park the first car at one trailhead (the end of your hike) and pile into the second car to park at another trailhead (the start of your hike).
Hikes
Cold Spring’s trail network offers something for everyone with seemingly endless possible connections. Below this map are the highlights of key trailheads and sample itineraries. The map displays trail names and the colors of their trail markers (Y = Yellow, W = White, etc). Once you decide on a route, it helps to start thinking in colors because those are what you will need to pay attention to on the trees while hiking.
Washburn/Cornish Trailhead
The Washburn/CornishTrailhead has its own parking lot and is also a peaceful 1 mile walk (one-way) from Cold Spring Station via Fair Street. Here are some great suggestions from this trailhead. Routes lacking an easily discoverable AllTrails link include a highlighted route from the NY/NJ Trail Conference Trail Map 102 instead, which is a great map to own!
The Cornish Trail (1.8 miles roundtrip, 190ft elevation gain, AllTrails) offers interesting stone and metal ruins from the abandoned early 1900’s Cornish Estate including an old mansion. It is a mostly wide trail about 0.9 miles one-way with minimal incline and perfect for families and dogs. You can hike this trail on its own (following the AllTrails route) for a relaxing roundtrip stroll or connect to it from the broader trail network as part of a longer loop or through hike from another location. The trail markers are blue.
Quarry Overlook (1.2 miles)
The Quarry Overlook (1.2 miles round trip, 430ft elevation gain) has been a sanctuary for me over the years. After 5-8 minutes of hiking up the Washburn Trail, the path opens up into an old quarry, a peaceful tree-lined outcropping of rock that you can step off from the trail to explore. The trail turns right and heads up an incline along the edge of the quarry and within another 5-8 minutes (0.6 miles or so from the start) you find yourself surprisingly elevated above both the quarry and the Hudson River. If you walk to the edge of the cliff overlooking the quarry there are large stone slabs that provide a beautiful place to have a bite to eat and look for boats in the Hudson River and hawks overhead. There may be signs that say “Danger Steep Cliffs” or other fencing. Be careful, respectful, and smart. The trail markers are white.
After enjoying the view, you can (i) return the way you came for a 1.2 mile roundtrip, (ii) continue further up Washburn before returning, or (iii) extend your hike into one of these two (of many) adventures:
Washburn to Cornish (4.3 miles)
The Washburn to Cornish Loop (4.3 miles, 1050ft elevation gain) goes counterclockwise from Washburn (White) along Undercliff (Yellow) briefly to Brook (Red) and then Cornish (Blue) returning to the same trailhead from which you began. I love this hike. It is great for friends, families, and new hikers because you are able to spend as long as you wish exploring the quarry and the Cornish ruins while still getting some good exercise. It’s not too long or complicated to make someone tired or lost, but a great introduction to paying attention to trail markers and covering some distance. Go in the morning and then enjoy the town of Cold Spring in the afternoon before heading home.
Washburn to Nelsonville (2.75 miles)
Washburn to Nelsonville (2.75 miles one-way, 1000ft elevation gain) is a through-hike from the Washburn trailhead back to the town of Cold Spring that serves as a nice variation once you have already explored other trails and are looking for something different. It is best for those with two cars allowing for a “shuttle”, train travelers, or avid walkers with one car. Take Washburn (White) and circle clockwise around Undercliff (Yellow) until that trail ends from which point it’s an additional 1 mile walk west through town (on Main Street/Route 301) back to the Hudson River, Cold Spring Station, and the majority of shops and restaurants. If you park your car in the town of Cold Spring (or arrive via train at Cold Spring Station), you will need to walk 1 mile north to the Washburn trailhead to start your hike and 1 mile from Nelsonville upon concluding the hike for a total of 4.75 miles including the actual hike.
Breakneck Ridge Trailhead
The famous (infamous?) Breakneck Ridge Trailhead features a steep rock scramble requiring an ascent of approximately 500ft in the first 0.25 mile and is best visited in the earliest of weekend morning hours or on weekdays to avoid feeling like the city has in fact followed you to your peaceful reprieve. The view of the Hudson River at the top is spectacular, and as long as you take your time, both you and many people (and dogs) will succeed in seeing it. The trailhead is a 0.50 mile walk along the road/Route 9D from Breakneck Ridge Station. There are also parking areas and parallel roadside parking within this distance from the trailhead. Below are some hiking recommendations in order of increasing distance and difficulty. They are all very fun.
Breakneck to Wilkinson:
Via Breakneck Bypass: The simplest route (3.2 mile loop, 1250ft elevation gain AllTrails) is a counterclockwise loop from Breakneck Ridge (White) to Breakneck Bypass (Red) and the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (Yellow). This route is ideal if you have a car parked near Breakneck or the train is running at Breakneck Ridge Station (most weekends and holidays). Just make sure to properly time your return to the road/Route 9D with the train’s departure schedule. Allotting 3-4 hours for the hike should be more than enough time.
Breakneck to Cascade Brook / Wilkinson Memorial (5.75 miles)
Via Cascade Brook: One of my favorite hikes at Cold Spring is the larger counterclockwise loop (5.75 mile loop, 1600ft elevation gain) hiking beyond the Breakneck Bypass and remaining on the Breakneck Ridge/Notch (Blue/White) trail until you eventually close the loop onto the Wilkinson Memorial Trail (Yellow). This is one of the most peaceful trails in Cold Spring because very few people ever hike here. You find yourself deep into the forest surrounded in tranquility. There is a beautiful stream called Cascade Brook which you will find yourself wandering along (or in) in the latter half of the hike. A final reward is Sugarloaf Mountain, which was last recovering from a fire as of the time of this writing but is a peaceful overlook of the Hudson.
Breakneck to Washburn:
For those (i) with two cars (park first car at Washburn trailhead or in town of Cold Spring) or (ii) arriving by train (arrive at Breakneck Ridge Station and depart from Cold Spring Station), here are three variations of hikes originating at the Breakneck Ridge trailhead and ending at the Washburn trailhead:
Breakneck to Cornish Short Version (2.8 miles, 780ft elevation gain) is a great combination. Begin with the challenging scramble up Breakneck Ridge (White) and take in the beautiful views then cut over to Undercliff (Yellow) to Brook (Red) to Cornish (Blue) to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the ruins.
Breakneck to Washburn Short Version (3.9 miles, 1410ft elevation gain) is better for those looking for a workout. Take Breakneck Ridge (White) to Undercliff (Yellow) to Washburn (White) and perhaps have lunch at the Quarry Overlook towards the end.
Breakneck to Washburn Long Version (5.25 miles, 1625ft elevation gain) extends the mileage traveling further up Breakneck into an area less trafficked before linking up with the route above. Take Breakneck Ridge (White) to Notch (Blue) to Undercliff (Yellow) to Washburn (White).
Long Day Hikes & Overnights
Breakneck to Nelsonville via Bull Hill (5.75 miles)
Breakneck to Nelsonville via Bull Hill (5.75 miles, 1820ft elevation gain) is a longer hike covering a wide range of the trail network with steady climbs throughout. You certainly feel off the beaten path and there are many scenic viewpoints including Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus). Take Breakneck Ridge (White) to Notch (Blue) to Washburn (White) to Undercliff (Yellow). This trail is most favorable to train travelers (arrive at the Breakneck Ridge Station and depart from Cold Spring Station) and those with two cars (park first car at Nelsonville parking lot). The walk from Nelsonville/Undercliff trailhead to Cold Spring Station and most restaurants and shops is about a mile so train travelers will cover a total distance of about 7.25 miles (0.50 mile from Breakneck Station to start of trail + 5.75 mile hike + 1.0 mile from Nelsonville to Cold Spring Station)
Fire Tower Day Hike: Wilkinson/Breakneck to South Beacon Mountain (9 miles roundtrip, 2830ft elevation gain, All Trails) For an all-day adventure, you can expand the “Breakneck to Wilkinson via Cascade Brook” trail by hiking further north towards Beacon to South Beacon Mountain where there is a fire tower you can climb with panoramic views. In clear skies you will see the New York City skyline.
This hike requires advanced planning. Know the route in advance and bring ample food and water. Make sure to bring a headlamp in case you get lost or return after dark. The hike can take 6-10 hours depending on your pace. It is best to have a car parked on Route 9D. If you take the train, plan on taking the first one of the day to give yourself enough time.
For navigation, I recommend purchasing the NY/NJ Trail Conference Trail Map 102, the full version of the map I have been highlighting sections of for hikes throughout this post. You could also look at this Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve Map which covers the same area although lacks the level of detail in the NY/NJ Trail Conference version. The All Trails link above starts at Breakneck Ridge (White) to Breakneck Ridge / Notch (Blue-White) to Breakneck (White) to Fire Tower (!) to Casino (Red) to Wilkinson (Yellow) to Wilkinson/Notch (Yellow-Blue) to Wilkinson (Yellow). Remember that part about knowing the route? For a less steep variation of this hike, start at the Wilkinson Memorial trailhead skipping the Breakneck Ridge ascent. The two trails intersect after the first 3 miles: From Wilkinson (Yellow) turn right onto Notch (Blue) and left onto Breakneck (White) to Fire Tower, etc.
Malouf’s Mountain Overnight Backpacking Trip (8-9 miles, 2500-2800ft elevation gain one-way) For an overnight backpacking adventure, take a similar route as described for the fire tower (via Wilkinson start) but keep going north finishing at Malouf's Mountain Sunset Campground in Beacon Hills where you can set up your tent and spend a day or two before hiking a shorter distance to the train station in the town of Beacon or back to Cold Spring.
Malouf’s Mountain offers everything from primitive camping to tarped platform sites. It has a nice clean bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. You can carry all of your own food in and out (we did this), or for a more relaxing experience order your food in advance and Malouf’s Mountain will have it waiting for you when you arrive. The tarped platform sites even include an extensive repertoire of cooking supplies.
So think about this: Pack a backpack with clothes, tent, sleeping bag, snacks, and water. Reserve a tarped platform site and order food from Malouf’s Mountain in advance. Take the train to Breakneck Ridge Station in the morning and hike 8-9 miles to the campsite (or take it to Cold Spring Station and start from Washburn/Cornish for another 1-2 miles). Enjoy yourself at the campsite with everything supplied. (How rare is it to not have to carry your food and cooking supplies?) Since you took the train, you can decide whether you prefer to hike 5-6 miles to Beacon Station or 9-10 miles to Cold Spring Station to return home.
Below are the notes I took planning for our hike. We did a 48 hour trip with primitive camping for one night and brought our own food. It was a great experience but I wish we had more time to enjoy the campsite. The bathhouse at Malouf’s had a great sign on the wall:
Best Eats in Cold Spring
There is nothing more rewarding after a long hike than stopping at these places for a bite:
Doug’s Pretty Good Pub - This is a fantastic bar with fantastic phrases and jokes decorating the menu and walls, and a fantastic owner named Doug. The burgers are pretty good. Just kidding they are fantastic and they are served on an English muffin. What are we talking about?
Moo Moo’s Creamery - Ice cream after a hike and (if you’re doing things correctly) a burger. Life is complete.
General Store - If you are looking to have a small impromptu picnic (apples, cheese, meat) at the Quarry Overlook or just looking to treat yourself with something unique, the General Store’s pantry has some higher quality items to choose from.
Great Experiences Near Cold Spring
Here are fun activities in the surrounding area:
Boscobel Gardens (4 minutes from Cold Spring) offers an Historic House Museum containing one of the finest collections of decorative arts from the Federal period as well as 68 acres of gardens and woodland trails. Boscobel directly overlooks Constitution Marsh toward the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, showcasing dramatic views of the Hudson River.
In the summer, Boscobel Gardens hosts the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, a memorable experience for friends and family. Bring a picnic and blanket to enjoy the gardens overlooking the Hudson before the show and then enjoy an excellent cast perform Shakespeare (often with a modern twist) on an outdoor stage with a dramatic backdrop generally timed through the golden hour and into and beyond sunset.
Culinary Institute of America (15 minutes north of Cold Spring) Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants of the Culinary Institute of America. Reserve in advance.
Storm King Art Center (30 minutes west of Cold Spring) is a 500-acre outdoor museum where visitors experience large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under open sky. You can walk several miles enjoying the sculptures and there is tasty food at the Outdoor Cafe. Storm King is open year round, rain or shine, with seasonal hours.
