Little Stony Point - Cold Spring, NY
Little Stony Point: Dog-Friendly Hiking & Nature Walks in Cold Spring, NY
Little Stony Point is a scenic dog-friendly park in Cold Spring, New York, renowned for its stunning views of the Hudson River, easy to moderate trails, and pet-friendly atmosphere. If you love exploring with your four-legged friend, you’ll enjoy the well-maintained trails, peaceful mountain vistas, and unique riverfront environment. Many locals and visitors alike mention friendly dog walkers, and the casual, welcoming vibe makes it a favorite spot for both dogs and their owners looking for a relaxing adventure.
This Cold Spring dog park alternative is perfect for pet owners seeking short loops, easy elevation, and access to water features. Visitors often enjoy walking along driftwood beaches, taking in panoramic overlooks, or hiking one of the multiple trails that begin at this gateway to the Hudson Highlands. Parking is available but can fill up quickly on weekends, and the park is easily accessible from the nearby Metro North station. Note that Little Stony Point is not a traditional fenced-in dog park, but a natural area where leashed dogs are welcome to hike, swim, and play.
Frequently Asked Questions about Little Stony Point
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must be leashed while visiting the park.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, Little Stony Point does not have a fenced dog area; it is an open natural park with hiking trails and river access.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are several pet-friendly hiking trails of varying difficulty that start at Little Stony Point.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, dogs can access riverfront beaches and swim areas along the Hudson.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a parking lot at the entrance, though it can fill quickly on weekends; roadside parking is sometimes necessary.
- Is public transportation available to the park? Yes, Little Stony Point is within walking distance from the Metro North train station in Cold Spring.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open year-round but closes at sunset.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trail areas may become muddy after rain, so plan accordingly.
- Are there pet-friendly cafes or stores close to the park? Yes, Cold Spring’s Main Street is nearby, with various pet-friendly cafés and shops.
- Are there other dog parks or trails nearby? Yes, the Cold Spring area features additional hiking trails and natural parks accessible by car or bike.
Reviews
This is the place for photos! The trail leads to an opening where you can see Bannermans Castle from afar 🙂
There’s a big cave and a teepee hut 🧡 We came for wedding photos.. driftwood beaches at every turn 😍 It closes at sunset though!
This is one of my favorite places I like to visit at least four times in the summer. Quiet and beautiful, I love to chill in the mountains and in the water.
what an amazing walk! you really get to have time to think and enjoy nature. went on a monday, not as busy. spent time at the top for about 20 minutes without anyone showing up. will be coming back to do the harder trails.
I recently hiked at Little Stony Point, and it was an incredible experience! The scenic trails offered breathtaking views of the Hudson River, making every step worthwhile. The paths were well-maintained, suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
One of the highlights was the stunning overlook, where I took a moment to soak in the natural beauty. The peaceful atmosphere was perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing walk, Little Stony Point is a fantastic destination. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a bit of adventure and stunning views!
If you are in the same mood as we were – just want an easy hike with great views, Little Stony Point is for you. Multiple trails begin at this point, so the parking lot is always pretty full. We ended up parking on the side of the road. There are clear sign boards that lead you up the path (but we sometimes used google maps as well). The climb is a tad steep but nothing too difficult and in less than 10 minutes we were at the topmost point. The views of the Hudson River were gorgeous, we couldn’t get enough of it. Once we got back to the starting point we followed another loop trail and that was pretty fun too! It was short and took us about 20 minutes to complete the trail. This one had no steep climbs.