Washburn Trail - Cold Spring, NY
Washburn Trail in Cold Spring, NY, offers a fantastic dog park experience combined with scenic hiking opportunities perfect for pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts. This dog-friendly hiking destination features well-maintained pet-friendly trails that welcome dogs on leash, making it an ideal spot for families and dog lovers looking to enjoy nature together. The trail includes a challenging uphill climb with rewarding views, including a peak where you can see the NYC skyline, providing a unique blend of exercise and breathtaking scenery.
Located conveniently near Cold Spring and accessible by train, Washburn Trail is a perfect day trip for those seeking a quick escape from the city. The park is kid-friendly and offers onsite services, including restrooms and small shops near the train station for snacks and supplies. Whether you’re looking for a moderate to difficult hike or a leisurely walk with your dog, this dog park in Cold Spring, NY, stands out for its variety of trails, beautiful views, and welcoming atmosphere for pets and their owners alike.
FAQ for Washburn Trail in Cold Spring New York:
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is kid-friendly and good for kids, offering kid-friendly hikes.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features hiking trails including the Washburn Trail and loops like the Short Loop and Full Loop.
- Is public transportation available to the park? Yes, the park is accessible by train and is near a train station.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Restrooms are available near the train station and a portable toilet is located near the trail.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Small water bottles are sold at the start of the trail, but no specific water fountains or bowls for dogs are mentioned.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The trails are well maintained and clean.
- Where is the best place to park? There is parking available near the trail, but spaces can fill up quickly.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is known for beautiful year-round scenery, implying it is open year-round.
Reviews
Along the Bear Mountain-Beacon Highway lies several state parks and mountains, one of which is Bull Hill. The difficulty of this hiking trail is moderate to difficult, depending on which path you take: Short Loop or Full Loop. Regardless of whichever path you choose, you will be starting at the Washburn Trail.The Washburn Trail begins quite sharply, making hikers climb 1000+ feet in elevation within the first 2 miles! I highly advise you to take many breaks, wear shorts, and bring an extra shirt! The first portion is a winding, uphill climb. Afterwards, you will begin climbing up stairs of rock. Eventually, you will reach the crossroad where you can choose between the Short Loop or Full Loop. If you choose the Full Loop, you will keep going straight, hiking the remaining 1.8 miles of Washburn Trail. This will lead you to the peak of Bull Hill, where you can see the NYC skyline in the distance!While this path does go 300 feet, it is also said to be easier than the Short Loop. I only did the Short Loop, not the Full Loop, so I cannot say which is easier. I can only state what others have mentioned. Nonetheless, stay hydrated and have fun hiking!
Easy road with beautiful views.Also, they sell small water bottles for NULL at the start of the trail. The map is free. Remember that the full loop takes more than 4 hours if you walk normally.
A perfect hiking trail if you’re looking to escape the hustle and hustle of NYC. I have not done anything in the first half of August besides work extremely late hours and stress out most of the time. So, I jumped at the opportunity to finally go hiking upstate. It’s a quick hour and a half ride along the Metro North, and only a 10-15 minute walk to the trails themselves. There’s an information center with maps, cold drinks (NULL ice cold Gatorade!), and snacks. We took the short loop as some members in our party couldn’t handle the full loop, but it still took us a little over two hours to complete and was very, very fun. The trail itself was mostly uphill but honestly not that difficult and had some great areas to really test that lower body strength. Even the walk to the trail itself is very picturesque and on the way back to the train station – absolutely stunning. Overall, would highly recommend and it’s a fantastic mental reset from the daily 9-5 grind.
Trail was well marked and not crowded. Expect some scrambling on the ascent and a long straightforward descent. Very few bugs especially around noon and early evening. There are plenty of parking spots but they get taken quickly. The views are worth the climb and time commitment. I would definitely recommend visiting the ruins.
Such a classic trail my friends and I have explored since we were in middle school. We love the views and the nostalgic aspect of it. Nearby a small town where we can always refuel and get breakfast or lunch and super close the train station when coming from the city. Would 100 percent refined weather you are a trail veteran or a novice! They have lots of options raining from small loops and easy elevation to more serious altitude and difficulty.