Cold Spring, New York, is a hiker's paradise, with scenic trails, breathtaking views, and fresh mountain air. Whether you are trekking up Bull Hill for panoramic Hudson Valley sights or exploring Breakneck Ridge's thrilling climbs, every path has its own charm. But before you set off for the best hiking in Cold Spring, being well-prepared is key. From proper layering to carrying enough water, the right hiking gear can make or break your adventure.
You will need reliable power for your phone, GPS, and camera, especially in the wilderness and remote locations. Jackery Portable Power Station is a compact battery-powered generator that can fit into your backpack and ensures your hiking essentials never run out of battery. In this guide, we'll cover the best hiking spots in Cold Spring, must-have essentials, and expert tips to make your outdoor experience safe and enjoyable.
Key Takeaways
- Cold Spring is a picturesque town in New York known for its stunning hiking trails, scenic views, and charming small-town atmosphere.
- Cold Spring is easily accessible, especially from New York City. Visitors can take the Metro-North train from Grand Central Station or drive up for a scenic road trip.
- Some popular hiking trails include Breakneck Ridge, Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus), and Little Stony Point.
- Proper hiking boots, layered clothing, water, snacks, Jackery Portable Power Stations, and navigation tools are must-haves.
- You should plan according to your skill level, check the weather, start early, and bring a first-aid kit.
Cold Spring Overview
Cold Spring is a picturesque village in Putnam County, New York. It is situated along the scenic banks of the Hudson River and is considered one of the charming small towns in the Hudson Valley. It's just an hour's drive from New York or an hour and a half train ride from Manhattan. The location attracts many outdoor enthusiasts who want to get away from their hectic lives.
There are around 48 hiking trails in Cold Spring, New York, that differ in terms of scenic views and difficulty level. The best time to hike in Cold Spring, New York, is spring (April - May) and fall (September - October) when the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Here are recommendations of which Cold Spring hiking trails to do in different seasons:
Winter (December - February): Winter's chilly temperatures make hiking trails in Cold Spring less enjoyable. If you don't mind exploring the outdoors by bundling up in the cold, you can consider hiking Little Stony Point, the Old Forge Loop Trail, or the Bull Hill Loops.
Spring (March - May): Spring in Hudson Valley means all the snow has melted, and waterfalls are flowing. If you love the beauty of waterfalls, you will definitely love hiking to Old Forge Loop Trail or Indian Brook Falls this season.
Summer (June - September): Summer days are generally hot, so you may want to avoid strenuous hikes like Breakneck Ridge. Consider waiting for cooler days or hiking early in the morning or late in the evening. You can also try hiking on trails with lots of shade, like Constitution Marsh Trail.
Fall (October - November): The fall season is often accompanied by vibrant red, yellow, and orange hues, which intrigue hikers from all over the world. You may consider witnessing the best hikes, like Mount Beacon Fire Tower or Storm King Mountain.
How to Get to the Cold Spring
There are two ways to get from New York to Cold Spring: jump on the Metro-North train or take a car.
Take the Metro-North Train
You can use the train from Grand Central and get off at the Cold Spring train station right in town. You can then take the Cold Spring Trolley, an Uber or Lyft, or walk to the desired trailhead. You can also visit beautiful trails like the Cornish Estate Trail or the Bull Hill loops within 25 minutes of walking distance.
Arrive by Car
Another method to get to the Cold Spring is via car. It offers more flexibility, especially in the shoulder season. However, some people might find it hard to find a parking spot. If you don't have a vehicle, you can also consider renting a reasonably priced car.
What to Pack for Hiking in Cold Spring
If you are hiking for an hour or more than a couple of hours, especially in the backcountry, here is the essential hiking gear list you can follow.
Clothing
You should check the forecast to pack the clothing gear. For sunny and warm days, you need to consider the protection your clothing will offer against the sun's UV rays while keeping you cool. If there is a possibility of hiking in the rain, consider packing an extra layer or two beyond what you are wearing. However, you shouldn't overlook comfort, so consider clothing that makes you feel secure when you are stepping, stretching, and climbing.
Footwear
If you are planning a gentle hike on manicured or smooth trails, the hiking essentials include hiking shoes, trail-running shoes, and hiking sandals. Conversely, boots can provide support and stability on treks on rugged and rocky trails.
Food & Water
You need to pack snacks and sufficient water for a long hike. You can start with about 1 liter of water per person per hour, though it can be adjusted depending on the intensity and length of the weather conditions, hike, age, and body type.
Navigation
Even if you are familiar with the surroundings, you will want to make sure you have one or, ideally, two ways to stay oriented. Remember that smartphone-based apps might not work in areas with no or poor cell service. Therefore, you must carry a map, compass, guidebook, and GPS.
Emergency & First Aid
Even if you are hiking on shorter or less challenging trails, consider carrying a first aid kit. Some first aid supplies include a handkerchief, pain medication, and antibacterial/antiseptic wipes. Some emergency supplies include cell phones, IDs, flashlights, headlamps, and whistles.
Power
Since you will be carrying several electronic items, such as smartphones, cameras, drones, etc., you will also need to pack a power supply source such as Jackery Portable Power Station. They are compact enough to be packed into the backpack, so you can power hiking appliances for long hours without carrying a load.
You should also carry some other miscellaneous items, such as hand sanitizer, sunscreen, sunglasses, multi-tools, and a small gear repair kit.
10 Best Hikes in Cold Spring
There are many hiking trails in Cold Spring that offer something unique. This list of the best hikes in Cold Spring is organized from easy to difficult so you can choose the best one.
Indian Brook Falls
Hiking Length: Short walk
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: Very Little
You can find the Indian Brook Falls hidden within the Hudson Highlands State Park in the Cold Spring New Year area. It's a short distance from the trailhead to the cute waterfall. However, you can expect an ungroomed trail and be prepared to climb over natural obstacles on the way.
Little Stony Point
Hiking Length: 1.3 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: Less than 100 feet
If you are looking for amazing views of the Hudson River, you can hike at Little Stony Point. It allows hikers to witness the iconic vistas seen on more strenuous hikes in Cold Spring. You can either choose to walk on the one-mile trail or take the easy trail up to the top of Little Stony Point.
Old Forge Loop Trail
Hiking Length: 1.6 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: Less than 100 feet
For those looking for a quick and casual Cold Spring hiking experience, consider the Old Forge Loop Trail. You will pass many historic ruins from the old West Point Foundry, the unique ecosystem of the Constitution Marsh, and a waterfall hidden in the woods.
Cornish Estate Trail
Hiking Length: 1.8 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: About 200 feet
If you are in the mood for a scenic hike with a special treat, then the Cornish Estate Trail should be the perfect Cold Spring hiking trail. It is located in Hudson Highlands State Park, one of the most popular hiking areas in New York State. It is one of the easiest hikes and is accessible to hikers of all ages and skill levels.
Anthony's Nose
Hiking Length: 1.9 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 675 feet
Anthony's Nose is a short and steep climb along the Appalachian Trail. It leads to impressive viewpoints in the northern part of Westchester County. The highly sought-after hike in Cold Spring lets you overlook the stunning Hudson River, the iconic Bear Mountain Bridge, and spectacular views of mountain ranges.
Mount Beacon Fire Tower
Hiking Length: 4.4 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Hard
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: About 1500 feet
Mount Beacon Fire Tower's prime location on the edge of town makes it more accessible than other Hudson Valley hikes. However, it is mainly difficult due to the long, steep incline. It starts off with a short gravel path to climb up a set of metal stairs, which again continues with another long gravel incline.
Breakneck Ridge Trail
Hiking Length: 1-mile short loop, 2.1 miles moderate loop, and 2.8 miles long loop
Hiking Difficulty: Hard
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1250 - 1670 feet
Breakneck Ridge is one of the popular hikes in Cold Spring, near the Hudson Valley. Although the trail is marked as difficult and has a steep rock scrambling section, it does offer some different trail options to suit different hiking levels.
Washburn Trail
Hiking Length: 4.8 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Hike: Out and Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1300 feet
The Washburn Trail is part of the Bull Hill full loop trail and offers a nice workout with its very steep sections. It starts an early ascent up an old dirt road and leads to a quarry. Remember, the closer you get to the Bull Hill summit, the more viewpoints of the New York skyline and Hudson River will appear.
Bull Hill Short Loop & Full Loop
Hiking Length: 4.3 miles (short) and 5.4 miles (full)
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet/1100 feet
When it comes to hiking Mount Taurus, you will find two options: a short loop or a full loop. You will need about 1 hour more to complete the full loop than a short loop. The short loop would be a good choice if you are hiking only for the stunning views. If you do the full loop, you could even spot the NYC skyline just 50 miles in the distance.
Storm King Trail
Hiking Length: 2.4 miles
Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Type of Hike: Loop
Elevation Gain/Loss: 630 feet
The Storm King Trail offers an opposing view from the popular Breakneck Ridge Trail. Hiking up the Storm King Trail showcases excellent outlooks of the Hudson River and other Hudson Valley features. However, you will need to go an extended steep uphill climb to enjoy these views.
Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking
Hiking in remote areas means relying on electronic devices like GPS, phones, and cameras for navigation and capturing memories. A portable power station ensures these essentials stay powered, providing safety and convenience. Jackery is a trusted brand manufacturing solar generators known for their lightweight, eco-friendly, and efficient nature.
Whether you're on a short day hike or a multi-day trek, the power stations keep your gear powered. The Jackery Portable Power Station allows hikers to power multiple devices. They have foldable handles and a compact design that can fit into the backpack, so you can carry them anywhere you go. Here are the two best portable power stations suitable for hiking adventures:
Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station is a compact, lightweight power station designed for short hikes and day trips. Weighing only 965 grams, it's easy to carry in a backpack while offering enough power to charge multiple small devices. Whether you are solo hiking for a few hours or spending a full day in nature, the power station keeps your phones, GPS devices, headlamps, GoPros, and Bluetooth speakers powered and ready.
Appliances Running Time
- Smartphone (5W) = 15.8H
- GPS Device (10W) = 7.9H
- Headlamp (5W) = 15.8H
- GoPro Camera (8W) = 9.9H
- Bluetooth Speaker (15W) = 5.2H
Please note that the appliance's running times are just for reference and may differ from actual values.
Customer Review
"I am getting too many gadgets that require a charge. This little power brick helps me keep things running on short trips, and the small solar panels give me multiple options to keep it charged up on longer trips." — WTinAz.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
The compact Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station offers decent capacity and power output for longer hikes or multi-day camping trips. It can power multiple devices at the same time, making it suitable for extended outdoor stays. It includes multiple output ports that allow hikers to effortlessly power a light, drone, portable fan, electric cooler, or small heated blanket. It has a foldable handle and can easily fit into a hiking backpack.
Appliances Running Time
- Drone (50W) = 4.6H
- Portable Fan (30W) = 7.6H
- Electric Cooler (60W) = 3.8H
- Portable Lights (30W) = 7.6H
- Heated Blanket (100W) = 2.3H
Customer Review
"The unit's well built, lightweight, and very reliable. I have many plans in mind for this unit, from camping to road trips and equipment backup. I highly recommend this unit and plan to invest in more "plus" backups with higher capacity." — Stanley Daniel.
Tips for Hiking in Cold Spring
Hiking in Cold Spring might seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. You don't need any special skills to hike. Instead, you just need to be able to walk and know where you are. Here are a few more tips for hiking for beginners in the Cold Spring:
Cold Spring Parking
Parking at the trailheads for the Cold Spring hikes can be challenging. Many trailheads have small parking lots, whereas others have parking along the street. You should always ensure you are parking in a designated area when you go for a Cold Spring hike. If you can't find a nearby spot, consider driving towards the town of Cold Spring, NY, and you will find parking near Mayor's Park on Fair Street.
Leave No Trace
Another essential tip for hiking in Cold Spring or any other area is following the Leave No Trace policy. Respect and appreciate nature by practicing the Leave No Trace principles so that future generations can enjoy the same beauty. For example, you should dispose of the waste properly, respect wildlife, minimize campfire impacts, travel on durable surfaces, plan ahead and prepare, leave what you find, and be considerate of others.
Hike at Your Pace
Remember, hiking is not a race, and steady is always better than quick. You should conserve your energy, especially on a longer hike. If you are hiking in Cold Spring with your group, make sure to stay with the group. In case you plan to split up into groups, always plan on intervals where the group can meet.
Other Things to Do in Cold Spring
Cold Spring, New York, is rated one of the most picturesque towns in the Hudson Valley. It is located in Putnam County, about an hour and a half from New York City. While the best way to enjoy the beauty is to hike, there are other activities that you don't want to miss.
Take a Tour of Bannerman Castle
There are many options for taking a tour of Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island. Whether you book a boat tour or take an adventurous kayaking trip on the island, you will definitely be thrilled by the gorgeous scenery and rich history of the grounds.
Hudson River Expedition
Consider renting a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to experience the water activities on the Hudson River. You can also try one of their tours to get the most out of the trip.
Explore the Grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens
If you are a nature lover, you will love exploring the Boscobel House and Garden, which features a beautifully manicured garden, romantic trails through the woods, and an old neoclassical mansion. The gardens offer perfect views overlooking the nearby Constitution Marsh.
Best Hiking in Cold Spring FAQs
How big of a portable power station do I need for my hiking trip?
The size of the portable power station for the hiking trip will depend on the wattage consumption of the appliances you would like to power and their running times. To calculate how long the Jackery Solar Generator can power your appliances, visit the product page and scroll down to find the Running Time Calculator/Simulator.
You can enter the appliance's wattage to calculate the estimated runtime there. For example, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station can run a fan (50W) and portable lights (30W) simultaneously for 2.8 hours. However, the values are just estimates and may vary from the actual runtime.
How long is the hiking trail at Cold Spring Harbor?
The hiking trail at Cold Spring Harbor is approximately one mile long and is part of the only National Recreational Trail in the Town of Huntington. It's both challenging and beautiful, with thickets of Mountain Laurel, steep hills, and rare 3-foot-diameter oak trees.
Is Spring good for hiking?
Yes, spring and fall are often considered to be the best seasons for hiking due to the beautiful scenery and moderate temperatures.
Can you walk from Breakneck Ridge to Cold Spring?
Yes. You can walk from Breakneck Ridge to Cold Spring via Brook Trail and NY-9D N. The 3.5-mile distance between the spots generally takes about an hour and a half.
What to avoid when hiking?
You should not start off too fast and avoid hiking alone. For day hikes, make sure to avoid overpacking. In addition, you should not skip over buying quality hiking boots/shoes and socks.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that the best hiking in Cold Spring offers a mix of adventure, challenge, and natural beauty. Whether you choose a short, peaceful walk or a steep, rewarding climb, every trail brings a new experience. But a great hike isn't just about the views—it's about being prepared.
Dressing in layers, packing enough food and water, and having navigation tools are must-haves. With a Jackery Portable Power Station, you won't have to worry about your devices dying mid-hike. It's a reliable way to power your GPS, phone, camera, and other hiking appliances, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
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