⛰️⛺️ Cold Spring - You'll Either Go Once or Become Addicted!
"Cold Spring completely satisfies all my hiking needs!!! Short trails, long trails, extra-long trails—they have it ALL!!! You can choose based on your fitness level, and it's super comfortable~ 🧗🪵⛰️" 🚄 Transportation Buy tickets at Grand Central Terminal or use the TrainTime app for off-peak round-trip tickets (around $30 💵). I took the 9:35 AM train from Grand Central → Cold Spring (arrives at 10:56 AM), about a 1.5-hour ride. ✨ Pro Tip: The e-ticket activates upon use—no strict timing! Just check the schedule and activate it before boarding. ✨ Sit on the LEFT side for stunning Hudson River views! On sunny days, the water sparkles beautifully~ 🌊☀️ 🧗 Hiking Trails 🩶 After getting off the train, navigate to Washburn Trail (a 20-min walk to the trailhead). 1️⃣ Bull Hill Short Loop | 4.6 mi. | 2-3 hrs 2️⃣ Bull Hill Full Loop | 5.5 mi. | 3-4 hrs 3️⃣ Cold Spring to Beacon | 7.7 mi. | 4-5 hrs ⛰️ My Experience: First Visit: Did the Full Loop—staff at the base give personalized recommendations and clear instructions. Follow the markers, and you won’t get lost! 🥰 The first hour is steep, but the descent is mostly gravel (not too tiring). I had brunch at the base, started hiking, and finished around 4 PM, then explored the charming town before catching the 6 PM train back to NYC. Second Visit: Tried the Cold Spring → Beacon trail—WAY harder! 🚨 Only saw 3 people the whole time, and the markers disappeared midway. We got lost (likely confused by same-color trail signs) and had to turn back to Cold Spring. Not for solo hikers! 👻 🍽️ Food Recs 🩵 Cozy Corner Cafe Standard "white people food" but decent for a quick bite. 🩵 Moo Moo’s Creamery HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Their Double Chocolate ice cream is AMAZING—worth every calorie! 🍫🍦 ⚠️ Essential Tips ✨ Wear hiking boots/sneakers—no flip-flops! 🥾 ✨ Bring WATER!!! (Sold at the base for $2.) 💧 ✨ Avoid hiking alone—snakes 🐍 and unexpected surprises lurk! ✨ Pack energy bars/chocolate for quick fuel. 🍫 ✨ Sunscreen is a MUST—I got burned even with it! Reapply often. ☀️🧴 #NYCFoodAndFun #NYC #NYCGetaway #WeekendEscapes #Hiking #TrailLife #NatureLovers #AdventureTime #ExploreNY #HudsonValley #OutdoorAdventures #TravelDiaries