Bull Hill Loop

You'll enter the heart of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve on this moderately difficult hike - Bull Hill Loop - at Cold Spring and pass by a beautiful nearby waterfall. Views of the Hudson River, the Cornish Estate Ruins, Storm King Mountain, and Bull Hill's summit are just a few of its numerous pleasures. At least four hiking routes start in the town of Cold Spring, New York, including Bull Hill. Additionally, this trail eventually joins up with a Breakneck Ridge trail (mentioned above). A Hudson line train runs from Grand Central to Cold Spring station, making it one of the best hikes close to NYC that is very simple to reach.

After that, when you've reached the preserve, begin at the Little Stony Point parking area and turn right onto the Washburn Trail. Just after the route meets with the Undercliff Trail, you'll continue on an ancient road and come to some lovely vistas. A rocky area awaits you just before the summit, where you may take in even more breath-taking views, this time of the Hudson River.

Continue to the top, then follow the Washburn Trail to return. You will be led along a dilapidated road that ends at the intersection of the North and Nelsonville trails. At the next intersection, turn left onto the Brook Trail and then another left onto the Cornish Trail. One of the best hiking routes near NYC, this one will take you past the remains of an old Cornish farm, where you can turn left to return to where you started.

Location: Cold Spring
Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Loop
Elevation Gain: 1391 feet
Distance from NYC: 62 miles or just under a two hour drive.
Rating: 4.7/5.0, 4098 Alltrails reviews