Bull Hill Mount Taurus
Forested mountain offering challenging hikes and breathtaking Hudson River views, easily accessible from NYC.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Bull Hill Mount Taurus
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Forested mountain offering challenging hikes and breathtaking Hudson River views, easily accessible from NYC.
"Amazing views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and even the skyline on a clear day."
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Rocky sections require good grip. Avoid wearing out your feet on the steep climbs!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for the strenuous uphill sections. Stay hydrated on this challenging hike.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 90 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bull Hill Summit Views
Bull Hill Summit (Full Loop Trail)
Panoramic vistas of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and even the NYC skyline on clear days. A true reward for your climb!
Cornish Estate Ruins
Cornish Trail
Explore the atmospheric remnants of a historic estate, adding a touch of mystery to your hike.
Steep Ascent Challenge
Washburn Trailhead
The initial climb offers a vigorous workout, testing your stamina before the trail levels out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Train to Trailhead Convenience
Trail Difficulty & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Rocky sections require good grip. Avoid wearing out your feet on the steep climbs!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for the strenuous uphill sections. Stay hydrated on this challenging hike.
Cold spring to beacon hike stopping at the beacon reservoir & fire tower
Hi. I have only been the the area once but curious if I can hike from cold spring starting at the bull hill parking lot (where Cornish and Washburn trail start) to Beacon, while stopping at the fire tower and reservoir. I am aware of breakneck ridge closed area but wanted to…
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Essential for navigation, especially if you're trying the full loop. Emergency numbers are often included.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can vary. Bring an extra shirt, especially if you tend to sweat on ascents.
How do I “get in to” hiking?
Life long NYer and I don’t have a car. My parents aren’t the outdoorsy type so we never did hiking or camping as a kid. I’ve gone a couple times while traveling and totally loved it. My family had a house on the east end of Long Island and there were some trails over there but…
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Rocky sections require good grip. Avoid wearing out your feet on the steep climbs!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Crucial for the strenuous uphill sections. Stay hydrated on this challenging hike.
🗺️ Grab a Trail Map
Essential for navigation, especially if you're trying the full loop. Emergency numbers are often included.
🧥 Pack Layers
Temperatures can vary. Bring an extra shirt, especially if you tend to sweat on ascents.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous scenic viewpoints offer great photo opportunities along the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bull Hill offers a rewarding hiking experience with stunning Hudson River views, easily accessible from NYC. While the initial ascent is challenging, the well-marked trails and scenic overlooks make it a popular choice for a nature escape. Some visitors find certain sections rocky and strenuous, but the overall consensus is positive for its beauty and convenience.
"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.
Both the Bull Hill Short Loop and Bull Hill Full Loop begins at the Washburn Trailhead, where you hike up over 1000' in elevation, within the first 2 miles! A friendly advice I have is to take MULTIPLE breaks, bring an extra shirt, and wear shorts. Even if it's a bit chilly or you're afraid of bugs, long pants will wear you out more! There are several scenic views along the way as you approach the crossroad between the Washburn Trail and Undercliff Trail. For the Short Loop, turn left onto Undercliff Trail. This one is shorter by 1 miles and will take an hour less than the Full Loop. However, this one is more challenging!
My friends and I took the Short Loop for time convenience. Despite several posting claiming this is challenging, the rest of the trail was not as bad as the beginning of the hike (with the steep, rapid elevation gain). The only thing you need to be careful of are the rocks. There is a section where it is rocks, which may apply more pressure against the sole of your shoes and feet.
Nonetheless, my friends and I enjoy this hike. We were sad that we couldn't go to the peak (which was on the Full Loop Trail), but there was still an amazing view along the Short Loop! I also suggest you stop by the Cornish Estate Ruins on your way back, alongside the Cornish Trail. Always remember to wear proper hiking gear, bring plenty of water, and stay safe. You will be given a map of the trail that has an emergency phone number for the service members to help find you if needed too!"
Stephen K
"Bull Hill is an amazing hiking spot for anyone looking for beautiful mountain views without traveling too far from New York City. Located right next to the charming town of Cold Spring, it’s only about 1 to 1.5 hours from the city, and easily accessible by Metro-North. Perfect for a weekend nature escape!
The trail gives you a great workout with steady uphill parts, but the reward is incredible views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and even the skyline on a clear day. The paths are well-marked, and there are several viewpoints where you can stop, rest, and take photos.
It’s popular, but never feels overcrowded like some other famous New York hikes. I recommend going earlier in the day for parking and cooler temperatures. Bring water, proper shoes, and enjoy the fresh air!
Overall, Bull Hill offers excellent scenery, a fun challenge, and convenient access from the city. A perfect place for hikers who want nature, mountains, and peace — all close to NYC. Highly recommended!"
纽约新起点驾校Motous Driving School
"It is a pretty good hike. Took the long route to top of Bull Hill, pretty good view but beware it is pretty rocky."
Derek Chen
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the MTA North train from Grand Central Terminal to Cold Spring station. The journey takes about 80 minutes and costs around $15 one-way. From the station, Bull Hill is a short walk.
Yes, Bull Hill is very accessible without a car. The Metro-North train to Cold Spring station is a popular and convenient option for visitors coming from NYC.
The Washburn Trailhead is the primary starting point for most Bull Hill hikes. It's a walkable distance from the Cold Spring train station, making it ideal for car-free visitors.
Yes, there is parking available at the Washburn Trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
While ride-sharing services might be available in Cold Spring, relying on them to get directly to the trailhead might be inconsistent. The train is a more reliable option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees or tickets required to hike Bull Hill. It's a public park, so you can access the trails freely.
Bull Hill is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's an outdoor natural area, so there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to hike during safe daylight hours.
No, there is no fee to hike Bull Hill. Access to the trails is free for all visitors.
While there aren't official guided tours readily available, local hiking groups or guides might offer excursions. It's best to check local tourism boards or hiking forums for such opportunities.
No permits are required for general hiking on Bull Hill. You can explore the trails without needing any special permits.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Bull Hill offers a range of difficulties. The initial ascent from the Washburn Trailhead is steep and strenuous, considered moderate to difficult. The loops can vary in length and challenge.
For beginners, consider sticking to shorter sections of the Washburn Trail or exploring less steep paths. The full loop and short loop can be quite challenging due to elevation gain.
A typical hike on Bull Hill can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the trail chosen (short loop vs. full loop) and your hiking pace. Some hikers complete an out-and-back on the Washburn trail in under 2 hours.
Restroom facilities are typically limited to the trailhead area. It's advisable to use facilities before you begin your hike.
You can expect stunning panoramic views of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, you might even see the New York City skyline.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views. Look for scenic overlooks along the trails, especially where the trees open up to reveal the Hudson River valley.
Absolutely! The elevated position provides excellent vantage points for capturing the expansive Hudson River landscape, mountains, and the changing seasons.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with local park authorities or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for current rules regarding drone operation in state parks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of distant mountains. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
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