Little Stony Point
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Little Stony Point

4.8
·398 reviews·Cold Spring, United States

A scenic gem in Hudson Highlands State Park, offering stunning river views, unique caves, and varied trails just an hour from NYC.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Catch the best light and fewer crowds.

CrowdMedium
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Little Stony Point

Little Stony Point

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Catch the best light and fewer crowds.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic gem in Hudson Highlands State Park, offering stunning river views, unique caves, and varied trails just an hour from NYC.

4.8
(398 reviews)

"Gorgeous trails in the beautiful town of Cold Spring. This is the place for photos!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Limited Parking Alert!

Arrive early, especially on weekends. Overflow parking may require a walk from town.

🥾 Choose Your Trail

Easy, moderate, and difficult options available. Tailor your hike to your preference.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 398 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hudson River Overlook

Hudson River Overlook

Top of the Overlook Trail

Panoramic views of the Hudson River and Bannerman Castle. Perfect for photos!

The Big Cave

The Big Cave

Along the trails

A natural wonder offering a unique exploration spot and a cool respite.

Driftwood Beaches

Driftwood Beaches

Hudson River shoreline

Charming, secluded spots perfect for relaxing and enjoying the water.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Parking is limited, and spots fill up fast. Consider a weekday visit for a more serene experience.

Trail Variety Awaits

Little Stony Point offers a range of trails from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. Choose your adventure based on your fitness level and desired views.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Catch the best light and fewer crowds.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
A peaceful escape from the city.
Crowd
Low
When
Fall foliage season
Why
Stunning autumn colors abound.
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

fall hiking at the little stony point trail in cold spring, new york 🍂🥾 #daytripfromnyc #fallfoliage #hiking #hikingadventures #fyp e
@nycdailylog
92 likes • 1.7K views

🚗 Limited Parking Alert!

Arrive early, especially on weekends. Overflow parking may require a walk from town. TikTok

🥾 Choose Your Trail

Easy, moderate, and difficult options available. Tailor your hike to your preference. Reddit

📍Little Stony Point — Cold Spring, NY • Free parking across the street at the Washburn Trail. • This was the view after a easy flat 20 minute (1 mile) walk. •Follow the signs for Overlook Trail to reach the top view, then keep going about 5 more minutes past the benches for an even better lookout. Full day-trip guide coming soon 🍁✨ #nyc #fall #upstatenewyork #daytrip #nature
@daliaazizi
68 likes • 1.3K views
Part 2! #coldspring #coldspringny #pizza #pizzatok #littlestonypoint #breakneckridge #coldspringpizza
@coldspringpizza120
89 likes • 1.5K views

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bannerman Castle views and unique rock formations make this a photographer's dream. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially for the open overlooks and beaches. TikTok

Hiking day 2 -coldspring #littlestonypoint #coldspring #lovehiking #nature
@j_yang7
50 likes • 808 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Limited Parking Alert!

Arrive early, especially on weekends. Overflow parking may require a walk from town. TikTok

🥾 Choose Your Trail

Easy, moderate, and difficult options available. Tailor your hike to your preference. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Bannerman Castle views and unique rock formations make this a photographer's dream. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially for the open overlooks and beaches. TikTok

💧 Stay Hydrated

Carry water, particularly during warmer months or longer hikes. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(398 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Little Stony Point's stunning views of the Hudson River and Bannerman Castle, calling it a beautiful and peaceful escape. The variety of trails, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, appeals to many. However, the extremely limited parking is a frequent point of frustration, often requiring a significant walk from town.

"Gorgeous trails in the beautiful town of Cold Spring. We hiked to the Hudson then up up up to a quarry and then to a historic place called the Northgate project. Easy to moderate to difficult, one can make the hike of their choice."

Dawnita Snyder

"This is the place for photos! The trail leads to an opening where you can see Bannermans Castle from afar :)
There's a big cave and a teepee hut 🧡 We came for wedding photos.. driftwood beaches at every turn 😍 It closes at sunset though!"

Jaclyn Banach

"Super easy hike very nice. Scenery is ok Make sure you get there early because there is very limited parking. If you get there later in the morning or early afternoon you're going to have to park far away. Maybe like a half mile walk from a town parking lot."

Nick 0liver

What People Like

Gorgeous river views
Bannerman Castle vistas
Varied trail options

What People Dislike

Very limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Little Stony Point is about an hour's drive north of NYC. You can also take the Metro-North train to Cold Spring station and then it's a short taxi or Uber ride, or a longer walk. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available, but it's very limited. It's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, as spots fill up quickly. TikTokReddit

Follow the signs for the Overlook Trail. It's a relatively easy, flat walk for about 20 minutes (1 mile) from the parking area to reach the initial viewpoints. TikTok

While not explicitly mentioned, cycling is possible on the roads leading to the park. However, trails are generally for hiking. Check local regulations for specific bike access. TikTok

Yes, you can take the Metro-North train to Cold Spring. From there, it's a short distance to the park, though walking might be a significant trek depending on your starting point. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Little Stony Point is part of Hudson Highlands State Park and generally offers free admission. TikTok

The park typically closes at sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official state park website for the most current hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to access Little Stony Point. TikTok

No, time slot bookings are not required as it's a public park with open access. However, parking can be an issue. TikTok

For casual personal photography, no special permits are usually needed. However, for professional shoots or large events, it's best to contact the park authorities. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Little Stony Point offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy, flat paths along the river to more moderate and challenging climbs up to overlooks and quarries. Reddit

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River, Bannerman Castle, a large cave, driftwood beaches, and unique rock formations. Reddit

Yes, the easier trails are suitable for families with children. The scenic views and natural features provide an engaging experience. TikTok

While there are beaches, swimming conditions can vary. It's advisable to check local advisories for safety and regulations regarding swimming. Reddit

Typically, dogs are allowed in New York State Parks on a leash. Always confirm with the park's specific rules before your visit. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The main overlook offers fantastic views of Bannerman Castle. The driftwood beaches and the cave also provide unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best lighting for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive river views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the water. Reddit

Drone usage in state parks is often restricted or requires special permits. It's best to check with the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation for current regulations. Reddit

Fall offers vibrant foliage, while summer provides lush greenery and clear river views. Spring can be beautiful with blooming flora. TikTok

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