This blog post covers a day trip to Cold Springs NY, from NYC, no car needed. Cold Springs is a quaint and quiet town, surrounded by nature, mountains, and water, making it an easy day getaway from the busy and bustling life of New York City. This day trip is easily accessible by train, and Cold Springs is easy to walk around on foot. No car is needed for this day trip from the city!
It can be daunting to get to Cold Springs from New York City, and what to do once you get to Cold Springs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you navigate a day trip to Cold Springs, New York from New York City, and train times to get there easily.
We will cover how to get to Cold Springs, New York using the Metro-North Line from Grand Central Station and an easy itinerary of breakfast, bookstores, and hikes to make the most out of your day in Cold Springs!
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Day Trip Cold Springs NY Itinerary: Getting There, NO CAR NEEDED!
From Grand Central, follow the board for the HUDSON LINE Metro-North Line, which is often green.
To figure out when to take the train, download the “MTA Train Time” app by the New York MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), which gives you direct access to several Metro-North Train lines and schedules.
Apple MTA Train Time App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mta-traintime/id1104885987
Android MTA Train Time App: NYC Transit: MTA Subway Times – Apps on Google Play
If you cannot purchase a ticket on your phone, you can also do so in Grand Central Station, or on the Train. But, it will cost more on the train to your destination, Cold Springs.
The train ride from Grand Central Station to Cold Springs is about 85 minutes or an hour and a half. Use this time to enjoy the scenic views of upstate New York. I especially love looking at nature and the mountains, which is something you just can’t get in the city.
Day Trip to Cold Springs NY Itinerary: First Stop, Breakfast!
After arriving in Cold Springs, you will exit the train on the L and head northwest towards Lunn Terrace. The walk is slightly uphill, so prepare to have your calves worked! Then, turn right onto Main Street and walk about 0.2 miles until you see Cozy Corner Cafe in Cold Springs on the right [https://maps.app.goo.gl/EyjJxGQGcKvmqWJz8] located at 129-131 Main St, Cold Spring, NY 10516 . Cozy Corner Cafe in Cold Springs is open Monday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4 PM and from 8:30 am to 4:30 PM Friday through Saturday. Their menu is extensive with breakfast classics like pancakes, and omelets, and surprises like shakshuka.
I got the eggs benedicts, with perfectly poached eggs and a balanced hollandaise sauce to tie the dish together. I washed it down with a pumpkin spice latte, which packed a caffeinated punch to continue the rest of the day.
Day Trip to Cold Springs NY Itinerary: Split Rock Books Bookstore
Exiting on the left from Cozy Corner Cafe will be a bookshop called Split Rock Books, with a vast collection of books for children to adults. Split Rock Books in Cold Springs is located at 97 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, and their hours are the following:
Monday to Wednesday from10 AM to 5 PM and Thursday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Split Rocks Books in Cold Springs Website: https://www.splitrockbks.com/
Information: (845) 265-2080 // [email protected]
Split Rocks Books in Cold Springs is owned by a married couple, Heidi and Michael Bender and was founded in 2018. They carry a wide selection of curated books by them and their staff. Their book selections and staff picks are diverse. Their book selections include authors from underrepresented groups and LGBTQ+ tales. Split Rock Books makes their bookstore accessible to everyone.
Day Trip to Cold Springs NY Itinerary: Next, to the Hike
After eating breakfast at the Cozy Corner Cafe, you will exit towards the left and walk down towards Main Street until Fair Street. Then, turn right on Fair Street and walk straight towards Hudson Highlands State Park Parking for about 0.8 miles (1.29 kilometers). The walk is flat, so it is easy to get there if you don’t have a car! If you are driving, it is a short 3-minute drive to the parking lot, but there is limited parking. There are a couple of trails for all levels, from absolute beginners to more advanced hikers! Here are some park-approved hikes, organized by mileage length and area. The colors indicate the trail blazes or markings, often noted on trees during your hike so you don’t get lost. On the maps below, the color corresponds to the trail color like red rail, blue trail, and so on. Learn more about blazes, their colors, and meanings here.
IMPORTANT NOTE, TRAIL CLOSURE: “Due to road construction, the Brook Trail (Red Trail) is CLOSED between the Cornish Connector trail and Route 9D. Access to the trailhead, Route 9D, and the tunnel is prohibited. The trail will remain closed until further notice.” (Source: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/hudsonhighlands/)
Hudson Highlands Hike Guide (Organized by Distance)
Northern Highlands: Trail Map North
- Dennings Point: 2 miles round trip (White)
- A flat hike through woods to the Hudson River, passing factory ruins and a bird-watching platform.
- Breakneck Ridge (Short Loop): 2.5 miles (White → Yellow → Green → Red)
- A steep rock scramble with three overlooks, followed by a wooded descent.
- Mount Beacon (South): 5 miles round trip (Red → White)
- A challenging hike to the tallest point in the Highlands, featuring ruins, multiple viewpoints, and a fire tower at the summit.
- Breakneck Ridge (Full Loop): 3.25 miles (White → Red → Yellow)
- A loop hike featuring four overlooks, steep ascents, and varied terrain.
- Breakneck to Cold Spring: 4.5 miles (White → Blue → Red → Blue)
- A point-to-point hike with steep climbs, scenic overlooks, and the Cornish Estate ruins, ending in Cold Spring.
Little Stony Point Area: Trail Map North
- Cornish Estate Ruins: 1.8 miles round trip (Blue)
- A gentle walk to the ruins of the Cornish Estate, including remnants of the mansion, greenhouse, and gazebo.
- Little Stony Point Beach: 0.75 miles (Red → Green)
- A flat loop trail with access to a sandy beach, a small cave, and a scenic cliff overlooking the Hudson River.
- Bull Hill (Short Loop): 4.6 miles (White → Yellow → Red → Blue)
- A steep hike with viewpoints through the woods and a return via the Cornish Estate ruins.
- Bull Hill (Full Loop): 5.5 miles (White → Blue → Red → Blue)
- A steep ascent to Bull Hill’s summit, followed by a descent into past scenic ruins and a return to the trailhead.
South Highlands: Trail Map South
- North Redoubt: 1.3 miles round trip (Red)
- A short hike to a Revolutionary War lookout point with moderate elevation gain.
- Arden Point: 2.4 miles round trip (Blue → Red)
- A loop hike featuring four overlooks, steep ascents, and varied terrain.
- Anthony’s Nose (via AT Kiosk on 9D): 2.4 miles round trip (White → Blue)
- A flat hike through woods to the Hudson River, passing factory ruins and a bird-watching platform.
- Anthony’s Nose via AT Kiosk on 9D: 2.4 miles (White → Blue)
- A steep ascent on the Appalachian Trail to the summit, with sweeping views of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
- Sugarloaf Hill: 3.2 miles round trip (Red)
- A hike through fields and woods to a summit with sweeping views of the Hudson River and highlands.
- Anthony’s Nose (via Toll House): 6.9 miles round trip (Blue)
- A longer but gentler ascent to Anthony’s Nose, offering serene forest paths and panoramic summit views of the Bear Mountain Bridge and Hudson River.
Link: HudsonHighlandsHudsonHighlandsHikingSuggestions.pdf
Day Trip to Cold Springs NY Itinerary: Important Hiker Tips and Gear
Some tips for your trail as a hiker:
- Go early if you’re inexperienced or doing a long hike. Hiking in the dark poses a risk for all levels. So, going while it is still bright, will be easier and less stressful for you.
- Stay on marked trails! Staying on marked trails can help you prevent
- Carry all the right gear! I recommend carrying a water bottle, hiking shoes, a small backpack with snacks, a portable charger, and a MAP! Below are some links or check out my travel essentials for women.
- Water Bottle links:
- Ello Pop & Fill Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24-36 OZ
- Insulated Water Bottles,25 oz Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Metal Flask
- IRON °FLASK Camping & Hiking Hydration Flask with 3 Lids
- Small Backpack links
- Everfun Hydration Backpack 18L with Water Bladder 2L/3L
- Small Hiking Backpack, 20L Lightweight Travel Backpack
- WATERFLY Crossbody Sling Backpack Sling Bag
- BAGSMART Crossbody Sling Bags
- BAGSMART Small Crossbody Sling Bag
- Portable Charger links:
- Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Connector, 5,000mAh
- Anker Nano Portable Charger for iPhone
- VRURC Portable Charger with Built-in Cable, 10000mAh Power Bank
- Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank, Compact 10,000mAh Wireless Portable Charger
- Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank, 10,000mAh Wireless Portable Charger with 30W Max Fast Charging, Battery Pack with Built-in USB-C Cable and Adjustable Stand
- Water Bottle links:
Hudson Highlands State Park Map Trails
Carry a map! Maps are located in the Hudson Highlands State Park Parking towards the start of the trail. Park maps are available at most trailheads and the Hudson Highlands Park Office. Here is a digital map too:
The park’s digital map is available to download on iOS Apple and Android devices.
- Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve Trail Map (North Section)
- If you have an emergency, you can call NYS Park Police can be reached at (845) 889-8866
Day Trip to Cold Springs NY Itinerary: Going Back Home
After your long day in Cold Springs, it is time to go home! Make your way back to the Cold Springs MTA Station. The train usually comes every hour.
To figure out when to take the train, use the “MTA Train Time” app by the New York MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority), which gives you direct access to several Metro-North Train lines and schedules.
Apple MTA Train Time App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mta-traintime/id1104885987
Android MTA Train Time App: NYC Transit: MTA Subway Times – Apps on Google Play
If you cannot purchase a ticket on your phone, you can do so at one of the machines located near the Cold Springs train tracks, or on the Train. But, it will cost more on the train to your destination, Grand Central Station.
The train ride from Cold Springs to Grand Central Station is about 85 minutes or an hour and a half.