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Washburn Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 70 Google reviews · Running trail in Cold Spring, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Washburn Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trail for hiking to a summit with panoramic vistas overlooking Cold Spring.
What runners say about Washburn Trail
“There were a number of Instagramers/TikTokers around clustering around the scenic views but they seem tire quickly and fall away.”
“We didn’t reach the end of the Washburn Trail since we were unprepared, but it was so well marked and maintained!”
Great hike, we did the short bull hill path. The first mile is a killer, 1000 feet elevation. Not something you want to do in hot weather. There were a number of Instagramers/TikTokers around clustering around the scenic views but they seem tire quickly and fall away.
The Bull Hill Short loop is a great 2-3 hr hike of 4.6miles. The first section is the Washburn Trail.. 1497ft elevation.. nice work out.. then cross to the Undercliff trail.. (starts the descent of the trail). Then finish loop via Cornish Trail.. which leads to the old Cornish Ruins.. a beautiful site to visit..
The trail will take you to one of the peaks, and on the way you will pass along the edge of an old abandoned quarry where you will have a great view of the Hudson River Valley and the town of Cold Spring.
Washburn Trail (Cold Spring) is a great hike even for beginners, as long as the weather is good and you’re ready to be on the trail for 2–4 hours depending on your pace.
Trail conditions & character
“There were a number of Instagramers/TikTokers around clustering around the scenic views but they seem tire quickly and fall away.”
“They have lots of options raining from small loops and easy elevation to more serious altitude and difficulty.”
“We took the short loop as some members in our party couldn't handle the full loop, but it still took us a little over two hours to complete and was very, very fun.”
“Tips: pack light (water + energy bars), use the restroom before going, and consider parking near the train station since the trail parking lot is tiny and fills up early.”
“We didn’t reach the end of the Washburn Trail since we were unprepared, but it was so well marked and maintained!”
“Some steep rocky areas and the markers are sometimes difficult to spot, but otherwise the trail is stunning!”
“Tips: pack light (water + energy bars), use the restroom before going, and consider parking near the train station since the trail parking lot is tiny and fills up early.”
Plan your run at Washburn Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Cold Spring
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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