Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop Hiking Guide
Bull Hill, also called Mount Taurus, rises to about 1,420 feet straight above Cold Spring, and with Breakneck Ridge closed for construction it has become the main event in this corner of the Hudson Highlands. The full loop climbs the white Washburn Trail past an old quarry to the summit ridge, then drops along Breakneck Brook on the blue Cornish Trail through the ruins of a 20th-century estate.
The Loop
Start uphill on the white Washburn Trail from the Washburn Trailhead lot on Route 9D, across from Little Stony Point. It follows an old road to the mouth of an abandoned quarry, then turns steep and rocky, with ledges looking south down the river toward West Point and, on clear days, the New York City skyline. Stay on Washburn past the summit until it meets the blue Cornish Trail, turn left, and descend beside Breakneck Brook past the estate's outbuildings. Bear left at the fork to stay on Cornish back to the lot. State Parks gives 5.5 miles and three to four hours; mapping apps list about 1,390 feet of gain, and one trip log recorded 5.9 miles and about 1,520 feet.
Shorter Options
The park's short loop is 4.6 miles: take Washburn up, turn left on the yellow Undercliff Trail for north- and west-facing views, then left on Cornish to finish. If you only want the ruins, the Cornish Trail alone reaches the mansion, greenhouse and gazebo foundations in 0.9 mile, 1.8 miles out and back, with a view of Storm King from the old lawn. The estate burned in 1958, and stone walls and chimneys are what remain.
Getting There by Train or Car
From the Washburn lot it is about 0.7 mile along Fair Street to the village of Cold Spring and its Metro-North station, so the loop works well without a car. The lot itself is not large, roadside parking in the preserve is limited, and State Parks tickets or tows cars parked illegally. The preserve is open sunrise to sunset and lists no day-use fee. Weekends are busy, more so while nearby Breakneck is closed, so an early start helps.
Footing and Hazards
The first mile above the quarry is the hard part, with loose rock and sustained steep grades that are slippery on the way down, which is why most people climb Washburn and descend Cornish rather than the reverse. The Cornish side ends on a gentle, partly paved old drive. In winter the ledges ice over, so carry traction. There is no water on the mountain; bring what you need and finish before sunset, when the preserve closes.
Dogs
Leashed dogs are allowed in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. State Parks rules cap it at two pets per party, require a leash no longer than six feet, and may ask for proof of rabies vaccination. The quarry climb is rough on paws in summer heat, so carry water for the dog too.
Hiking tips for Bull Hill (Mount Taurus) Full Loop
- Climb the Washburn side and come down Cornish; the quarry pitch is much harder to descend.
- Take Metro-North to Cold Spring and walk Fair Street to the trailhead instead of fighting for the lot.
- Carry microspikes from December through March for the iced-over ledges above the quarry.
- Pack all your water; there is none on the loop.
- Look for Storm King across the river from the old Cornish mansion lawn on the way out.
Nearby trails to explore
- Breakneck Ridge Long Loop
- Mount Beacon Fire Tower Trail
- Anthony's Nose via the Appalachian Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Bull Hill gives you Highlands views a short walk from the train. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Bull Hill. Download the TrailMates app to connect.