Xmas Day at Bull Hill

Overview:
Thursday, December 25, 9:45AM
Bull Hill Full Loop: 5.5 miles, 1400 feet elevation (moderate plus)
Bull Hill Full Loop plus optional Undercliff Extension: 7.7 miles, 2000 feet elevation (vigorous)
Washburn Trail Parking Lot, Cold Spring, NY 41.42686, -73.96568 (GPS may show Philipstown, NY).
Parking lot is on the eastern (northbound) side of Route 9D, about 3/4 mile north of Route 301/Main Street in Cold Spring.
Public Transportation access via MetroNorth to Cold Spring, arriving 9:17 AM (details below)

This is a notification only. Register at https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN00000250W52AI/act00018048

Details: The hike starts with an invigorating early climb and the wonderful views that this route is renowned for.

About 90% of the 1400 feet elevation in the 5.5 mile Bull Hill Full Loop happens in the first hour, with a steady ascent up the Washburn Trail past a former quarry. It includes great views of Storm King, the Thayer Hotel at West Point, and, on especially clear days, the Manhattan skyline. After the Mt Taurus summit, the route levels out before beginning a gradual descent all the way to the Cornish Trail.

Lunch will likely be at the ruins of the Cornish Dairy, at the end of the Washburn Trail/start of the Cornish Trail. Shortly after lunch, the Undercliff Trail branches off from the Cornish Trail; at that junction, hikers will be able to either take the Undercliff Trail to the Washburn Trail and then descend on the Washburn Trail back to the starting point (about 600 feet elevation, 60-75 minutes total) or continue along the Cornish Trail, passing a few century-old ruins which include explanatory signposting en route back to the parking lot, a flat and easy 30 minutes. There is no need to decide until after lunch; when we did this route in October, about half the group took the Undercliff Trail and half did not, so whichever route you choose, you will likely have company. Another option: Instead of the Undercliff Trail, stay on the Cornish Trail back to the parking lot, then cross Route 9D to Little Stony Point for an easy 25 minute clockwise loop along the Hudson.

Although the Bull Hill Full Loop is only 5.5 miles, this is not a beginner hike, as the terrain is moderate-plus with 1400 feet of elevation. Poles are recommended but not required; updated information on ground conditions, including whether traction devices and/or gaiters are recommended, will be provided to signed-up hikers on Wednesday evening.

Public Transportation: A MetroNorth Hudson line train (direction: Poughkeepsie) departs Grand Central at 7:57 and Harlem-125th at 8:08, and arrives at Cold Spring at 9:17 am (holiday schedule). There is also a connecting train that departs Marble Hill at 7:48, with a transfer at Croton-Harmon. From Cold Spring station, there is a flat and easy walk of about 20 minutes to the Washburn Trail. Please let the hike leader know if you plan to arrive by train.

Dogs: Hudson Highlands is a dog friendly venue, and dogs are welcome provided their owners are confident that the dogs (not to mention themselves) can handle the climbing. Park rules require leashes of no more than 10 feet, and this will be especially important on the Undercliff Trail (where most hikers will be going the opposite direction) and the Cornish Trail (which is likely to be busy on Christmas Day).

AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this hike if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.

RSVP by 7 pm Wednesday please, by clicking here. Further details, including any last minute updates, will be sent to all signed up participants shortly thereafter.

AMC membership opportunity: For the whole month of December, new members can get a first year regular membership for only $25, under-30'w and seniors (70+) only $12.50, and family only $37. If you are already a member, this month's low prices make AMC membership a very affordable Christmas/Hanukkah gift, too.
Get the deal here: https://www.outdoors.org/get-involved/become-a-member