Bull Hill Full Loop 'n' More (Transit-accessible)

Rolande Hodel and Hank Zupnick invite you to one of the Hudson Valley's most scenic hikes, the Bull Hill Full Loop. You'll have a choice of the basic full loop (5.5 miles) or the full loop plus Undercliff (7.7 miles). And, for city dwellers, we've timed the start to align with MetroNorth's schedule.

Overview:
Friday, June 26, 9:15 AM
Bull Hill Full Loop: 5.5 miles, 1430 feet elevation (moderate to 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 via MetroNorth to Cold Spring, arriving 8:40 AM (details below)

Register at: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001Bnpd/act00022048 This Meetup announcement is for information only; to ensure a space and be notified of any updates or changes, please use the AMC website (activities.outdoors.org) to register.

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

About 90% of the 1430 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 last hiked this route in December, 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 1430 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 7:19, Harlem-125th at 7:30, and Marble Hill at 7:39 and arrives at Cold Spring at 8:40 am. From Cold Spring station, there is a flat and easy walk north of about 20 minutes to the Washburn Trail. Please let the hike leaders 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 ascent. We may be accompanied by "Panda," the Australian Sheep dog that has summited Mt Taurus many times. Please let the hike leaders know if you would like to bring your dog.

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 6:30 pm Thursday please, by clicking here. Further details, including any last minute updates, will be sent to all signed up participants shortly thereafter.

Fine print: Photo used by permission. "N More" is used with a tip of the hat to Steve Tartas of Westchester Outdoor & More, who to the best of our knowledge is the person most associated with it. There is no nexus between the Appalachian Mountain Club & Westchester Outdoor & More, although both groups welcome you to enjoy their hikes.