Hike Bull Hill - New York
Ever since my sister moved to New York a couple of years ago, I've been able to explore a great amount of the concrete jungle of New York City on my many visits to see her. On my most recent trip to NYC, I wanted to see what hiking opportunities the beautiful state of New York had to offer. After a little research, I chose Bull Hill for its proximity to the city, and ease of transportation from downtown NYC via public transportation. This is a fantastic hike on Bull Hill for anyone looking to escape the concrete of New York and get some mud under those feet!
Quick Stats:
Time Required: 3-4 Hours
Total Distance: 5.35 Miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,350 ft
Minimum Elevation: 18 ft
Maximum Elevation: 1,410 ft
Bull Hill Itinerary
One of the main reasons I chose to hike Bull Hill to explore was for how easy it was to get to without a car. I was easily able to get there with public transportation and a short walk to the trailhead. Here is my recommended itinerary for all those traveling from downtown NYC.
Step 1: Metra North from Grand Central to Cold Springs
Navigate to Grand Central from wherever you dwell in NYC. The metro north line runs about every hour during the weekend. Even from an out of towner, I was easily able to figure out where the train was to board. You can either get tickets at the Grand Central Station (expect long lines), or you can use the app . Round trip tickets on the weekends (off peak) are $29. Try to get a seat on the left side facing forward. You'll get great views of the Hudson on the train ride.
Step 2: Walk from Cold Springs station to Bull Hill Trailhead
It's a 20-30 minute walk from the train station to the trailhead. You'll walk through the quaint town of Cold Spring where you could get lunch or other trail snacks for the hike. Nothing too complicated here.
Step 3: Bull Hill Hike
There are two main options for the Bull Hill hike, either a short loop or the full loop. I did the full loop, which was a really nice 5.35-mile hike through the woods of the Hudson Highlands State Park Reserve. The first two miles is a challenging ascent, but you are rewarded with spectacular views of the Hudson River. You can even see the New York City skyline off in the distance! The hike itself takes about 3-4 hours to complete, and is very well marked. Dogs are allowed in this park, so you'll likely see many furry friends enjoying the nature with you.
