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Mt. Taurus (Bull Hill)

Cold Spring, New York

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

3.52 miles

Elevation Gain

1375 ft

Description

Added by Shaun O'Neill

Mt. Taurus (Bull Hill) is an out-and-back trail that offers amazing photo breaks along the edge of an old quarry, wonderful views of the Hudson River and nearby mountains, and an especially beautiful view at sunset. Close proximity to Cold Spring, a town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and adult beverage options.

Mt. Taurus (or Bull Hill) is a short, family and dog friendly, hike just outside the town of Cold Spring, easily accessible by car or taking the train into town. It snakes along the edge of an old quarry that is just now being retaken by nature and provides lookouts towards the Hudson, other nearby mountains, as well as the town itself.

Parking is shared with Little Stony Point which is right across the street, and is a nice area to relax by the river or cool off with a swim post hike. Lots are located on both sides of the road (41.426650, -73.965530), and parking along the shoulder of 9D is permitted. It is a fairly busy road, so take care when unloading and crossing. During the summer this can be a very busy and populated area, going during peak times can make parking difficult. The trailhead is well marked and more often than not is well stocked with trail maps that are worth grabbing.

For this hike, you'll be taking the Washburn Trail, which is well marked with white blazes, and only the Washburn Trail. The beginning is well worn and marked, starting with a steady but easy incline that proves a nice ease into the hike. Not too far into it the trail will open into the bottom of the quarry, where after taking in the sites of the sheer rock wall and the new growth blooming in the area, you'll make a hard right and continue on the white trail.

Keep an eye out for the trail markers and white blazes as you snake your way up along the side of the quarry. There are several areas where the trail can break down into a few different foot trails that more or less lead to the same area, but some lead into parts of the park that have been restricted for wildlife purposes. Signs are posted and should be respected. As you continue winding back and forth you'll be provided some view points out towards the Hudson River and Storm King mountain across the river, as well as views looking out over the town of Cold Spring. The best however is yet to come.

After making your way around the rim of the quarry you'll continue along the white trail towards the summit of Mt. Taurus (if you grabbed a trail map at the parking lot it will be listed as Bull Hill). The yellow trail will cross paths, be sure to stay on white and give a smile to the confused hikers that will be standing at the intersection trying to figure out the best way back to their car.

The most difficult part of the ascent behind you, Washburn levels out a bit and becomes more of a walk through the woods than a climb. A little before the 1.6 mile mark approximately is what I felt to be the best view of the hike (as seen in the picture with myself and my pup) which is a few feet off the left side of the trail on a giant rock. On a clear evening this spot would make for an outstanding sunset view.

Continuing on, the summit of the mountain is actually fairly nondescript as it is quite wooded and flat for some time. At about 1.95 miles the trail will turn left and give you a nice view of Breakneck Ridge and Storm King across the river, though the trees break up any hopes for a good panorama.

If you continue along the Washburn Trail it eventually ends at the blue trail which connects to the Breakneck Ridge trails as well as goes down into the valley through the Cornish Estate. At this point we turned back and called it a night, retiring to Little Stony Point to take in the last of the sunset colors and watch the ducks waddle about the beach.

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Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest

Mt. Taurus (Bull Hill) Reviews

I wanted to do the small loop and got a little off track but it's challenging with great views. Not too crowded on a Saturday at 10am. Bring lots of water and wear hiking boots or hiking shoes. Tough descent in parts without poles as it's damp.

the quarry was YUGE

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Cornish/Brook/Notch/Washburn/Undercliff Loop

Hike the Washburn/Nelsonville/Undercliff Loop

Kayak the Hudson River in Cold Spring

Breakneck Ridge Loop

Sugarloaf Mountain and Breakneck Ridge Loop

Sunset Point - South Beacon Mountain Loop