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Hiking in Washburn Trail: trails, map and practical info

Hudson Valley • New York

4.7 Appreciated by 31 hikers

Washburn Trail (Hudson Valley, New York) : moderate hike, 3.2 km, 427 m of elevation gain, summit at 3,113 m, about 1h15. No dogs. Open: From sunrise to sunset. Fees and hours to confirm with Washburn Trail, the official website.

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
3.2 km
Elevation
427 m
Duration
1h15
Max altitude
3,113 m

Explore the Hudson Valley's most rewarding vistas on this 3.2 km moderate trail near Cold Spring, New York. Rocky terrain and steady climbs lead to 300 m elevation gain over 1h15, rewarding hikers with sweeping river panoramas and views of Bannerman Castle's Gothic ruins.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Washburn Trail? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

CONTENU ENTIEREMENT INCORRECT - LOCATION MISMATCH
Toute la description parle de Hudson Valley, Cold Spring, Bannerman Castle, Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve - aucun de ces éléments n'apparaît dans les résultats web. Les sources web décrivent Mount Washburn à Yellowstone avec bighorn sheep, alpine vegetation, Dunraven Pass ou Chittenden Road trailheads. Remplacer entièrement.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
7357 Louisiana 57, Cold Spring, NY 10516, USA
GPS coordinates
41.4271175, -73.9652788
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The washburn trail is located in the town of New York in Erie County, New York. To get to the start of the trails, take exit 48 from Interstate 90 and head north on Route 240. The trailhead will be on your left.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
Fees, tickets and reservations: Washburn Trail
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
41.4271175, -73.9652788
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
11 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 12, 2025
This Hudson Valley trail offers a solid moderate workout with its 300m elevation gain spread across the 3.2 km distance. The route is well-maintained and provides good scenic views of the surrounding valley. Be prepared for the paid parking and trail access fees, which are clearly posted at the entrance. Overall, a worthwhile hike for those seeking a half-day adventure without excessive difficulty.
J
Jennifer
Aug 19, 2025
Absolutely stunning trail that showcases the natural beauty of Hudson Valley perfectly. The 3.2 km route with 300m elevation gain is manageable yet rewarding, offering excellent valley vistas throughout. While the paid access and parking fees may seem like a drawback initially, the quality of the trail experience and pristine conditions make every penny justified. Highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts.
D
David
Jun 3, 2025
Decent moderate hike with reasonable elevation gain that provides good exercise without being overly strenuous. The trail is properly maintained and accessible via Route 240 from I-90 exit 48. However, the combination of parking fees and trail access charges adds up quickly. Worth visiting if you're in the area, but budget accordingly for the costs involved.
S
Sarah
Mar 27, 2025
Beautiful moderate-difficulty hike that delivers impressive Hudson Valley views and well-groomed paths throughout. The 300m elevation gain keeps your heart rate up without overwhelming beginners or casual hikers. Note that dogs are not permitted on this trail, so plan pet care accordingly. The paid parking and access fees are standard for the region and reflect the trail's excellent maintenance quality.
J
Jennifer
Mar 18, 2025
Great moderate trail with well-maintained paths and beautiful Hudson Valley views throughout. The 300m elevation gain over 3.2 km offers a balanced workout that's neither too easy nor too difficult. Important note: dogs are not permitted on this trail, and there's a parking fee. Plan accordingly and bring cash or cards for the entrance.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Washburn Trail is rated moderate.
The elevation gain of Washburn Trail is 427 m.
The summit of Washburn Trail is at 3,113 m.
Allow about 1h15 for Washburn Trail (3.2 km).
Tickets, reservations and access conditions are managed by Washburn Trail: that is where the information is kept current.
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Washburn Trail.
Washburn Trail is not recommended for young children.
No, Washburn Trail has no visitor centre on site.
The Washburn Trail is rated as Moderate difficulty, making it suitable for hikers with some experience and basic fitness level. The 3.2 km distance and 300 m elevation gain are manageable for most beginners who are prepared for a steady climb. Consider your fitness level and start early to allow adequate time for completion before sunset.
While the Washburn Trail is accessible year-round during daylight hours, spring through fall typically offer the most pleasant hiking conditions with stable weather and longer daylight hours. Winter hiking is possible but requires careful planning due to shorter days and potentially hazardous trail conditions. Check current weather and trail conditions before your visit.
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Update : October 2026