Ariela

I am planning to go for an overnight hiking retreat with a friend this weekend in Cold Spring, NY. Any ideas for inexpensive lodging in or close to Cold Spring? B&B's seem to go for $100+. Also, any tips for activities, hiking, etc? Many thanks.

nyer

B&B's almost anywhere within 2 hours of NYC are closer to $200 per night than $100 and Cold Spring is one of the towns that's more popular than average because there are stores and restaurants and (important for the car-less NYer)it's easily reachable by train.

The nearest area that has some decent hotel chains (Holiday Inn, etc)would probably be Fishkill (maybe 10 miles north). Of course you'd need a car to get there and back

suzanne

As you probably know, Cold Spring is great for antiquing. There are also tons of shops that sell crafts. It's also a nice place to go and relax...sitting on the grass or on the pier at the edge of the Hudson, or drinking a beer at the Depot Cafe (a former train station), and feeling the trains whoosh by.

There is great hiking there, too. "Bull Hill" is an excellent loop hike that starts in Cold Spring. Some parts are tough, but, oh, the views! Check this out for a description and map:
http://www.gorp.com/gorp/publishers/countryman/hik_dut2.htm

Some other hikes mentioned on the GORP website start in Garrison, which is just one train station down. Also a very nice area...right on the river. I haven't tried any of these hikes, though.

Ted

I hiked Cold Spring late last Fall and also checked for overnight spots (for future trips), with no luck. Options were limited. Your best bet might be to hop on a train & return to the city (if that's where you're starting, of course). The hiking is great; enjoy!

ariela

thanks, everyone.

Michelle

Also, you will probably need to book with much more time in advance (at least 2 weeks). They are all probably sold out for this weekend. Rates are also in the $200+ range.

Merilee

Hi Ariela, there's a placed called the Old Oak Inn that's located on Route 9W North in Fort Montgomery, New York...it's about 1/10th of a mile from the Bear Mountain Circle...this place is very popular with hikers from all over the world who come to hike along the Appalachian Trail...it's very affordable ...the telephone number is (845)446-3700...the closest train station is the Metro North station in Garrison, New York...Holiday Inn Express opened recently on 9W North in Fort Montgomery...there's also a little place called the Bear Mountain Inn and the telephone number is (845)786-2731...Bear Mountain also has a hotel and cabins for rent, and there's plenty of hiking trails...West Point is also a great place for walking as there are so many landmarks there along with fantastic Hudson River views...there's a restaurant in Fort Montgomery called The Trading Post that looks out over the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge...it's quaint and serves good food.