A New York Village Along The Hudson River Boasts Breathtaking Scenery & A Historic Castle

If you are looking to plan a day trip from New York City, there is no better spot than Cold Spring. This easy-to-reach village is a quick train ride from the city. Once you arrive in the Hudson Valley, a great spot for a fall family getaway, you will find gorgeous views along the river, from the mountains, and even at a historic castle. Which day do you want to go?

Cold Spring sits along the Hudson River in Upstate New York's Putnam County. The small village, which is home to less than 2,000 people, is part of the town of Philipstown. It lies 56 miles north of New York City, with easy commuter service from Grand Central Terminal on the Metro-North Railroad. After about an hour-and-a-half ride on the Hudson Line, the train will come to a stop in the Cold Spring Historic District.

The Cold Spring Historic District is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Many of its buildings were constructed in the 19th century, when the West Point Foundry was producing weapons for the Civil War. The foundry is now a preserve and outdoor museum with walking trails that extend inland from the river. The well-preserved buildings are now filled with cheese markets, coffeehouses, ice cream shops, and vintage stores. The waterfront areas, including the Cold Spring Pier and Dockside Park, have uninterrupted views of the Hudson River with West Point across the water. It is easy to walk between all of these spots.

After exploring the center of Cold Spring, it is time to stretch your legs. Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve is a collection of land parcels that covers more than 8,000 acres, including many around Cold Spring, along the Hudson River. There are more than 70 miles of hiking trails in the preserve. They are known for having some of the best views in the Hudson Valley. Breakneck Ridge, New York's most infamous hike, is currently closed for a two-year construction project. There are plenty of other options, though.

The Washburn Trail heads into the preserve on the northwestern outskirts of Cold Spring. It climbs up Bull Hill (as known as Mount Taurus) and accesses the upper Breakneck Ridge Viewpoints before connecting with the Cornish Estate Trail on the descent. The five-mile loop has sweeping views across the Hudson Valley. A much easier option, right in the same area, is the Little Stony Point Overlook Trail. This loop trail is only a mile long, but it passes a beach, hugs the shoreline, and climbs the eponymous cliffs. It has great views without any strenuous climbs.

Then, closer to Beacon, the perfect addition to your end-of-fall bucket list, you will find the entrance to the Notch Trail along Route 9D. The two-mile, out-and-back trail is short and steep, while also having great views of the water. You can't go wrong — or lose sight of the Hudson River — with any of these trails.

While admiring the stunning views from high above the Hudson River during your hike, you might notice something peculiar in the water below. Heading toward Beacon, there is an island with an abandoned castle in the river. This is Pollepel Island. The nearly seven-acre island is rocky and uninhabited. It sits about 1,000 feet off the eastern shore of the river. Plus, the striking ruins of Bannerman Castle stand on it.

Bannerman Castle may have been inspired by Scotland's impressive castles, but it isn't really a castle. A Scot, Francis Bannerman VI, built the fortress to hold his enormous arsenal of weapons at the turn of the 20th century. It had a high tower, a moat, and even a drawbridge. But when the owner died in 1918, his family did not maintain the dangerous island. The weapons were removed, and the castle deteriorated. It sat empty for years.

The castle is now operated by a nonprofit, the Bannerman Castle Trust, in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. You can book a tour to visit the island. The Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour (adults $45, children $35) includes a ferry ride from Beacon and a tour of the castle and gardens, while the Walking & Kayaking Tour with Storm King Adventure Tours (single seater $100, two seater $200) circles the island before touring the ruins. You are already plotting another day trip to this breathtaking area.