This is the Charcoal Burners > Cabot > Perkins Trail

Location: Cold Spring
Distance: 1.9 miles
Skill Level: easy to moderate
Elevation Gain: 200′
Type of Hike: loop
Trail Condition: dirt, rocks
Wow Factor: okay views of the lake
Note: street parking, after heavy rains, the water crossings can be difficult

How to get there: Almost exactly between the Taconic and Route 9 on 301 (about 3 miles from each).  There is a wooden post with “Charcoal Burners” written on it on the north side of the road to mark the trail head.  Here is a street view.  Park on either side of the street, making sure you leave plenty of room between your door and the line as this is a busy and fast road.

Address to get you close: 1031 Cold Spring Turnpike, Cold Spring, NY, us

 

Summary: Head up the rock behind the Charcoal Burners sign.  The trail will climb very slowly along the red trail.  Its is a thin trail with blueberry bushes or Mountain Laurel closing in on the sides for a good portion of the hike.

In about 3/4 of a mile you will see a little cairn (pile of rocks) and spray paint telling you to head left for the white Cabot Trail.  You’ll head downhill toward a lake.  There are a few unmarked trails to cut closer for a nice view.  There is a big mowed hill in the distance.  Start uphill away from the lake.  The Cabot Trail is almost exactly one mile and goes over some rocky areas but nothing too difficult.  It dumps out on an old grass road.

Watch for yellow signs of the Perkins Trail in the trees on the left.  Turn left on yellow for less than a quarter of a mile, then right on red to go back to the car.  There is no good spot to take a break and let the babies down at the end but the grassy road would give a safe place to run around if you brought your snacks with you.  We managed right at the top of the hill by the cars but had to watch the edge and my fearless toddlers.

 

Facilities: none
Hunting:
Dogs: on a leash no longer than 10 feet

Map