Nestled within the heart of New York State's Hudson Valley sits the long-abandoned mansion ruins of the Stern-Cornish Estate where hikers can explore the old estate grounds including the mansion, greenhouse, chauffeur's cottage, waterfalls, and a view of
Storm King Mountain and the Hudson River.
This easy 2.4-mile out-and-back hike in
Hudson Highlands State Park near Cold Spring, New York leads hikers to the Cornish Estate Ruins for a fun, family-friendly adventure to the site of a mansion that was once owned by New York's elite.
Hiking to the Cornish Estate Ruins
This hike begins along the route NY-9D just north of Cold Spring, New York at the Washburn Trailhead where hikers will find the trailhead on the northwest end of the parking lot. Keep left at the main trail sign to follow the path that leads directly to the Cornish Estate Ruins.
On the hike up, you'll first pass through a deciduous forest where, during warm months, hikers will find honeysuckle, raspberry bushes, and lush undergrowth that feels somewhat out of place for New York State. The trail follows several sections of boardwalk before it spits you out on the old driveway road that was once used by the Stern-Cornish Estate owners to reach their property. As you hop onto the old road, you'll notice the two stone pillars along NY-9D that once defined the entrance to the property.
Following the old road, it gradually leads uphill toward the abandoned estate, as it passes rocky outcroppings, drainage ditches, and sloping concrete buttresses that were once used to divert water, falling rock, and other hazards that the original land owners had to battle.
Abandoned Japanese Garden - Mile 0.77 to 0.83
Near mile 0.77, hikers will find signage for the estate's long-abandoned Japanese Garden. Taking a right-hand turn along this forest path leads to a dead-end where you'll find remnants of a long-lost Japanese Garden that once sat on the property. As of 2026, there's really nothing to see here, but you can imagine what the area might have looked like as the signage includes some pictures of the long-lost garden.
Exploring the Estate's Abandoned Ruins - Mile 0.95 to 1.65
Once you're back on the main entrance road, it continues further into the forest to reach the old Cornish Estate ruins. At mile 0.95, there's a fork in the road where a left-hand turn leads directly to the estate's mansion ruins. If you pay close enough attention to the information signs and the current layout of the forest (in 2026), you'll find an old-growth tree growing alongside a large boulder that can be found in an old picture on one of the information kiosks.
Mansion Ruins - Mile 1
As you approach the old mansion ruins, you'll notice the old car / carriage port section of the house has been reduced to a few stone archways. A small stone staircase leads to the front of the mansion's porch where you'll find more entryways to peer into the mansion's ruins. Inside the abandoned mansion are several stacks of fireplaces that were once used to heat the home and are now left freestanding, allowing hikers to imagine where the first and second stories of the home used to sit. If you walk into the front yard, you'll find the old swimming pool and an information kiosk with a picture of the mansion's long-gone pergolas that once arched over the stone pathway that lead to the front porch. Continue just a bit further to the edge of the front yard and you'll find a nice view of the Hudson River with
Storm King Mountain towering overhead.
Greenhouse and Barn Area - Mile 1.12
After exploring the mansion's ruins, the hike leads uphill slightly to reach the old greenhouse and barn area where you'll find the old greenhouse standing on the south side of the cul de sac with its metal foot trestles still standing. Following the cul de sac in a small circle, you'll find old foundations for a barn and stables that once sat in the middle of the circle.
Chauffeur's Cottage, Pumphouse, and Waterfalls - Mile 1.3 to 1.4
When you're done exploring the stables and greenhouse area, the last section of the Cornish Estate Ruins to explore are on the west side of the property. Follow the road back toward the mansion, then take a right-hand turn to reach a road that leads to the Chauffeur's cottage and garage, a pumphouse, and a couple of waterfalls. The Chauffuer's cottage can be found on the left-side of the road near mile 1.3 - all that's left standing are three walls of the building. There's also a livestock building nearby located on the right-side of the road. Just ahead are two waterfalls, one is located downhill off-trail and spills down two series of cascades to make-up a ~20 foot tall waterfall. The second waterfall is located on the road, with its waters that flow through a culvert below. The 2nd, more accessible waterfall, slopes down the natural bedrock at about 12-feet tall. In between both waterfalls is the long-abandoned pumphouse for the property.
Hiking Out - Mile 1.4 to 2.4
After exploring the rest of the Stern-Cornish Estate Ruins (i.e. waterfalls, pumphouse, etc.), the hike leads back to parking. Most of the hike out is all downhill with just a few minor exceptions, so it's a quick and easy walk back. On your way out, you can appreciate the ruins and old-growth trees one last time before hiking through the forest to reach parking. Return to the parking lot at mile 2.4 to wrap up the hike.
Parking
Hikers will find a medium-sized parking lot at the coordinates provided (), located on the north side of NY-9D north of Cold Spring, New York. The lot is large enough to fit a couple dozen vehicles (max) as of June 2026. The lot fills up fairly quickly by late morning, so arriving earlier in the morning or later in the evening is best if you want to explore the ruins with less people.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Warning
Poison ivy: This hike passes several sections of poison ivy, mostly located on the side of the trail and off-trail. Be aware of what it looks like at its various stages of life to ensure you avoid it.
