Foundry Dock Park

Though small, Foundry Dock Park is full of history and offers incomparable views of the Hudson Highlands. It also provides a jumping-off point for paddlers to explore wildlife in nearby Constitution Marsh.

Tranquil Foundry Dock Park is just a few steps from the Cold Spring train stationRobert Rodriguez, Jr.

Cold Spring, Putnam County (0.7 acre)—It's hard to believe this riverfront oasis — a perfect spot to marvel at the Hudson Highlands — was the busy loading dock of the West Point Foundry. Located just southeast of here, it was established in 1818 to produce artillery for the U.S. government. During the Civil War, it manufactured Parrot guns, cannons whose accuracy is credited for the North's victory. Until its 1911 closure, the foundry also produced some of America's first locomotives, steamships and pipes for New York City's water system. Finished goods were transported by rail to a pier stretching into the river off Foundry Dock Park and then shipped worldwide. Both the foundry site (now Scenic Hudson's West Point Foundry Preserve) and Foundry Dock Park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Park visitors can view a simulation of the foundry's rail line and enjoy wildlife attracted to a variety of native plants. For paddlers, this is a great place to begin excursions into Foundry Cove and Audubon New York's Constitution Marsh Sanctuary, a haven for waterfowl and migratory birds. History buffs shouldn't miss the picturesque 1833 Chapel of Our Lady next to the park, built for foundry workers. The remains of foundry buildings in West Point Foundry Preserve also are a short walk away.

Park Features

Access via train
Bird watching/nature study
Dog walking (on leash)
Fishing
Food nearby
Hudson River Greenway Water Trail site
Kayaking & canoeing
Kayak rentals and tours provided by Hudson Valley Outfitters of Cold Spring.
Featured Atlantic Kayak Tours destination
Picnicking
Portable toilet
Universally accessible
Walking

When to visit

Year-round daily dawn to dusk. Allow a minimum of 1 hour, longer if you plan to kayak. Caution: access to Foundry Cove is impossible at high tide; check tide charts before setting out.

Trails

A short, universally accessible walking path rings the park. A connecting trail to West Point Foundry Preserve is accessible from the northbound platform of the nearby train station.

Directions & Map

From intersection of Route 9 and Route 301, take Route 301 west for 2.6 miles to intersection of Route 9D at traffic light. Proceed west on Route 301/Main Street for four blocks; turn left on Lunn Terrace to end; turn left on Market Street. Park entrance on right. Free weekend parking adjacent to the train station. By train, exit Cold Spring station.

*For a permit to launch a small motorized boat from Foundry Dock Park, contact the Village of Cold Spring.

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