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Karla Henriquez
Leaf Peeping in the Hudson River Valley
October 1 2009 by Karla Henriquez
With the onset of cool weather comes one of Mother Nature's greatest treats, the change in the color of leaves as trees prepare to bear the cold of winter. Many people set aside a weekend in late September or early October to get away to a place where they can really soak in all the beauty that the change of season offers. Perhaps in some way, this ritual prepares us for the barrenness of winter. This year, when planning your fall foliage tour, consider visiting New York's Hudson River Valley.
This valley appeals to me for so many reasons. It's rich with history, it's easily accessible from the New York metro area by rail, boat, car, or even bicycle, and it's full of charming little towns, excellent restaurants, historic homes, and stunning views. To top this off, the valley offers a magnificent display of reds, golds, and browns beginning in late September and through the month of October.
There are many ways to experience the Hudson River Valley in the fall. Here are a few suggestions:
By train:
Jump on the MTA Hudson line out of Grand Central Station, get a seat next to the window on the left side of the car and ride all the way to Poughkeepsie and back (or turn around anywhere along the way). This is also an excellent way to reach many of the interesting towns and historic mansions on the east bank of the Hudson River. For information on visiting the mansions in the area, visit http://www.hudsonvalley.org/.
By boat:
From Manhattan, catch the Shades of Autumn River Cruise from Pier 78 (West 38th Street) to enjoy 4 hours of spectacular views and information on historic sites along the way.
Enjoy the drive to Newburgh, New York on the west side of the Hudson River and then embark on a two hour narrated cruise of the river. Sights along the way include Mt. Beacon, Bannerman Island, Storm King Mountain, Breakneck Mountain, The Catskill Aqueduct, World's End, Cold Spring, and West Point. For details regarding river cruises, check out http://www.prideofthehudson.com.
By bicycle:
Rte. 9 out of New York City is a Greenway bike route and 129 miles of the route is in the Hudson River Valley. You can tackle any part of this route or consider driving to one of the many state parks, like Minnewaska State Park Preserve, that also have both hiking and biking trails.
On foot:
Visit one of the Valley's state parks. Minnewaska is a great option, as is Catskill State Park where Kaaterskill Falls make an excellent destination.
By car:
Take a drive on the Taconic State Parkway, Route 9W, Route 44 from the Taconic Parkway through Millbrook, or Route 23/23A for a loop that begins and ends in the town of Catskill.
From the air:
For thrill seekers who want a unique view of the fall foliage in the Hudson River Valley, there are two skydive operators in the area: Saratoga Skydiving and Skydive the Ranch.
Before heading to the Hudson Valley, pick up a New York State or Hudson Valley guidebook at your local library or bookstore for detailed information about area sites, dining and accommodations. It will be well worth your time to prepare a little as there is so much to do here!
If you've been to the Hudson Valley in the autumn, please share something about your experience - where did you go, how did you get there, where did you eat? Your comments are welcome!
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