The Upper Hudson Valley is a region of New York State, located along the Hudson River and encompassing several counties, including Greene, Columbia, Albany, and Rensselaer. The area is known for its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and rich history, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
One of the main draws of the Upper Hudson Valley is its connection to the Hudson River, which played a significant role in the region’s development. The river was a major transportation route for goods and people, and many of the towns and cities along its banks grew prosperous as a result. Today, visitors can explore the area’s history and culture through a variety of museums, historic sites, and other attractions.
In addition to its historical significance, the Upper Hudson Valley is also known for its stunning natural scenery. The region is home to the Catskill Mountains, rolling hills, and picturesque towns and villages. Artists have long been drawn to the area’s beauty, and the Hudson River School of painters, which included such luminaries as Thomas Cole and Frederic Church, was founded in the region in the mid-19th century. Today, visitors can still enjoy the area’s natural beauty through hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is a region in New York that is known for its charming towns, Dutch heritage, and stunning natural beauty. The area is nestled in the Catskill Mountains and boasts rolling hills, orchards, and farms. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. The region is also home to many historic sites, including mansions, museums, and Main Streets that date back to the 1600s.
Kerhonkson
Kerhonkson is a small town in the Hudson Valley that is surrounded by natural beauty. The town is located in the Catskill Mountains and is known for its hiking trails, parks, and Hudson River views. Visitors can also enjoy apple picking at the local orchards or exploring the historic sites in nearby towns.
Accord
Accord is a charming town in the Hudson Valley that is known for its outdoor activities and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and is home to many parks and hiking trails. Visitors can also explore the local farms and orchards or take a stroll through the historic Main Street.
Stone Ridge
Stone Ridge is a historic town in the Hudson Valley that is known for its Dutch heritage and natural beauty. The town is home to many historic sites, including the Stone Ridge Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can also enjoy hiking in the nearby parks or taking a scenic drive through the rolling hills.
Lloyd
Lloyd is a small town in the Hudson Valley that is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town is located on the Hudson River and offers stunning views of the water. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the nearby parks or exploring the local farms and orchards.
Plattekill
Plattekill is a charming town in the Hudson Valley that is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town is located in the Catskill Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking in the nearby parks or exploring the local farms and orchards.
Shawangunk Mountains
The Shawangunk Mountains, also known as “The Gunks”, are a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and rock climbers in the Upper Hudson Valley. The mountains are located west of New Paltz and offer breathtaking views of the Catskills.
Ellenville
Ellenville is a town located at the foot of the Shawangunk Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, horse shows, and skydiving. The town also has a rich colonial history and many historic stone houses.
Woodstock
Woodstock is a town located near the Shawangunk Mountains and is known for its art scene and music history. The town was home to the famous Woodstock Festival in 1969 and is now a hub for artists and musicians.
Saugerties
Saugerties is a town located near the Shawangunk Mountains and is known for its lighthouse and maritime history. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and horse shows in the area.
Hurley
Hurley is a town located near the Shawangunk Mountains and is known for its historic Huguenot Street. The street features many colonial-era stone houses and is a popular destination for history buffs.
Gardiner
Gardiner is a town located near the Shawangunk Mountains and is known for its rock climbing and hiking trails. The town also has a rich agricultural history and is home to many farms and orchards.
New Paltz
New Paltz is a town located at the foot of the Shawangunk Mountains and is home to SUNY New Paltz. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, historic sites, and a vibrant downtown area. The town is also a popular destination for rock climbers and nature lovers.
Ulster County
Ulster County is one of the most beautiful and historic counties in the Upper Hudson Valley. It is located approximately 90-120 minutes from New York City and the Hudson Valley border and 90 minutes south of Albany. The county is home to many vibrant communities, including Kingston, Marlborough, Woodstock, New Paltz, and Saugerties.
Kingston
Kingston is the county seat of Ulster County and a historic waterfront town. It is home to many museums, including the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the Trolley Museum of New York. Visitors can also enjoy dining at the many restaurants and cafes in the area. Kingston is also known for its vineyards and wine tasting experiences.
Marlborough
Marlborough is a small town in Ulster County known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting and tours at the many vineyards in the area, including Benmarl Winery and Vineyards and Stoutridge Vineyard. Marlborough is also home to many historic sites, including the Gomez Mill House and the Marlborough Free Library.
Ulster County is a great destination for those looking to explore the Upper Hudson Valley. With its rich culture, dining options, historic waterfront, museums, vineyards, and wine tasting experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Western Catskills
The Western Catskills region in the Upper Hudson Valley is a remote wilderness area that boasts of scenic beauty and rural landscapes. The region is home to the Catskill Park, which spans four counties – Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster. The park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, skiing, and water activities.
Hardenburgh
Hardenburgh is a town in Ulster County, New York, located in the Western Catskills region. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with the Ashokan Reservoir providing a picturesque backdrop. The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and water activities. The town is also home to several trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Denning
Denning is a town in Ulster County, New York, located in the Western Catskills region. The town is known for its remote wilderness areas and scenic beauty. The town has several trails that offer opportunities for hiking and skiing. The town is also home to the Peekamoose Blue Hole, a popular swimming spot.
Shandaken
Shandaken is a town in Ulster County, New York, located in the Western Catskills region. The town is known for its ski resorts, which offer some of the best skiing in the region. The town is also home to several trails that offer opportunities for hiking and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Olive
Olive is a town in Ulster County, New York, located in the Western Catskills region. The town is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The town has several trails that offer opportunities for hiking and skiing. The town is also home to the Ashokan Rail Trail, a popular spot for biking and hiking.
River Towns and Cities
The Upper Hudson Valley is home to several charming river towns and cities that offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are three towns that are worth exploring:
Rosendale
Rosendale is a small town located on the banks of the Rondout Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River. The town is known for its vibrant arts scene, which includes galleries, studios, and theaters. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown area, which features buildings dating back to the 19th century.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Rosendale Trestle, a former railroad bridge that has been converted into a pedestrian walkway. The trestle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Esopus
Esopus is a town located on the western shore of the Hudson River. The town is home to several waterfront parks that offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore the historic downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse that has been restored and is now open to the public. Visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and significance.
Wawarsing
Wawarsing is a town located in the Shawangunk Mountains, just a short drive from the Hudson River. The town is known for its natural beauty, which includes the Sam’s Point Preserve and the Ice Caves. Visitors can explore the preserve’s hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, or take a guided tour of the Ice Caves, which are a unique geological formation.
In addition to its natural beauty, Wawarsing also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking on the Rondout Creek and hiking on the Shawangunk Ridge Rail Trail.
Overall, the river towns and cities of the Upper Hudson Valley offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic downtown areas, hiking on scenic trails, or kayaking on the Hudson River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Historical and Cultural Sites
The Upper Hudson Valley is home to a variety of historical and cultural sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich past. Visitors can explore the homes of famous artists, take a tour of Gilded Age mansions, or learn about the area’s role in American history.
One must-visit site is the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, which honors the life and work of the Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole. The site includes Cole’s former home and studio, as well as galleries that showcase his art and the work of other Hudson River School painters. Visitors can take guided tours of the property or explore on their own.
Another must-see destination is Olana, the former home of Frederic Church. This stunning property is a testament to Church’s love of Middle Eastern art and architecture, and visitors can tour the house and grounds to see his collections and the stunning views of the Hudson River.
For those interested in the Gilded Age, Kykuit is a must-visit destination. This sprawling estate was once home to the Rockefeller family and features stunning gardens, art collections, and architecture.
In addition to these specific sites, the Upper Hudson Valley is also home to a variety of other historic sites and museums that offer insight into the region’s past. Visitors can explore the area’s role in the American Revolution at the Saratoga National Historical Park, or take a walking tour of Hudson’s historic district to see examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture.
Overall, the Upper Hudson Valley’s historical and cultural sites offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, or history, there’s plenty to see and explore in this beautiful region.