The Hudson Valley offers historic cities, free-for-public visit estates of former important political and economic figures, scenic views, and delicious food. It has long been a place that attracts people from near and far. The charming nature and the surrounding cute towns make the Hudson River one of the best road trip destinations. Here are ten short-distance route suggestions for travel lovers who seek to experience a relaxing and recreational journey along the beautiful Hudson River.
10 White Plains - Chatham
This road trip is on the eastern side of the Hudson River and is all about the landscapes. The Taconic State Parkway was a route which creation was suggested by Franklin Roosevelt. It is a two-hour scenic highway that is now a part of the National Register of Historic Places. With the amazing scenery and cozy towns, wherever one decides to make a stop along this parkway, it won’t be a mistake.
Lake Taghkanic State Park is one of the must-made stops.
9 Nyack-Kingston
From Rockland County to Ulster County - both the starting and finishing point of this road trip suggestion deserves a visit. Nyack is where the artist Edward Hopper had grown up, and visiting his house museum is a must. Kingston, on the other hand, is famous for its historical architecture. Nyack-Kingston is an approximately one-hour-and-a-half route that goes through the Harriman State Park, Shunnenmuck State Park, and with a detour on Route 218 to Storm King State Park - the one with the most impressive landscape views.
- Interesting fact: Kingston was New York’s first capital in 1777
8 Yonkers - Hudson
Westchester, Putnam, Dutchness, and Columbia Counties are regions full of mansions of back in the time important political and economic figures in New York. Most of these architectural masterpieces are open for public visits and are located along Route 9. Once on the road trip from Yonkers to Hudson, one should make sure to visit the impressive Lyndhurst Mansion, Kykuit, Boscobel House and Gardens, and Staatsburgh State Historic Site.
The trip along the highway alone takes around two hours.
7 Sloatsburg - Perkins Memorial Tower
While it is a nice experience year-round, this road trip suggestion is best made during autumn since the route goes through amazing mountain landscapes. On the way, one will enter Harriman State Park and Bear Mountain State Park. Making a stop in these national parks not only will allow visitors to enjoy the scenery and mountain views but would also give them a chance to go on a hike and immerse themselves in the beautiful nature. Harriman State Parks’ lakes also are definitely a sight not to miss.
The whole drive without stops is approximately 30 minutes, but not making a stop along this beautiful road trip is almost impossible.
6 Pawling- Millbrook- Millerton
Located on the eastern edge of the Hudson Valley, the cute towns of Pawling, Millbrook, and Millerton make for a lovely winter road trip. The drive between them passes through picturesque forest landscapes and small farms, crossing directly the beautiful Appalachian Trail through Route 55. Spending money on this road trip is inevitable since Pawling, Millbrook, and Millerton are towns full of antique shops, nice bakeries, and cozy bookstores.
The whole drive takes approximately one hour without stops.
5 Saugerties - Hudson
The drive between Saugerties and Hudson is quite short - thirty minutes. The stops that can be made along the way, however, can make the whole journey last at least half a day. Saugerties is a city that was founded by German and Dutch emigrants and the name is translated from Dutch as “sawmill”. Taking a stroll in this city is a must since it has a unique vibe coming from all the antique and vintage shops that populate its streets. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site and the views along the Rip Van Wrinkle Bridge are another amazing part of this road trip journey.
Hudson is a cozy city on the east side of the Hudson River that deserves at least a day
4 Hudson - Tarrytown
Going down along the eastern part of the Hudson River through Route 9 would provide road trip enthusiasts with amazing river views and a worth-to-see destination in the face of the city Beacon. It is an artsy place that came to life thanks to the relocation of many Brooklyn people. Walking around the funky Beacon Streets and visiting the Dia Beacon museum is a must before continuing on the road to Tarrytown.
Making a stop at Hudson Highlands State Parks for a short hike is also recommendable.
3 Rhinebeck - Tivoli
Both cities of Rhinebeck and Tivoli are in Dutchess County, known to be one of the best regions to live in New York state. The county is known for the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. Rhinebeck is a cozy city with plenty of locally owned shops with unique offerings. Tivoli, on the other hand, surprises visitors with its lively atmosphere, beautiful Tivoly Bays Wildlife Management Area, and remarkable Hudson River views. On the drive between those cities, the Poets Walkpark gives the opportunity to immerse in nature and forget about all the problems that one has.
Visiting the Tivoli Artists Gallery is never a waste of time.
2 Wassaic - Pawling
A road trip on Route 22 is short but worth making. The drive between Wassaic and Pawling goes along the famous Appalachian Trail and the Swamp River. The Harlem Valley that this route is part of gives the opportunity to enjoy views of tranquil farms and beautiful landscapes of mountains (the Taconic and Berkshire mountains). The road trip finishes off in the beautiful village of Pawling.
Any countryside lover should make sure to catch a glimpse of the Pawling landscape.
1 Leeds - Windham
Another short drive, the road trip from Leeds to Windham, features amazing views west of the Hudson River. Must-stops along the way are Five State Lookout point and Acra, with Five State Lookout point providing views of three mountains - the White Mountains, the Green Mountains, and the Berkshires. It is a lovely spot to watch the sunset from.
The drive between Leeds and Windham without stops is 30 minutes.