Being one of the most paradigmatic natural landmarks in the United States river Hudson spreads out for over 300 miles from its source in the Adirondack Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Flowing through New York State, the Hudson River provides sightseers with some of the most serene and historically relevant routes in the region.
Along the Hudson River, there is a myriad of beautiful towns to visit and must-see attractions from the foothills of the Catskill Mountains to the busy New York City. The following are the ten best routes and attractions that are worth traveling along the Hudson River.
1 The Hudson River Greenway
The Greenway on the Hudson River, a 12.9-mile route, is a pedestrian and bike-friendly pathway that extends from Battery Park in Manhattan to the George Washington Bridge. It is one of the best places to view the New York Skyline and gives a breathtaking view of the Hudson River, making it a favorite stopping place for strollers, joggers, and bikers. Excursionists get to enjoy the beautiful views while they experience New York City and its metropolitan area. The Greenway is a convenient, sustainable commute pathway that helps to connect communities along the river.
- Location: Hudson River Park Trust
Related:10 Best Campsites In The Hudson Valley For The Best Views
2 Bear Mountain State Park
Offering visitors over 5,000 acres of natural beauty and ambient scenery, Bear Mountain State Park is located in the Hudson Valley. Its serene beauty makes it an insta-approved location to capture images in the fall. The park boasts numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, trailside Museums, a scenic drive along the Hudson River, and cross-country ski trails. For those who treasure the serenity of quiet scenery, the Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.
- Address: Route 9W North, Bear Mountain, NY 10911, United States
3 The Walkway Over The Hudson
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a 1.28-mile-long pedestrian bridge that stretches out through the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie to the Highlands hence making it the lengthiest, raised pedestrian bridge in the world. It showcases stunning views of the river and the surrounding area. For hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, the park grants access to the Hudson River's stunning landscape. For the adventurous, this steel bridge provides the perfect opportunity for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Address: 61 Parker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
4 Olana State Historic Site
For historic enthusiasts, the Olana State Historic Site is the perfect location to visit. This Site is the former home of Frederic Edwin Church, a famous landscape painter, and it features an elaborately stenciled, Persian-inspired mansion filled with original sketches, studies, and paintings by one of the mid-19th century's most famous artists. Inside the Olana State Historic Site, tourists get to enjoy viewing a diverse decorative arts collection that includes objects from around the world.
- Address: 5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY 12534, United States
5 West Point Military Academy
Situated on the west bank of the Hudson River is the West Point Military Academy, well known to be home to some of the country's smartest military minds. Tourists can take guided tours of the academy, which include visits to the cadet chapel, the military museum, and the famous West Point Cemetery. Special exhibits throughout the year allow tourists to explore key moments in military history and have the opportunity to see some of the finest cadets in the country.
- Address: 606 Thayer Rd, West Point, NY 10996, United States
6 Hudson River Maritime Museum
The Hudson River Maritime Museum is located in Kingston and celebrates the region's maritime history. The museum offers exhibits on the river's lighthouses, boatbuilding, and the role of the river in the American Revolution, which is engaging for everyone, historian or not. Anyone visiting also gets access to collected artifacts, including paintings, prints, photographs, ship models, memorabilia, ephemera, ice yachts, and a 100+-year-old shad fishing boat.
- Address: 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401, United States
Related:10 Beautiful Towns On New York's Hudson River Worth Visiting
Starting with a 30-minute boat ride on the Hudson River towards Bannerman Castle is already an experience one would treasure. The Bannerman is a castle-like structure located on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River. Along the way, boat operators typically offer a bit of history on the area and point out nearby attractions in Beacon and Newburgh. Upon arrival, the tours of Bannerman Castle offer a fantastic look into the history of the island, including its use by Native Americans, Dutch sailors, and the Continental Army, prior to the island being purchased by Francis Bannerman VI in 1900.
- Location: Pollepel Island, Newburgh, New York
8 The FDR Presidential Library And Museum
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, the first presidential library in the country, is located in Hyde Park. The museum features exhibits on Roosevelt's life and presidency and his relationship with the Hudson River Valley. The FDR Presidential Library and Museum avail tourists the opportunity to get up close and personal with the presidential memorabilia from this era and allow visitors a glimpse into the life of America's most prominent presidents.
- Location: Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
- Address: 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, United States
9 Storm King Art Center
Situated in Mountainville, the Storm King Art Center is an outdoor sculpture park that covers over 100 sculptures by some of the most renowned artists in the world, including Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein. Storm King Art Center nurtures a vibrant bond between art, nature, and people. The area is a place where discovery is limitless which is one of the reasons that make the Storm King Art Center worth visiting for anyone who fancies a good walk down memory lane of art. Committed to supporting artists and attending its landscape, Storm King connects with visitors through dynamic art exhibitions that change with the seasons and offer discoveries with every visit.
- Address: 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553, United States
10 Sleepy Hollow
From offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities along with world-renowned historic landmarks and modern attributes, Sleepy Hollow is a historic town located on the east bank of the Hudson River. The town is famous for its numerous historic sites, including the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Philipsburg Manor, and Sunnyside, Irving's former home. This remarkable mix contributes to an enviable quality of life for residents – even as it attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. With the proper guide, Sleepy Hollow has a lot of things to do, including shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities that keep tourists engaged and interactive.
