Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Beacon, New York to Beacon, New York in Hudson Valley & Catskills, New York, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to October: foliage peaks in October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Nature, Food & drink, Classic road trip.

Hudson Valley & Catskills Loop: New York's River and Mountains

Q: How long is the Hudson Valley & Catskills Loop: New York's River and Mountains route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 7 stops.

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The route · 7 stops

1
Beacon
1 night
The loop's gateway on the Hudson's east bank, an hour north of New York City. Spend the first day at Dia:Beacon, a vast contemporary art museum in a former Nabisco box factory, then walk the long Main Street of galleries and cafes. Hardier visitors hike Mount Beacon for the river view.
The loop's gateway on the Hudson's east bank, an hour north of New York City. Spend the first day at Dia:Beacon, a vast contemporary art museum in a former Nabisco box factory, then walk the long Main Street of galleries and cafes. Hardier visitors hike Mount Beacon for the river view.
Dia:Beacon closes Tuesday and Wednesday outside peak season. Book Mount Beacon parking early on autumn weekends.
2
Cold Spring
1 night10m · 12 km from previous
A pocket-sized riverside village hemmed in by the Hudson Highlands. Antique shops and a walkable Main Street lead down to a bandstand on the water facing Storm King Mountain. It is the trailhead for Breakneck Ridge, one of the Northeast's most popular and steepest scrambles, and a short hop from Storm King Art Center.
A pocket-sized riverside village hemmed in by the Hudson Highlands. Antique shops and a walkable Main Street lead down to a bandstand on the water facing Storm King Mountain. It is the trailhead for Breakneck Ridge, one of the Northeast's most popular and steepest scrambles, and a short hop from Storm King Art Center.
Breakneck Ridge is a strenuous scramble, not a stroll. For an easier walk try the Cornish Estate trail or Little Stony Point.
3
Hyde Park & Rhinebeck
2 nights44m · 53 km from previous
The Hudson's grand-estate corridor. Tour two National Park sites in a day: FDR's lifelong home and presidential library, and the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion above the river. Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, then base in nearby Rhinebeck, a smart village of independent shops, inns and one of America's oldest taverns.
The Hudson's grand-estate corridor. Tour two National Park sites in a day: FDR's lifelong home and presidential library, and the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion above the river. Lunch at the Culinary Institute of America, then base in nearby Rhinebeck, a smart village of independent shops, inns and one of America's oldest taverns.
FDR and Vanderbilt sites sit minutes apart on Route 9; a combined NPS tour ticket saves money. Rhinebeck books out for the autumn fair.
4
Kingston & Woodstock
1 night18m · 22 km from previous
New York's first capital and the gateway to the Catskills. Walk the colonial stone houses of the Stockade District, then the Rondout Creek waterfront for boat trips and waterside dining. Detour 15 minutes west to Woodstock, the arts colony that lent its name to the 1969 festival.
New York's first capital and the gateway to the Catskills. Walk the colonial stone houses of the Stockade District, then the Rondout Creek waterfront for boat trips and waterside dining. Detour 15 minutes west to Woodstock, the arts colony that lent its name to the 1969 festival.
The 1969 festival was held in Bethel, an hour southwest, not Woodstock itself. Park in Uptown Kingston for the Stockade District.
5
Hunter & Tannersville
2 nights34m · 41 km from previous
The mountain heart of the loop, worth two nights. Hike to Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York's tallest waterfalls, and the Hudson River School viewpoints around North-South Lake. Hunter Mountain runs a scenic skyride and zip line, and the Mountain Cloves byway is glorious when the foliage turns.
The mountain heart of the loop, worth two nights. Hike to Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York's tallest waterfalls, and the Hudson River School viewpoints around North-South Lake. Hunter Mountain runs a scenic skyride and zip line, and the Mountain Cloves byway is glorious when the foliage turns.
Kaaterskill Falls parking fills by mid-morning on foliage weekends. Arrive early or use the seasonal trailhead shuttle.
6
Hudson
1 night32m · 38 km from previous
An antiques-and-art town on the river's east bank with a mile-long Warren Street of design shops and restaurants. The draw above town is Olana, the Persian-style estate of painter Frederic Church, with framed views across to the Catskills. Thomas Cole's home sits just over the river in Catskill.
An antiques-and-art town on the river's east bank with a mile-long Warren Street of design shops and restaurants. The draw above town is Olana, the Persian-style estate of painter Frederic Church, with framed views across to the Catskills. Thomas Cole's home sits just over the river in Catskill.
Olana's house tours are timed and sell out; reserve ahead. The grounds and carriage roads are free to walk any time.
7
Beacon
1h 32m · 110 km from previous
Close the loop with the scenic run back down the Hudson's east side from Hudson to Beacon, about an hour and a quarter. Drop the car, or stay a final night to catch the train back to New York City from Beacon's riverside station.
Close the loop with the scenic run back down the Hudson's east side from Hudson to Beacon, about an hour and a quarter. Drop the car, or stay a final night to catch the train back to New York City from Beacon's riverside station.
Metro-North runs frequent trains from Beacon to Grand Central, so this loop also works as a car-free return to the city.

Hudson Valley & Catskills Loop: New York's River and Mountains

The route · 7 stops

Beacon

Cold Spring

Hyde Park & Rhinebeck

Kingston & Woodstock

Hunter & Tannersville

Hudson

Beacon

Route highlights

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Hudson Valley & Catskills Loop: New York's River and Mountains

The route · 7 stops

Beacon

Cold Spring

Hyde Park & Rhinebeck

Kingston & Woodstock

Hunter & Tannersville

Hudson

Beacon

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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