Top 30+ Hudson River Walks in the HV You Won't Want to Miss (2024)

The Hudson River spans 315 miles offering an abundance of opportunities to take Hudson River walks. Join me for a scenic stroll along the Hudson River.

Why Choose to do Hudson River Walks?

The Hudson River Valley is a beautiful place to explore any time of the year.

Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or an intense fitness challenge, this article has something for you!

This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.

Hudson River Walks – Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

A day trip or weekend getaway is an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also a great way to experience the Hudson Valley, which is just a short drive or train ride from New York City.

Choosing your preferred Hudson River walk may take some trial and error, so this list is a good place to start and I am here to help you sift through the information and find your favorite one.

Hudson River Walks in Westchester County

Walk #1: Yonkers

Esplanade Park

This 1,000-foot walkway has spurred the city’s downtown revitalization. It’s home to the city’s historic Municipal Pier and plays host to summertime concerts and art exhibits. It boasts amazing views for your Hudson River walks and is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Downtown Yonkers.

Lenoir Preserve

Lenoir Preserve is a 40-acre nature preserve comprising woodlands and field habitats. It is adjacent to the Old Croton Aqueduct on slopes overlooking the Hudson River, providing spectacular views of New Jersey.

Untermyer Gardens

Situated on the steep land arising from the eastern bank of the Hudson River to the bluff on top of it, the park features a Walled Garden inspired by ancient Indo-Persian gardens, a small Grecian-style open-air amphitheater with two facing sphynxes supported by tall Ionic columns, a classical pavilion, stoa and loggias, a rock-and-water feature called the “The Temple of Love”, as well as a long staircase from the Walled Garden to an Overlook with views of the river and the Palisades and the jersey side of the Hudson River.

Click here to check out my photos and read about my visit to Untermyer Gardens

Walk #2: Hastings-on-Hudson

MacEachron Waterfront Park

A 1.3-acre park with picnic areas, playground equipment, and a majestic view of the Palisades.

Walk #3: Dobbs Ferry

Waterfront Park

The spectacular Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, with its striking views of the Hudson River and Palisades, is one of the village’s greatest assets.
Facilities include:

• Playground
• Walking paths for those Hudson River walks
• A covered stage
• Fishing Pier
• Picnic Areas

Walk #4: Irvington

Matthiessen Park

This beautiful park is located along the Hudson River. It can be reached by going south on Main Street and making a right on to North Astor Street. Once at the end of North Astor Street, make a left turn on to Bridge Street.

The park offers the following amenities:

• Playground
• Biking & Scooter Area
• Picnic Tables

Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington

The Scenic Hudson Park at Irvington is on the Hudson River in the Village of Irvington. The park is accessed via Bridge Street, a local street that is between, and parallel to, the Hudson River and the Metro-North tracks. In addition to the ability to take breathtaking Hudson River walks, there are also:

• Two playgrounds
• Nearly one-mile of pathways that weave around and through the site
• There are approximately 4.5 acres of open lawns for passive recreation, picnicking and appreciating views of the Hudson Highlands and Hudson River

Walk #5: Tarrytown

Lyndhurst Mansion

Although not free to visit, the grounds of Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown of spectacular views for your Hudson River Walks.

Spend a day outdoors exploring the magnificent grounds of Lyndhurst. Enjoy 67-acres of property, discovering restored Civil War-era pathways, sit in one of three restored viewing platforms perched on rock outcroppings, and enjoy unparalleled views of the widest point of the Hudson River. A Daily Grounds Pass is required for entry by vehicle.

Pierson Park

Located at West Main Street. Picnic area with pavilion, hard tennis courts, basketball, playground. Non-residents are asked to park in number spaces.

Scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park at Tarrytown

This prime waterfront site turned into a public park offers magnificent views stretching to the Manhattan skyline. Features include a riverside park, grass terraces and lawns, and an “eco-corridor” filled with native plants.

The Bridge Path on the Governor Cuomo Bridge

The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path welcomes runners, bikers, walkers, and commuters alike. The 12-foot wide shared use path is located on the northern side of the westbound span and features six scenic overlooks, interpretive displays, and public art across its length.

Walk #6: Sleepy Hollow

Horan’s Landing

Horan’s Landing is a Hudson riverfront park with a grassy area and small beach. While no swimming is allowed from the beach, it does serve as a kayak and paddleboard launch.

Rockwood Hall State Park

The Rockefeller family donated Rockwood Hall to New York State in 1999, and it is now part of Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Although the buildings are gone, the foundations remain, and the carriage roads that were constructed by the Rockefeller family, make for good hiking, with panoramic views of the Hudson River.

Kingsland Point Park

Kingsland Point Park is an 18-acre park located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River at the mouth of the Pocantico River in the Village of Sleepy Hollow. With spectacular overlook areas and views of the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse, Kingsland Point Park was one of the first parks developed by the Westchester County Parks Commission. $10 parking fee (without a Park Pass)

Walk #7: Ossining

Crawbuckie Park

Crawbuckie Park/Nature Preserve is a woodland riverfront park and preserve accessible by car via Beach Rd. There are lovely trails that wind through the forest, where you will often see the river glimmering at you through the trees, and in some spots a more open Hudson River view.

Louis Engel Waterfront Park

Louis Engel Waterfront Park is a riverfront park with a lot to offer, located in the Old Village neighborhood. You’ve got beautiful views of the Hudson River, paved paths for walking, benches for watching the sunset, picnic tables with 4 grills around the playground area, restrooms, a playground, Ossining’s only outdoor spray park and a stage used to host movie nights, bands and other presentations.

Sparta Park

Sparta Park is a riverfront park with views of the Hudson River, a gazebo and benches for watching the river, picnic tables, and a small but enjoyable playground.

Walk #8: Croton-on-Hudson

Croton Landing Park

This waterfront park is perfect for Hudson River walks, meditation, fishing and spending some time outside. Walk the length of the park and end at the 9/11 memorial sundial called The Shadow.

Croton Point Park

Croton Point Park is a 508-acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. This park offers year-round events and activities and has facilities for camping, hiking and swimming. Parking fees apply during warmer months.

Graff Sanctuary

Graff Sanctuary is a protected woodland ridge overlooking the Hudson River along Furnace Dock Road in the Town of Cortlandt/Croton-on-Hudson.

Oscawana Island Nature Preserve

Oscawana Island Nature Preserve is a natural Hudson River waterfront park that is bisected by the Metro North Railroad Line. Oscawana Island lies along the Hudson River. The walk is about 1 mile long and is an easy in and out.

Walk #9: Montrose

George’s Island Park

George’s Island Park is a 208-acre waterfront park offering magnificent views of the historic Hudson River. It contains tidal wetlands, a fresh water pond and wooded trails and provides boat access to the Hudson River as well as areas for nature study and picnicking. In winter, it is a favored spot for viewing eagles on the Hudson.

Walk #10: Verplanck

Steam Boat Dock

The park offers a pedestrian trail, a fishing pier, ideal for both fishing and crabbing, and an overlook that consists of benches that offer fantastic views of the Hudson River.

Walk #11: Peekskill

Annsville Preserve Park

A nice, level, mellow walk by the majestic Hudson River and its tributary, Annsville Creek. It is a 0.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Peekskill, New York that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Highlights include wonderful views, a fishing pier, historical plaques, and a gathering circle. Uncrowded with good parking.

Bear Mountain Bridge

The span enables connections between the Palisades Interstate Parkway and US9W on the west bank near Bear Mountain and NY 9D on the east bank as well as US 9 and the Bear Mountain Parkway farther east. It also carries the Appalachian Trail and New York State Bicycle Route 9 across the Hudson. Sidewalks are located on both sides of the roadway. Although a short distance, the views

Fleischmann’s Pier Park/Charles Point Park

Fleischmann’s Pier Park/Charles Point Park provides an expansive view of Peekskill Bay on up to Bear Mountain, and the Bear Mountain Bridge. It was used by the Fleischmann Company to import the raw materials at its vast yeast and gin factory. Now, provides a great place for a picnic, river watching and Hudson River walks.

Peekskill Landing Park

This is a vibrant park featuring a shoreline boardwalk, a pedestrian footbridge leading to adjacent Riverfront Green Park, docks for kayaks and small watercraft, a gazebo and trellis, and trails for jogging, biking, walking and other outdoor activities.

READ MORE:
Top Things to do in Peekskill, NY

Riverfront Park

With a backdrop of the Hudson Highlands, kayakers, swans and occasional barges, this is an ideal spot to river watch, enjoy a picnic or bring the kids to a playground.

What is the Westchester RiverWalk?

The Westchester RiverWalk is a planned 51.5-mile multi-faceted pathway paralleling the Hudson River in Westchester.

When completed, it will link village centers, historic sites, parks and river access points via a connection of trails, esplanades and boardwalks. RiverWalk spans 14 municipalities in Westchester and is part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway system.

32.9 miles of RiverWalk’s route is publically accessible, utilizing newly constructed sections as well as existing sidewalks, paths and trails, such as the Old Croton Aqueduct, and paths within existing parks and facilities.

Below is the map indicating the planned route of the Riverwalk once completed. You can download your own map on their website

Hudson River Walks in Putnam County

Walk #12: Garrison

Arden Point and Glenclyffe

An easy and very picturesque hike that starts right by the Garrison Metro-North train station and goes in a loop around Hudson Highlands State Park. Highly recommended to all fitness levels.

Castle Rock Park

Castle Rock Park consists of 129 acres of gently sloping fields and much steeper woodlands. An old carriage road runs along the inside edge of the woodlands, near the fields. This carriage road leads to a beautiful gazebo with a great view of the Hudson Highlands.

Manitou Point Preserve

The most exciting trek hugs the Hudson shoreline atop dramatic rock outcroppings, affording an ever-changing but always magnificent perspective of the river.

Walk #13: Cold Spring

Foundry Park

In addition to offering magnificent views of the Hudson Highlands, the park is a great place to begin excursions into Foundry Cove. This Hudson Riverfront Park is an easy walk to the train station, for those not driving to Cold Spring.

Dockside Park

Small, paved square on the Hudson River with a cannon memorial & benches lining the waterfront. Close to everything, this is the perfect spot to unwind after exploring Cold Spring.

READ MORE:
The Top Things to do in Cold Spring, NY

Mayor’s Park

This small but beautiful park offers outstanding views of the Hudson River and is where the Putnam County Food and Wine Festival is held.

Little Stony Point

If you’re looking for a great Hudson River view that requires very little effort, this will fit the bill. A short hike to the top of Little Stony Point affords a great wrap-around vista of the Hudson River, with the Highlands to your north and West Point to the south.

Hudson River Walks in Dutchess County

Walk #14: Beacon

Long Dock Park

Long Dock Park ia a super-popular place to launch kayaks, picnic, stroll through rehabilitated wetlands and meadows, drop a fishing line, explore an intriguing sculpture by renowned artist George Trakas, or just sit and admire the river.

READ MORE:
The Top Things to do in Beacon, NY

Pete And Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park

Pete Seeger – the folk musician and founding member of River Pool at Beacon and his wife Toshi, as well as several other local environmental groups, led initiatives decades ago to transform the former landfill at the Beacon waterfront into a park. The park was renamed and dedicated to the Seeger’s in 2014 and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the City of Newburgh.

Walk #15: Wappingers Falls

Bowdoin Park

Bowdoin Park is a picturesque 301-acre park located in Southern Dutchess County. This park has amazing views overlooking the Hudson River.

Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park

A majestic Victorian era estate turned public park, Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park will be the center of arts, culture, history, and leisure for Wappinger. Sitting high above the Hudson River, Carnwath Farms HSP consists of 99.7 acres of protected parkland and is the perfect place to explore and take Hudson River walks.

Wheeler Hill Historic District

Along the eastern shore of the Hudson River, atop of the Van Wyck Ridge is the “estates region of the Town of Wappinger”. A scenic location, with roads lined with stone walls, properties greeting guests with magnificent stone pillars and iron gates, it includes 49 contributing buildings, 15 contributing sites, and four contributing structures.

Walk #16: Poughkeepsie

Longview Park

Located on the campus of Marist College, Longview Park is the perfect place to take in the Hudson River views and enjoy an afternoon.

Mid-Hudson Bridge

During the warmer months, the Mid-Hudson Bridge is open for taking Hudson River walks. A highlight of your walk is the ability to listen to “Bridge Music”.

Read more about Bridge Music here

Quiet Cove Riverfront Park

This site has incredible views of the Hudson River and is a tranquil environment. A perfect place for a waterfront picnic!

Victor C. Waryas Park

These 9 acres of green space at the foot of Main Street, Poughkeepsie, along the Hudson River is a gem in Poughkeepsie. Picnic tables, outdoor grills, pavilion, Children’s playground, boat launch, dock, and river walk boasting views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the Walkway over the Hudson.

READ MORE:
Top Things to do in Poughkeepsie, NY

Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park

New York’s longest pedestrian bridge is the perfect spot for your Hudson River walks. At a length of 1.28 miles each way, this makes the perfect spot to get some exercise and take in the splendid views. Friends of the Walkway is a non-profit organization consisting of New Yorkers who volunteer their time to maintain this section of the rail trail. Public access is available every day of the year and dogs are welcome.

READ MORE:
Discover the Walkway over the Hudson

Walk #17: Hyde Park

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park is located on the Hudson River adjacent to Historic Hyde Park Train Station. Playgrounds and picnicking are popular here at this scenic parkland. The Hyde Park Greenway Trail meanders through the park which is situated between the National Park Service FDR Library and Museum to the south and Vanderbilt Historic Site to the north. The trail to both of these sites is approximately 0.5 miles in either direction.

Walk #18: Staatsburg

Mills Norrie State Park

Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park adjoins Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills Memorial State Park and together, comprise more than 1,000 acres. The numerous trails that thread through the grounds of both Mills and Norrie State Parks are ideal for walking, jogging, hiking, cycling, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing – treating visitors to fabulous views of the Hudson River which runs directly along the parks’ western boundaries.

Ogden Mills & Ruth Livingston Mills State Park

Mills Memorial State Park is the home of Dinsmore Golf Course and Staatsburgh State Historic Site. The numerous trails that thread through the grounds of both Mills and Norrie State Parks are ideal for walking, jogging, hiking, cycling, cross country skiing, and snow shoeing – treating visitors to fabulous views of the Hudson River which runs directly along the parks’ western boundaries.

Walk #19: Rhinebeck

Rhinecliff Landing

A great public waterfront location to visit and enjoy the views of the Hudson river. The landing has a public boat launch and kayak docks, two pavilions with grills and benches to sit and enjoy the sunset!

[RELATED: Top Things to do in Rhinebeck, NY]

Walk #20: Red Hook

Poets’ Walk Park

Poets’ Walk Park is intended to celebrate the connection between landscape and poetry. The park’s grass and gravel paths are variously lined with wooden benches, and provide access to the 120 acres of fields and forest, as well as river views.

Hudson River Walks in Columbia County

Walk #21: Germantown

Clermont State Historic Site

The name Clermont derives from “clear mountain” in French and was inspired by the view of the Catskill Mountains across the Hudson River from the estate. Most notable is a visit to South Spring Garden with gorgeous views of the Hudson River.

Ernest R Lasher Memorial Park

Ernest R. Lasher Jr. Memorial Parkis an approximately 2 acre park located in North Germantown at the end of Anchorage Road. The park is a Hudson River Valley Greenway Water Trail site and is the perfect place for Hudson River walks.

Walk #22: Catskill

Hudson River Skywalk

The Hudson River Skywalk is a scenic walkway that connects the major Hudson River School artists Thomas Cole and Frederic Church. The six mile out-and-back pedestrian walkway connects the two national historic landmarks, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Olana State Historic Site, via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

Hudson River Walks in Rockland County

Walk #23: Sparkill

Tallman Mountain State Park

Tallman Mountain State Park comprises wooded country on the easterly slope of the Palisades uplands overlooking the Hudson and Piermont Marsh, which lies between the river and the slope. With playgrounds and playing fields, this is a favorite place to see miles of Hudson River vistas.

Walk #24: Piermont

Piermont Pier

Here’s your chance to stand in the middle of the Hudson River and not get wet. Hand-built in the mid-1800s, the 4,000-foot-long pier originally served as the terminus of the Erie Railroad and this mile loop takes you through history.

Walk #25: Nyack

Village of Nyack Memorial Park

Memorial Park is located on the Hudson River. This 11 acre area currently has baseball, basketball, a children’s playground, a skateboard park, and a splash pad.

READ MORE:
Top Things to do in Nyack, NY

Nyack Beach State Park

Offering 5 – 7 miles of walking trails along the Hudson River, it showcases the Hudson River like no other place in Rockland.

From the Walkway Over the Hudson to Rhinebeck, my Hudson Valley merchandise captures the spirit of
this beautiful area.

Check out my Etsy Shop and find products that will inspire your next adventure!

SHOP NOW!

Walk #26: Haverstraw

Bowline Park

This park has a fishing pier and a beautiful scenic path alongside the Hudson River. The park is located on the Hudson River behind the power plant.

Haverstraw Bay Park

The Park borders the Hudson River and provides water-based recreational opportunities.There are also picnic facilities, an open air pavilion, playgrounds, nature and walking and hiking trails, Parks office, fishing piers, three which are located on a freshwater pond, and the Rockland County September 11 Memorial.

Haverstraw Beach State Park

Haverstraw Beach State Park is minimally developed, and primarily offers miles of trails for biking, hiking and dog-walking. Views of Haverstraw Bay, the widest point of the Hudson River, can be seen from within the park. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed.

Walk #27: Stony Point

Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site

The Stony Point Lighthouse, built in 1826, is the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River. The site features a self-guided walking trail and a museum displaying artifacts uncovered during archaeological digs. This is one of the more popular places in Rockland County to view the Hudson River.

Hudson River Walks in Orange County

Walk #28: New Windsor

Plum Point Park

Located on the banks of the Hudson River, this site boasts magnificent vistas of the Hudson gorge and a 2,000 foot sandy river front. This park offers the public an idyllic natural resource for family recreation, i.e. boating, fishing, hiking, historic Revolutionary War cannon batteries, plus one of the most dramatic views of the Hudson River gorge that can be found.

Walk #29: Newburgh

City of Newburgh Waterfront Trail

Located on Washington Street, on the western shore of the Hudson River, sits the historic city of Newburgh. This scenic walk along the Hudson River offers impressive views of the Hudson River Valley. It’s picture perfect and a peaceful area to sit, walk, and is approximately 1 mile long. This is one of the best things to do in Newburgh, NY.

READ MORE:
Top Things to do in Newburgh, NY

Newburgh Beacon Bridge

Opened since 1981, a walking, running and biking path is located on the south side of the eastbound (Beacon-bound) span.

Hudson River Walks in Ulster County

Walk #30: Highland

Franny Reese State Park

Trails follow a historic carriage road that passes ruins of a 19th-century estate, while an overlook affords superb views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and Walkway Over the Hudson. A link connects the park to the Walkway Loop Trail or Hudson River Loop Walk.

Mid-Hudson Bridge

During the warmer months, the Mid-Hudson Bridge is open for taking Hudson River walks. A highlight of your walk is the ability to listen to “Bridge Music”. Read more about Bridge Music here.

Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park

New York’s longest pedestrian bridge is the perfect spot for your Hudson River walks. At a length of 1.28 miles each way, this makes the perfect spot to get some exercise and take in the splendid views. Friends of the Walkway is a non-profit organization consisting of New Yorkers who volunteer their time to maintain this section of the rail trail. Public access is available every day of the year and dogs are welcome.

What is the Walkway Loop Trail?

By taking this 4.6-mile loop, you can experience this popular hike showcasing the scenic vistas from all sides of the Hudson River. You can access the loop from a small parking lot on the Highland side of the Walkway or the Mid-Hudson Bridge (Ulster County side) or from the parking lot on the Poughkeepsie side at Victor Waryas Park and Upper Landing Park (Dutchess County side).

No matter what side you start on, these Hudson River walks pass a picturesque Hudson River Waterfront Walkway and through a Hudson River park. For those yearning for a nature break, a spur connects to 2.5 miles of forested trails in Franny Reese State Park.

Walk #31: Esopus

Black Creek Preserve

The steep climb at the start may make some people hesitant to continue, but they’ll love crossing the suspension bridge that spans the creek and the view from the Hudson River shoreline.

Walk #32: Ulster Park

Esopus Meadows Preserve

Esopus Meadows Park has a system of trails that all lead to the preserve’s Hudson River Greenway Trail site in time for lunch beneath its pavilion. The ‘Meadows’ of this park are all underwater and the water trail is now a popular spot for those seeking to catch a glimpse of Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.

Walk #33: Port Ewen

Sleightsburgh Park

Excellent fishing and breathtaking views abound at this park. Short trails parallel Rondout Creek, leading through a wooded peninsula to a piece of land extending far out into the river. You don’t need a boat to get the full Hudson experience.

Walk #34: Kingston

Charles Rider Park

Charles Rider Park, located on the shore of the Hudson River, is dedicated in honor of Charles Rider, Town Supervisor from 1978 to 1987. The best views of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge can be seen from here.

Kingston Point Rotary Park

Hudson River access, walking areas, picnic area and pavilions. Accessible parking available. This area is both Child and group friendly.
Facilities include: Picnic Area, Softball Fields, BMX Track, Nature Trails, Trolley Landing,Fishing, Birdwatching and a Dog Park.

Walk #35: Saugerties

Ruth Reynolds Glunt Nature Preserve

Located along the Hudson River at the confluence of the Espous Creek, the land surrounding the trail to the Lighthouse consists of 17 acres of wooded grounds and tidal wetland flats. The resulting peninsula now offers a scenic half-mile trail to the Lighthouse and its surrounding public decks, as well as a forked trail to a beachside picnic area on the Hudson.

Sojourner Truth / Ulster Landing County Park

Sojourner Truth / Ulster Landing Park features an assortment of activities for all ages. There are several hiking trials (one trail is handicap accessible) with beautiful views of the Hudson River providing numerous bird watching opportunities.

Walk #36: Glasco

Falling Waters Preserve

Notable features of this preserve include a meadow with outstanding views of the Catskills, a couple of picturesque waterfalls and rock ledges that slant precipitously into the Hudson River.

Hudson River Walks in Greene County

Walk #37: Catskill

Dutchman’s Landing Park

The park has a large area for activities, and being right on the Hudson River, you can launch your boat or water craft and tour the surrounding areas from the water. Directly across from the park is the noted Olana historic site, and just to the north is the Rip Van Winkle bridge.

All about the Empire State Trail

In 2017, New York State launched the Empire State Trail to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality, and bolster tourism-related economic development.

From New York City through the Hudson River Valley, west to Buffalo along the Erie Canal, and north to the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks. From the High Line and Battery Park in NYC, visit New York State Parks with available trail maps found online.

This 750-mile trail showcases what New York is all about: history, art, and amazing landscapes.

Now that you have the Ultimate guide to Hudson River walks, where will your next adventure take you?

Until the Next Adventure…

CLICK HERE TO
JOIN MY FB GROUP NOW!

Jackie is the HV blogger behind Hudson Valley Explored, featuring the best things to do, places to see and weekend getaways. Get information from a local who is seeing it all! She lives in the Mid-Hudson Valley Region with her hubby and kids.