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Outdoor Life
Enjoying the outdoors is one of the most pleasurable things to do in the Historic Hudson River Towns.
Parks in the Historic Hudson River Towns
Enjoying the out of doors is one of the most pleasurable things to do in the Historic Hudson River Towns. Some of our biggest and most scenic parks on or near the river that are open to the public include:
Cycling around the Historic Hudson River Towns
The Hudson Valley is full of great bike trails and most of them are covered in the new cycling guidebook, published by Parks and Trails New York, in partnership with the Hudson River Valley Greenway and Hudson River Valley National Heritage area.
Walkway over the Hudson, connecting the city of Poughkeepsie on the east bank, to the Town of Highland on the west, is a great span with spectacular views and rail trails on either end. If you haven’t ridden it yet, you’ll find yourself wondering “what took me so long?”
Hiking around the Historic Hudson River Towns
Walking and hiking in our great out-of-doors is one of the most pleasurable things to do in the Historic Hudson River Towns and throughout the scenic Hudson Valley. To find trails that suit your interests and level of stamina, use the Parks and Trails Trailfinder.
A terrific (and fairly flat) walking trail is the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway State Historic Park that parallels the river, linking most of the Historic Hudson River Towns. You're actuallly walking on the top of the Old Croton Aqueduct that was built in the 1840's to bring fresh water to New York City.
More background on the Aqueduct Trailway is available on the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website.
Paddling in the Historic Hudson River Towns
Paddling, whether by canoe or kayak, is an adventuresome way to enjoy the Hudson. Nothing beats being out on the river without the noise or smell of an engine. It's peaceful, its relaxing and its scenic beyond belief! Here are some sites that can serve as resources for experienced paddlers or those that are just starting out.
Sailing on the Hudson River
What a joy it is to get out on the Hudson with the wind at your back! Historic Hudson River Towns is fortunate to have the Croton Sailing School in our midst, that offers all kinds of programs to learn how to sail.
