9 Scenic Drives Through The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is home to some of America’s most breathtaking roadways, perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle of city life. These winding routes showcase everything from mountain vistas and river views to historic towns and colorful fall foliage. Pack a picnic, fill up your gas tank, and get ready to explore these unforgettable Hudson Valley drives that highlight the region’s natural beauty in every season.

1. Seven Lakes Drive: Nature’s Watery Showcase

Winding through Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks, this 18-mile parkway delivers exactly what its name promises – seven stunning lakes scattered like jewels among forested hills. The route begins near the town of Sloatsburg and meanders past Lake Sebago, Lake Kanawauke, and other pristine bodies of water.

Fall brings spectacular color reflections on the water’s surface, while summer invites roadside stops for swimming or picnicking. Numerous trailheads along the drive provide opportunities to stretch your legs and explore deeper into the wilderness.

Wildlife spotting is common here – keep an eye out for deer, foxes, and various bird species that call these protected parklands home.

2. Palisades Parkway: Cliffs and River Panoramas

Starting at the George Washington Bridge and stretching 42 miles northward, the Palisades Parkway hugs dramatic cliffs that tower above the mighty Hudson River. The route’s most impressive feature is the 500-foot-tall Palisades, ancient volcanic rock formations that create a natural wall along the western shore.

Several lookout points offer breathtaking vistas where you can pull over and soak in panoramic views of the river and the distant Manhattan skyline. The northern section delivers increasingly rural scenery as you approach Bear Mountain Bridge.

History buffs will appreciate that this route follows paths once traveled by Revolutionary War soldiers and Native Americans centuries before.

3. Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway: The Gunks Experience

Locals affectionately call these distinctive white quartz mountains “The Gunks.” This 88-mile loop circles the entire mountain range, passing through charming villages like New Paltz and Gardiner while showcasing sweeping agricultural vistas against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Rock climbers flock to the sheer cliff faces visible from various points along the route. The byway provides access to Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve, where short detours reward drivers with pristine mountain lakes and unique rock formations.

Numerous wineries and farm stands dot the route, making this drive a feast for both eyes and appetite. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local apple cider in the fall months.

4. Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway: Wilderness and Waterfalls

Route 28 forms the backbone of this 52-mile journey through the heart of the Catskill Mountains, connecting the towns of Boiceville, Phoenicia, and Margaretville. The road follows the Esopus Creek, famous for its world-class trout fishing and exciting whitewater rafting opportunities.

Majestic mountains rise on both sides as you travel through dense forests occasionally broken by pastoral valleys. The byway provides access to hiking trails leading to dramatic waterfalls like Kaaterskill Falls – the highest cascading waterfall in New York State at 260 feet.

Arts enthusiasts will appreciate the byway’s connection to the Hudson River School painters who immortalized these landscapes in the 19th century, creating America’s first distinctive artistic movement.

5. Taconic State Parkway: A Historic Highway Through Rolling Hills

Conceived in the 1920s as one of America’s first limited-access highways, the 104-mile Taconic State Parkway remains a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Stone bridges, native plantings, and gently curving roads blend harmoniously with the natural environment of eastern New York.

The northern sections deliver the most spectacular scenery, with the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop to rolling farmland. Careful engineering ensures that new vistas unfold around each bend, keeping drivers engaged throughout the journey.

Unlike modern highways, the Taconic purposely limits commercial development along its route, preserving the pastoral character that has made it a favorite of Sunday drivers for nearly a century.

6. Old Storm King Highway: Cliffside Drama Above the Hudson

Carved into the face of Storm King Mountain in the early 1900s, this narrow four-mile stretch of Route 9W between Cornwall and West Point offers some of the most dramatic river views in the entire Hudson Valley. The road clings to the mountainside hundreds of feet above the water, with virtually no guardrails in some sections.

Pull-offs allow drivers to safely stop and photograph the breathtaking panoramas of the Hudson River’s widest point, known as Newburgh Bay. On clear days, you can see the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to the north and the distant Catskill Mountains beyond.

History enthusiasts will appreciate that this route passes near the location of the Revolutionary War’s Hudson River Chain, a massive iron barrier stretched across the river to prevent British ships from sailing upriver.

7. Bear Mountain Bridge Road: The Goat Trail’s Switchbacks

Nicknamed “The Goat Trail” for good reason, this three-mile marvel of engineering features tight switchbacks as it climbs the steep face of Anthony’s Nose mountain. Originally built in the 1920s to connect the newly constructed Bear Mountain Bridge, the road offers continuous views of the Hudson River nearly 900 feet below.

The hairpin turns demand careful driving but reward motorists with increasingly spectacular vistas. At several points, the road passes directly beneath massive overhanging rock formations that seem to defy gravity.

The route connects to the Appalachian Trail, where a moderate hike from the road’s highest point leads to even more impressive panoramas. Early morning visits often reveal a magical layer of mist hovering over the river.

8. Route 9W: River Towns and Historic Estates

Following the Hudson River’s western shore, Route 9W strings together a series of charming river towns with rich histories. The route passes through artsy Nyack with its boutique shops, historic Kingston with its stone houses dating to Dutch colonial times, and the maritime village of Athens with its riverfront park.

Between towns, the road offers frequent glimpses of the Hudson River and access to numerous historic estates. Highlights include Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and the Rockefeller estate at Kykuit – all offering tours that provide glimpses into the lives of America’s most influential families.

Local farm stands appear regularly along the route, offering seasonal produce from the fertile Hudson Valley farmland just inland from the river.

9. Kittatinny Ridge Route: Delaware River Valley Vistas

Tracing the southwestern edge of the Hudson Valley region, this scenic route follows the Delaware River and the impressive Kittatinny Ridge – part of the ancient Appalachian Mountain chain. The road alternates between hugging the riverbank and climbing to ridgetop viewpoints offering expansive views into three states.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate access points to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and eagle watching. The route passes through Port Jervis, a historic railroad town where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania meet.

A highlight is the drive up to High Point State Park, where the High Point Monument stands at New Jersey’s highest elevation (1,803 feet), offering spectacular 360-degree views of farmland, forest, and distant mountains.