Hudson Valley extends from the valley of the Hudson River and adjacent communities. At its furthest extent, the region includes Albany, Troy and Yonkers. Initially, this area's abundance of wildlife and fertile soil made it attractive to native inhabitants. English navigator Henry Hudson was heading an expedition for the Dutch East India Company in search of the Northwest Passage. When he first arrived at Haverstraw Bay, he proclaimed the region belonged to the Dutch.
Today, the Hudson Valley is mostly known for its lush vineyards, succulent orchards and rustic farms. Additionally, the region hosts the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. Voyagers can learn about the fight for sustainable food at the facility, and they can tour the Storm King Art Center afterward.
Delaware Wild Forest sits to the east, around halfway up the river valley. Its proximity to the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest heightened its popularity among explorers. Enterprising mountaineers can delve into this 13,000-acre mountainside preserve and experience it. If a visitor wants to honor the area's Native ancestry, they can head to the Mohonk Preserve. The sprawling 75-acre expanse includes trails, cliffs, fields and forests.
If your travels take you farther north, check out Saratoga National Historical Park. This multisite destination pays respect to the district's Revolutionary War heritage. It is also close to the famous Saratoga Lake, which has ample fishing opportunities for aspiring anglers. Furthermore, the varied geographic and topological features inspire, enlighten and excite visitors daily. The Hudson River carves a fjord cut during previous ice ages in the Highlands zone, creating a magnificent attraction.
Woodstock Film Festival – This festival's showcase of independent films has encouraged aspiring filmmakers for years. Make the journey to Woodstock, in the western portion of Mid-Hudson Valley, and watch some of the latest showings during the last week of September.
Taste of the Hudson Valley – Traveling families can enjoy this culinary event on the first Sunday of November in Poughkeepsie. Over 50 restaurants show up and compete for the visitors' affection.
Holiday Craft Fair at Dutchess Community College – Adventuring families can purchase independently made art at this annual fair. It is held on Thanksgiving weekend in Poughkeepsie.
If you travel to Maine, which is seven hours and 40 minutes northeast of Hudson Valley, you will discover Acadia National Park. Inside its perimeter, Cadillac Mountain towers above, reaching up to 1,530 feet. Visitors should anticipate varied terrain, including lakes, ocean shorelines, and forestry. Over 3.3 million people visit the nation's oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, the extensive carriage road network ushers many equine enthusiasts here. If you are an avid hiker, hit the 3.5-mile Gorham Mountain Loop, circling the granite hillsides.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is seven hours and 25 minutes west of Hudson Valley in Ohio. Despite its relatively short history, the park's claim to fame is its plentiful waterfalls. Walkers will encounter lush forests, rolling hills, and narrow ravines once they enter the park's boundaries. Overall, the area's trail network encompasses more than 125 miles of blazed paths.
In Virginia, six hours southwest of Hudson Valley, Shenandoah National Park consists of more than 200,000 acres of protected lands that are home to songbirds, bears, and deer. You can go hiking on the park’s 500+ trails, biking on Skyline Drive and all paved areas, and fish in the park’s 90+ mountain streams.
Macedonia Brook State Park, which is in Connecticut, an hour and 10 minutes southeast of Mid-Hudson Valley, encircles 2,302 acres of pristine wilderness, forestland, and hillsides. Travelers will be enticed by natural water features, mountains, and woodsy environments. Inside the park, the Blue Trail is renowned for its fall foliage thanks to the radiant trees. Fishers can toss a lure into the lake and see what nibbles while wandering around the park.
An hour northeast of Mid-Hudson Valley, Taconic State Park contains more than 14,400 contiguous acres, making it one of the north's largest unfragmented forests. The Nature Conservancy designated it as one of the "Last Great Places" in the country. Wintertime voyagers will love blazing through snow-packed trails and walking on top of fresh powder.
Lake Taghkanic State Park, 42 minutes northeast of Mid-Hudson Valley, covers 1,569 acres, and its namesake lake comprises 168 miles of that. Visitors can relax, unwind and refresh at either the east or west beach. However, the park's western beach is the current reigning champion in terms of popularity. During the colder months, ice skating and ice fishing are popular local pastimes.
History lovers will want to travel to Pollepel Island off Mid-Hudson Valley and visit the remains of Bannerman Castle. The castle was built by a Northern Ireland emigrant to store munitions for the Spanish-American War. Now, it is mostly in ruins with only portions of the exterior walls still standing.
You may also want to visit the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site in Lower Hudson Valley. It is the site of one of the last Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies. Here, you will find the Stony Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1826 and is the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River. There is also a museum that contains exhibits on the lighthouse and the battle along with reenactments, musket and cannon firings, children’s activities, and cooking and blacksmith demonstrations.
Albany is home to the New York State Capitol building. It sits on top of State Street Hill and has been the seat of the New York government since the 1880s. It took 32 years to complete as it was built by hand from solid masonry. Tours are available Monday through Friday, and they take visitors through the Governor’s Reception room, Hall of Governors, the legislative chambers, and the Hall of New York.
Vacationers can park their RVs at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds near Catskill. The park's 160-acre wooded expanse entertains newcomers and old-timers all the same. Doherty's Mountain View Campground, in the Catskill Mountains in Mid-Hudson Valley, only charges guests $40 per night. The hookups are limited to 30-amp models only, so make sure your RV is compatible before registering. Devil's Tombstone Campground, which is in the Catskill Forest Preserve, has daily rates as low as $16, but there are only 22 designated spots. Additionally, there aren’t any hookups, but it is adjacent to the ever-popular Devil's Path Trail.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Hudson Valley, NY, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Hudson Valley?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Hudson Valley from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Hudson Valley?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.