Outdoor Fun

6 Scenic Hudson Parks to Visit

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Over the past year our family has become familiar with Scenic Hudson Parks. Founded in 1963, this environmental group works to conserve, protect, advocate and educate. There are currently 45 Scenic Hudson Parks located throughout the Hudson Valley in 8 different counties. With the arrival of warmer weather, now is a great time to get outside and visit some of these parks. Below are 6 Scenic Hudson Parks that we think are worth visiting. We hope to visit many more parks this year! Have you been to any Scenic Hudson Parks? Which one is your favorite?!

Dutchess County:

Madam Brett Park (Beacon) – Visit this park if you love waterfalls and don’t want a strenuous hike. Read our full blog post for additional information.

Mount Beacon Park (Beacon) – Visit Mount Beacon if you want a more strenuous hike with amazing views.

Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park (Poughkeepsie) – Enjoy the walkway if you want beautiful views and an easy, flat path. Read our full blog post for more information.

Putnam County:

West Point Foundry Preserve (Cold Spring) – Visit the West Point Foundry Preserve if you want an easy hike mixed with history and some pretty views. Read our full blog post for additional information.

Ulster County:

Black Creek Preserve (Esopus) – Visit Black Creek Preserve if you want to cross a cool suspension bridge and get some up close views of the Hudson River.

Falling Waters Preserve (Glasco) – Visit Falling Waters Preserve for up close views of the Hudson River and a couple of small waterfalls.

Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park (Highland) – You can also access the Walkway over the Hudson across the river in Highland. Scenic Hudson Park at Peekskill Landing (Peekskill) – Visit Peekskill Landing if you want up close views of the Hudson River with easy paved walkways and restaurants within walking distance.

Westchester County Family Fun: Westchester RiverWalk Peekskill

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Westchester RiverWalk

A couple of weekends ago, our family visited the recently completed section of the Westchester RiverWalk in Peekskill.  When completed, the Westchester RiverWalk will be a 51.5 mile trail along the beautiful Hudson River.  This project started in 2004, will span the entire county from Yonkers to the Putnam County border by the Bear Mountain Bridge.  

Peekskill Riverfront

We parked at the Metro North Peekskill train station, which has free parking on weekends.  We spent some time walking around the Riverfront Green Park viewing some of the sculptures that are situated throughout the park and just taking in the awesome views of the Hudson River.

Fleischmann Pier

We then walked south on the paved pathway, past the Peekskill Yacht Club until we reached Fleischmann Pier. 

View of Bear Mountain Bridge

We walked out onto the pier and were able to see the Bear Mountain Bridge in the distance.  After our little break we headed back to the Riverfront Green Park.

RiverWalk

We only walked a very small section of the RiverWalk.  There were benches throughout the path for those who would like to sit and take a rest.  We saw lots of people on the path, including those walking their dogs, joggers and others like our family, taking a more leisurely stroll.  Biking is allowed on the path, except for the bridges, where signs indicate that bikers must dismount when crossing.  Our kids aren’t the best bikers and the path isn’t super wide, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable having them bike this particular section of the RiverWalk.

Breakfast Club Sundae from Hudson Creamery

Once we got back to the Riverfront Green, we made a stop at the Hudson Creamery for an ice cream treat.  The Breakfast Club Signature Sunday was delicious!

We visited the RiverWalk on a really beautiful day.  I highly recommend walking a section of the RiverWalk, whether it be in Peekskill or another section of the trail.  You get to spend FREE, quality time with the family outside along the beautiful Hudson River.