Are you looking for a great place to enjoy the outdoors and do some serious hiking?
The Appalachian Trail runs through the heart of the Hudson Valley in New York, offering the perfect vacation spot for hikers, outdoor lovers, and history buffs. In fact, hiking on the historic trail gives you the opportunity to meet other outdoor enthusiasts trekking between Georgia and Maine. Not to mention, the Hudson Valley is a beautiful place to visit and explore. Furthermore, it’s only a short distance north of New York City – which makes it a fairly easy destination to reach.
Visiting the Hudson Valley
The area is comprised of the Hudson River and its surrounding communities in Upstate New York.
According to the official Hudson Valley travel website, the region has been designated as a National Heritage Area due to its culture, history, and natural beauty. In fact, National Geographic has listed the area as “one of the top 20 must-see destinations in the world.”
If you are a true history buff, then you will enjoy visiting the many historical museums and heritage sites throughout the Hudson Valley. For example, Albany is home to the New York State Capitol. Newburgh contains Washington’s Headquarters State Historical Site. You can also visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Home, Library, and Museum in Hyde Park, as well as Museum Village in Monroe. Museum Village is actually one of the largest living history museums in New York.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The Hudson Valley is also home to a section of one of the top outdoor attractions in the Eastern United States – the nearly 2,200-mile-long Appalachian Trail that connects Springer Mountain, Georgia to Katahdin, Maine.
According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the grand idea for the grand hiking trail was the vision of Benton MacKaye in 1921, who wanted to provide urban dwellers with easy access to the outdoors. At the time, many residents from rural areas were moving into cities. Therefore, MacKaye believed that the trail could help people maintain their connection to nature – thereby, helping protect America’s fields and forests.
Over three million people hike the historic trail annually, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. What makes the Hudson Valley such a great destination for hikers is that you can often meet thru-hikers who are hiking the entire length of the trail between Georgia and Maine, and vice-versa. Not to mention, the Hudson Valley is one of the most beautiful places to hike and explore the outdoors in America.
Finding Lodging Options
Finally, the Hudson Valley is home to some truly unique resorts that really incorporate the natural beauty of the region. For example, you can stay at a five-star Glenmere Mansion – which resembles a Tuscan villa. Then, there is the majestic Castle Hotel & Spa, which looks like a medieval fortress on a hill overlooking the Hudson River.
Of course, you can find a number of lodging options throughout the Hudson Valley on any travel site that can meet any budget.
In short, if you are looking for a fun vacation spot that gives you easy access to hiking the historic Appalachian Trail, then you should check out the Hudson Valley. The area is home to several historical and cultural sites, as well as great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Plus, you can choose from a wide range of lodging options.