Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

Peekamoose and Table Mountain. Photo by Daniel Case via Wikimedia Commons

It’s time. The lush vegetation around the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains is transforming into a wonderland of burnished gold, torrid amber and eye-popping crimson. Whether you’re driving or relying on public transportation to get up here, just about anywhere you go in upstate New York will be a visual feast, so considering one of our recommendations for your annual leaf-peeping trip to the Hudson Valley and Catskills.

Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

Walkway over the Hudson. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Walkway over the Hudson, Highland/Poughkeepsie: Yes, you can actually walk from the Poughkeepsie train station to the Walkway over the Hudson footbridge. It’s a bit of a schlep, but the views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains in all of their burnished autumn majesty make it all worth while. To make it easier, take the elevator located at Upper Landing Park on North Water Street, a 15-minute walk from the station.

Or, drop into the River Station Restaurant for some refreshment. Show them your train ticket and you’ll receive 25 percent off your meal. Afterward, hop on the free Walkway shuttle. If you’re already west of the Hudson River, you can also park at the Highland end of the Walkway, located just a few minutes from New Paltz village.

While in New Paltz, take in the stunning sights at Mohonk Preserve, or head up Route 32 toward High Falls hamlet. The changing leaves will accompany you the whole way.

Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

Photo via Putnamcounty.com

Cold Spring Waterfront, Cold Spring: It doesn’t get a whole lot easier to get out of the city and into fall’s splendor. Don’t have all day to leaf-peep? Take the Metro-North to the Cold Spring station, step off the train and you’re there…for the most part. Cold Spring’s waterfront park is situated at the end of Main Street. The views of the Hudson River and the hills just beyond will instantly transport you a million miles away.

Stick around for dinner at the Hudson House, a waterfront restaurant and inn that’s been offering diners unmatched views of the Hudson since 1832. Stay overnight in one of the Hudson House rooms, or head up Main Street to the Pig Hill Inn for quaint accommodations in a brick building, breakfast included.

Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

Route 97. Photo by Glen Schmolze via Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway: Sorry, public-transportation enthusiasts. You’re going to need a car for this excursion in the western Catskills. Recently recognized in USA Today’s Best Scenic Autumn Drives, the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, otherwise known as Route 97, offers some truly dreamy views of the Delaware River as you cruise along the country road.

Start in Port Jervis in Orange County and wind your way north on Route 97 along the Pennsylvania border, stopping in Narrowsburg. Sit down for brunch, lunch or dinner at The Heron, which offers lots of locavore dishes and a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.

The Scenic Byway extends up to the village of Hancock, and from there, get on to Route 17 and head east down through Sullivan County. You’ll pass through Roscoe, Livingston Manor, Parksville and, finally, Middletown and the entrance to I-84. Take your time. Savor the sights. After all, the best way to see autumn in the Hudson Valley and Catskills is as leisurely as possible.

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Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

270 Vineyard Avenue, Highland: $195,000

Want the whole Hudson Valley enchilada for under $200,000? This Highland farmhouse is newly refreshed with hardwood floors, lots of natural light and a full basement. Outside, it sits on over an acre of land with its own pond and apple trees. Talk about living the dream. Located right across the Mid-Hudson Bridge, close to the Culinary Institute and the Walkway. Beds: 3. Baths: 1. Square Feet: 1,360. Lot Size: 1.11 acres. Est. Taxes: $4,042. 270 Vineyard Avenue, Highland [Continental Real Estate Group] GMAP.
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Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

60 Old Albany Post Road, Cold Spring: $590,000

Once upon a time, this circa-1780 farmhouse in Cold Spring was an inn and tavern. Now it’s a private residence that beautifully retains its old-world character with original woodwork, plank flooring and three fireplaces. There’s no shortage of beauty outside, either, with a patio and pond plus additional barn/studio. Beds: 4. Baths: 3.5. Square Feet: 2,824. Lot Size: 8 acres. Est. Taxes: $14,283. 60 Old Albany Post Road, Cold Spring [Robert A. McCaffrey Realty Inc.] GMAP.

Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping -- Catskills & Upstate New York

4204 State Route 97, Barryville: $269,999

This circa-1850 antique farmhouse is located right on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, and that means gorgeous surroundings with Upper Delaware practically outside the front door. Includes wrap-around porch, wood stove, spacious kitchen and formal dining room. If the pretty house doesn’t lure you in, the pretty environs might. Beds: 4. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 1,792. Lot Size: 1.5 acres. Est. Taxes: $4,426. 4204 State Route 97, Barryville [Gibson E. McKean] GMAP.

Businesses Mentioned Above

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