Brownstoner Upstate: Escape to Greene County
Long View Park, New Baltimore via ScenicHudson.com One area of the Hudson Valley has been relatively ignored by those flocking north: Northern Greene County bordering Albany County on the shores of the Hudson River. Largely agrarian in nature, this location isn’t known for farm-to-table late morning brunches, hot towel barbers, or music festivals. Instead, the riverside communities of…
Long View Park, New Baltimore via ScenicHudson.com
One area of the Hudson Valley has been relatively ignored by those flocking north: Northern Greene County bordering Albany County on the shores of the Hudson River. Largely agrarian in nature, this location isn’t known for farm-to-table late morning brunches, hot towel barbers, or music festivals.
Instead, the riverside communities of New Baltimore, Coeymanns, Ravena, and Hannacroix have remained small and relatively free of the influx of New Yorkers on the opposite side of the river in Hudson, Columbia County.
But that doesn’t mean the area is free of charm. On the contrary, the inherent charms of northern Greene and southern Albany Counties lie in its natural beauty, historic architecture, and close proximity to the Hudson River itself.
Scenic Hudson, a non-profit organization keen on preserving parts of the Hudson River for public use, partnered with the New Baltimore Conservancy to create Long View Park. The 76-acre park offers views of the Berkshire Mountains, open meadows, a historic barn, and access to the Hudson River Interpretive Trail (HRIT for short – more on the later). And that’s just scratching the surface of outdoor glory available.
The area is also close to the NYS Thruway, a stone’s throw from the Catskill Mountains, minutes away from the Capitol Region, and a mere trip across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge from the east side of the Hudson. In other words, Northeastern Greene County/southern Albany County is truly a verdant gateway near every place you want to be in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Cornell Park, New Baltimore via New Baltimore Conservancy on Facebook
If You Go: Go outside. Your best bet for nature communing is at the Hannacroix Creek Preserve, part of the New Baltimore Conservancy. The Hudson River tributary runs from the Alcove Reservoir in western town of Coeymans with the Preserve situated off NY 144 about 5 minutes north of New Baltimore.
Stroll the 113 acre preserve with views, ruins of an old paper mill, and Hannacroix Falls. Take the trail that crosses over NY 144 and continue to the Hudson River Interpretive Trail (HRIT) boardwalk. HRIT will then take you to past ruins of old ice houses and eventually to the world’s first recycled plastic bridge, and finally to an overlook facing the Hannacroix Creek Cove and the Hudson River.
Heads up: We hear the mosquitos can get pretty fierce up here, so pick your poison for bite control. Long View Park — south of New Baltimore in West Coxsackie — offers more trails on the former site of Armstrong Farm, barns and some farm buildings included. Also included are trees, bluffs, and 1370 feet of protected Hudson River shoreline.
If you’re hoping to ogle some historic houses around the area, you can find a complete list of New Baltimore properties here. Or, head toward the Alcove Reservoir and check out the Alcove Historic District, an old mill town.
Bridge made of recycled plastic water bottles, Hannacroix Creek Preserve from Greatnortherncatskills.com
Hudson River shoreline at Armstrong Farm/Long View Park. Â Photo by Robert Rodriguez, Jr. from ScenicHudson.com
Deepe Clove Kill Farm, Hannacroix c.1742 stone house from Realtor.com
Alcove Reservoir, Coeymans Landing by Daniel Case from Wikipedia
Real Estate: The real estate prices in northeastern Greene County/southern Albany County are a big draw. Given the area’s relative obscurity and economic struggles, stock is inexpensive, some of it’s historic, and many options come with a decent amount of land.
The area is not without its difficulties. Employment opportunities are scarce, but its location near the Thruway makes it a convenient option for second home ownership. The village of Catskill is 20 minutes away and from there, the Rip Van Winkle takes you to Columbia County, about 10 minutes from Hudson City.
Brooklyn is a mere three-hour drive. It’s closer to everything than you think. Here are two picks from the Brownstoner Upstate listings.
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294 Alcove Road, Coeymans: $379,000
We do love an old Dutch Colonial stone house. While you can find them older (300-year old house problems included), this 1850s stone house in Coeymans is antique enough for us — especially since it’s been given a renovation that includes some impressive stone work and tons of modern touches. Not enough for you? Get an additional 78 acres across the street for a grand total of $578,000. Beds: 3. Baths: 2.5. Square Feet: 2334. Lot Size: 11.65 acres. Est. Taxes: $6400. 294 Alcove Road, Coeymans (Heart Land Realty) GMAP.
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19 McColluch Avenue, Ravena: $189,000
This Victorian located on a quiet residential street in Ravena village is kind of a knock-out. You can see it straight away on the porch with the intricate cut-outs and lacy detailing. The beauty continues inside with Craftsman-like woodworking and little dabs of exposed brick here and there. The yard is over a quarter-acre in size, and the location is less than 10 mins. from the NYS Thruway. Beds: 3. Baths: 2. Square Feet: 2099. Lot Size: .34 acres. Est. Taxes: $5095. 19 McCulloch Avenue, Ravena (Louise Warner Realty) GMAP.
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