Home to the Hudson River, historic locations, amazing views, and a TON of art & culture, the Hudson Valley NY is one of the most interesting and iconic locations in the United States.

But on the other hand, Hudson Valley NY is overlooked because New York City is usually the place where people want to visit when visiting New York State.

I bet you’re probably wondering,

• “How far is the Hudson Valley NY from NYC?”
• And “Where EXACTLY is the Hudson Valley NY?”

As a native New Yorker, my answer is always, “It all depends on how you plan to get there and what time and what day are you planning to travel.”
And
“Are you taking the train or are you driving?”

Sounds complicated, right? Let’s take a

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Some Tips & Practical Advice about Visiting the Hudson Valley NY:

• I personally think the best time to visit the Hudson Valley NY is during the Autumn/Fall Season. The cooler temperatures and the beautiful Autumn foliage makes every outing extra special.
• The Hudson Valley offers some options for getting around. Bigger cities offer bus service and the Metro-North train runs from NYC to several area within the Hudson Valley (see below).
• There are several airport options for getting around. Depending on where you plan to stay, the options can range anywhere from the airport in Albany to the Newburgh International Airport or the Westchester County Airport.
• When making a visit, dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Many places require a lot of walking and the weather can also change drastically.

Is the Hudson Valley NY considered “Upstate New York”?

The Hudson Valley NY – unofficially known as ‘Upstate New York”, but is it, really?

I know for a fact that many people believe that the Hudson Valley NY is far away from New York City.

The people who think this are not only tourists. People who LIVE within the 5 boroughs that make up NYC also believe that the Hudson Valley NY is “Upstate New York” and that to get to the Hudson Valley NY you NEED a car.

What they do not realize is that the Hudson Valley NY is actually made up of THREE areas and that part of the Hudson Valley is actually VERY CLOSE to NYC.

Don’t get me wrong, some parts of the Hudson Valley are quite a trek from NYC, but there are some beautiful and interesting places that DO NOT require an overnight stay or hours upon hours on the road in order to enjoy them.

What are the areas of the Hudson Valley?

The Hudson Valley, NY is divided into three regions:

• Lower Hudson Valley NY
• Mid-Hudson Valley NY
• Upper Hudson Valley NY

Each region is unique, beautiful, breathtaking, exciting and so much more.

Where exactly is ‘Upstate’ & ‘Downstate’ New York?

“Major Cities in Upstate New York include Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Syracuse”
– Wikipedia

When reading this, something very important came to mind: Albany (New York State’s Capital) seems to fall under both umbrellas (Hudson Valley & Upstate).

But that’s a debate for another day…

Wikipedia also tries to clarify the division of Downstate, NY by saying:

“The Downstate Region, like Upstate New York, is divided into several sub-regions, such as New York City, the Lower and Mid-Hudson Valley and Long Island”
– Wikipedia

Did that make it clearer or confuse you more????

How Far us the Hudson Valley NY from NYC?

If you type “Hudson Valley” into Google Maps, it actually shows the entire state of New York without any clear indication of where exactly the Hudson Valley is located.

It also estimates the trip from Midtown Manhattan to the “Hudson Valley” at about 2 hours and 20 minutes by car. And the final destination of “The Hudson Valley” is all the way up by Red Hook, NY.

Don’t get me wrong, that may be true but let me let you in on a little secret:

Lower Hudson Valley NY actually begins down by Yonkers, NY and stretches across to Mount Vernon and Pelham/Pelham Manor, NY. 

That being said, that makes it approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Midtown Manhattan (give or take).

And that fact actually shocks some people because that is a big HUGE difference from what Google Maps says.

What Counties Make up the Hudson Valley NY?

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Below is a list of the 10 counties that make up the Hudson Valley NY Region.

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Listed in each County’s Guide are many popular Hudson Valley Things To Do within that County.

• A Quick Guide of Westchester County
• A Quick Guide of Rockland County
• A Quick Guide of Orange County
• A Quick Guide of Putnam County
• A Quick Guide of Dutchess County
• A Quick Guide of Ulster County
• Columbia County
• Greene County
• Rensselaer County
• Albany County

What Towns Make Up the Hudson Valley NY?

Westchester County

Westchester County is a large county and has 6 cities, 19 towns, and 23 villages.

Check out posts all about: Westchester County, NY

Rockland County

Rockland County is approximately 15 miles from NYC at its closest point.

Check out posts all about: Rockland County, NY

Orange County

Orange County is approximately 50 miles from NYC.

Check out posts all about: Orange County, NY

Putnam County

Putnam County is a distance of 45 to 65 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Putnam County.

• Brewster
• Carmel
• Cold Spring
• Kent
• Nelsonville
• Patterson
• Philipstown
• Putnam Valley
• Southeast

Check out posts all about: Putnam County, NY

Dutchess County

Dutchess County is a distance of 58 to 110 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Dutchess County.

Check out posts all about: Dutchess County, NY

Ulster County

Ulster County is a distance of approximately 107 – 112 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Ulster County.

Check out posts all about: Ulster County, NY

Columbia County

Columbia County is a distance of approximately 130 – 140 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Columbia County.

Greene County

Greene County is a distance of approximately 135 – 150 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Greene County.

Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County is a distance of approximately 160 – 170 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Rensselaer County.

Albany County

Albany County is a distance of approximately 150 – 190 miles from New York City, depending on where you are visiting in Albany County.

Hudson Valley Map

As you can see from this Hudson Valley map below, the Hudson Valley stretches across the lower portion of New York State.

With the Hudson River as the centerpiece of the Hudson Valley, it offers a multitude of attractions and draws visitors from near and far.

Here are several reasons why people are attracted to visiting the Hudson River in the Hudson Valley:

1. Scenic Beauty: The Hudson River is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque landscapes that have inspired generations of artists, writers, and photographers. Visitors are drawn to its tranquil waters, lush greenery along the riverbanks, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Recreational Activities: The Hudson River provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. From kayaking and canoeing to sailing and fishing, there are activities suitable for individuals, families, and groups of all ages and skill levels. The river also offers opportunities for swimming, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.
3. Historical Significance: As one of America’s most historically significant waterways, the Hudson River is steeped in history and culture. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the USS Slater in Albany, Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison, and the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, gaining insights into the region’s maritime heritage and colonial past.
4. Scenic Cruises: Taking a cruise along the Hudson River is a popular way for visitors to experience its beauty and charm. Whether it’s a scenic sightseeing cruise, a sunset dinner cruise, or a historic riverboat tour, cruising allows passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery while learning about the river’s history and landmarks.
5. Waterfront Dining and Entertainment: The Hudson River is lined with charming waterfront towns and villages that offer a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine, browse boutique shops and art galleries, or attend live music performances and cultural events along the riverfront.
6. Biking and Walking Trails: The Hudson River Greenway Trail and other scenic biking and walking trails provide opportunities for visitors to explore the riverfront on foot or by bike. These trails offer stunning views of the river and its surroundings, as well as access to parks, picnic areas, and historic landmarks along the way.

How can you get to the Hudson Valley NY Region without a car?

Did you know that you can easily and quickly reach many parts of the Lower and Mid-Hudson Valley region without having a car?

Well, it’s true…

The MTA Metro-North Railroad has five Railway lines that take you into the Hudson Valley:

• Hudson Line
• Harlem Line
• New Haven Line
• Port Jervis Line
• Pascack Line

Metro-North Hudson Line

The following stops can be found on the Hudson Line:

Metro-North Harlem Line

The following stops can be found on the Harlem Line:

Metro-North New Haven Line

The following stops can be found on the New Haven Line:

• Mount Vernon East
• Pelham
• New Rochelle
• Larchmont
• Mamaroneck
• Harrison
• Rye
• Port Chester

Metro-North Port Jervis Line

The following stops can be found on the Port Jervis Line:

• Suffern
• Tuxedo
• Harriman
• Salisbury Mills – Cornwall
• Campbell Hall
• Middletown – Town of Wallkill
• Otisville
• Port Jervis

Metro-North Pascack Line

The following stops can be found on the Pascack Line:

• Pearl River
• Nanuet
• Spring Valley.

As you can see, each Metro North Line takes you to a different area of the Hudson Valley and can lead you to some wonderful places.

Whichever way you choose to arrive and explore the Hudson Valley, make sure you give yourself enough time to explore before having to get back home.

There is so much to see and do that you may need more than a day and more in the lines of a weekend to see and enjoy it all!

What is the Hudson Valley NY known for?

No matter what your interests are, the Hudson Valley NY offers so many things for so many people.

Hudson Valley Tourism is very important to the local economy. It’s also important in educating others about this grand region of New York that is rich in:

• Art & Culture
• Nature & Outdoors
• History
• Food & Drinks
• Museums 
• Music
• and so much more… 

Now that you know where the Hudson Valley NY is located, let’s dive in and explore all there is to do in this Extraordinary region of the United States.

READ MORE
Visit these Hudson Valley Attractions and you’ll Never Be Bored Again

More Popular Things to do in the Hudson Valley:

HUDSON VALLEY TIPS TO EXPLORE THE REGION LIKE A PRO

HUDSON VALLEY DAY TRIPS PERFECT TO DO ANY TIME OF THE YEAR

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HUDSON RIVER TOWNS WORTH VISITING

Until the Next Adventure…

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