Fall in the Hudson Valley
Source: Juliana Malta via Unsplash
Bright orange leaves blow through the air on a crisp autumn breeze. Fog collects around the top of buildings, hiding the top of the Walkway Over the Hudson from view. The sun slowly warms the Hudson River until it glistens with afternoon warmth.
From the vibrant foliage to the festivals each weekend, fall in the Hudson Valley is unparalleled. Locals and tourists alike spend as much time as they can outside, soaking up nature until the last leaf falls to the ground. The neverending list of fall activities may seem overwhelming, but these are the best recommendations from an autumn-obsessed, Hudson Valley Native.
Scenic Destinations
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a classic attraction for Marist students to observe the changing leaves and to fully embrace the brisk fall air. The Walkway Over the Hudson is a historic state park that spans the Hudson River with a sweeping view of the foliage on either side and of the river below. However, the experience is not limited to the bridge itself. The Walkway continues into the Franny Reese State Park, a beautiful woodland experience. The Franny Reese State Park contains 2.5 miles of hiking trails under the canopy of beautiful autumn leaves.
Another scenic marvel of the Hudson Valley is the environmental sculpture Opus 40. The sculpture is located in Saugerties, New York deep within the surrounding forest. Opus 40 is always featuring new events and attractions. Until Oct. 30, Opus 40 will be displaying the sculpture artwork of Melora Kuhn. The sculptures explore the complexities of human history and mythology.
Food and Drinks
On Oct. 23 and 24, Scribner’s Lodge in Catskill will host their Fall Festival. The Fall Festival at Scribner’s Lodge features live music and many offerings of food and drinks. Some vendors at the Fall Festival include Asian Fusion food from Kreung Cambodia, artisanal beer from Finback Brewery, desserts from Imagine Cookie Company and even Mexican food from Consuelo Cocina. Musical artists Sarah Gross and Yellsmiles will also be performing on the bluestone porch with a scenic view of the surrounding forest.
The Apple Bin Farm Market on Route 9W bakes fall treat staples such as apple cider doughnuts. Families and friends can also spend the day together apple picking, pumpkin picking or taking a tour of the family farm. On a normal day, the market offers a variety of local farm products such as fruits, vegetables, honey, dairy, eggs and maple syrup. Prepared food products such as sandwiches, baked goods and fresh cider made entirely of local ingredients are also available.
Thrills
Autumn isn’t all beautiful woodland scenes and family fun; Halloween attractions featuring ghosts and ghouls are hidden throughout the Hudson Valley, with two being only a twenty-minute drive from Marist.
Headless Horsemen has been ranked the number one horror attraction in America. Headless Horsemen located in Ulster Park is famous for its haunted hayrides. This year in the interest of COVID-19 safety, the hayrides have been replaced with the Haunted Walking Trail with the theme “The Haunting of Pumpkin Jack”. The story is told on a soundtrack for guests to stream on the Haunted Walking Trail while actors scare guests along the way. Headless Horsemen also offers frightening escape rooms and nine different themed haunted houses.
The other frightening location worth a visit is Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion. The mansion was featured on AMC’s TV show “American Haunters”, a documentary series exploring haunted attractions. For over 45 years, the mansion has been transformed into a haunted house with a different theme. This year, guests traverse through the practice of an unhinged doctor raising their adrenaline at every turn. Once guests have escaped outdoors their relief is brief as the Wicked Woods attraction awaits them.
On October 19, the Marist Circle made an error in the story entitled Fall in the Hudson Valley.
Correction: The public is not allowed to climb on the rocks and structures at Opus 40.