As we dive into fall, it’s easy to get caught up in all the upcoming holidays. I mean, come on, they do start to blur together. First, it’s Labor Day and then before you know it... WHAM! Happy 2019 everybody! BEFORE we get to the new year and while we can take in some of our local beauty without having to put on chains, get out there and enjoy the fall foliage that only the Hudson Valley can provide.
The historic Walkway Over the Hudson is a great place to start even if it’s not a drive itself. From here you can take in all kinds of fall foliage in Poughkeepsie on over to Lloyd. It’s a beautiful 2.5-mile walk round-trip with limited free parking on either side. But we all know there’s more to see!
Hop onto Route 9 for a scenic 1-hour ride that hugs the Hudson River. This trip will take you onto Route 403 and Route 9D. If you start in Poughkeepsie, you’ll end up in Peekskill and can enjoy a taste of the Catskills and Wappingers Falls. There are some great shopping and food along the way too: Birdsall House for a yummy bite to eat, West Point Foundry Preserve if you’d instead picnic or simply stretch your legs while taking in a beautiful surrounding, Cold Spring Waterfront for more beauty or some tasty ice cream from Moo Moo’s Creamery.
Have you ever taken the Duchess and Columbia County Fall Drive? If not, this might be the fall to take that drive. This drive usually makes it into the top of the best fall foliage. You will enjoy beautiful meadowlands, mountain views, and wooded hills. Expect to see Victorian-era villages to pre-Revolutionary War homes. There are plenty of charming B&B’s along the way if you want to make a real mini vacation out of the trip.
Directions for this one:
From the Taconic Parkway, take Rt. 44 East to Millbrook.
Continue on Rt. 44 to Amenia.
North on 22 to Millerton.
Continue on 22 North
Continue on Rt. 22 North to Hillsdale.
Take Rt. 23 West to Hudson.
Take 9G to Rhinebeck and have a great Lunch or Dinner.
Take Rt. 308 east – changes to Rt. 199 back to the Taconic Parkway.
This should certainly get you started on your fall-foliage trip ideas. Make sure to check all of your fluids and tire pressure before heading out. Updating your emergency first aid kit isn’t a bad idea either and don’t forget some snacks to nosh on along the journey. Foreign Car Specialists in Poughkeepsie near the Over the Hudson Walkway is happy to do a lot of the checking for you! Happy foliaging!