New York is not all about Manhattan. The state boasts great remote regions that are perfect for enjoying every season of the year and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of crowded cities. Upstate New York, mainly, is home to areas that people are guaranteed to fall in love with. During the autumn, there are two destinations in the state that beat any other: the Hudson Valley and the Catskills. Exploring those beautiful spots in New York is just magnificent. People will have the chance to be amazed by the spectacular landscapes and landmarks that these regions have to offer.
Moreover, the Hudson Valley and the Catskills boast an endless array of outdoor recreation attractions, cultural and historic sites, and lots of natural wonders. People get confused most of the time when deciding which of those two significant areas in New York to visit during the fall, and here’s a guide to help them decide.
Here’s How To Get To The Hudson Valley And The Catskills
Reaching both the Hudson Valley and the Catskills can be done by car. Other options include going to those regions by train or by bus. After leaving the stations, people can order a taxi or an Uber to get to the areas.
However, the most accessible and most straightforward to reach the destinations is by car. It would be more affordable to rent a car from a company not located in Manhattan or LaGuardia airport, where rates are much higher. The better option is to rent the vehicle from JFK, New Jersey, or any other town in Upstate New York.
- Tip: A car can be rented for better value by visiting rentalcars.com
The Catskills Mountains are a perfect destination to visit in New York during the fall season. The region is unique because it’s still not frequented by tourists, despite its magnificent waterfalls, splendid forests, and beautiful mountains.
When visiting the Catskills, people enjoy exploring several towns, including Phoenicia, Windham, Narrowsburg, Saugerties, Woodstock, Catskill, Hunter and Tannersville, and Livingston Manor. On the other hand, according to National Geographic, the Hudson Valley was labeled one of the 20 best places to visit. This is because of its yummy restaurants, marvelous parks, historical landmarks, and picturesque landscapes. People looking to spend the fall vacation outside of Manhattan head to the Hudson Valley. When going to the valley, visitors explore the towns of New Croton Dam, New Paltz, Cold Spring, Croton Gorge Park, New Windsor, Croton-On-Hudson, Beacon, Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow.
Here’s What To Explore At The Catskills Mountains
The Catskills boast several hiking trails and lookouts, and one of those is the Five State lookout. From this spot, people will have a chance to view five US States. Those are New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Moreover, the Five State lookout offers a view of the Hudson River Valley.
The views from that lookout are fantastic and provide a beautiful sight of the colors of the fall season. Another option to explore the Catskills includes taking a train ride around the region. Those who love to snap the most spectacular shots of nature will enjoy this experience.
- Location: People take the train from Kingston Westbrook Lane Station, which allows them to witness the most beautiful spots in Catskills.
- Duration: The train ride around Catskills is one hour long.
- Recommended: People are advised to visit the Catskills during Halloween to take the Pumpkin Patch Express, which offers a day trip to the pumpkin patch and the most mesmerizing panoramic views of the landscape.
- Cost: The Catskill Fall Foliage Adventure Train ticket costs $16 per adult. A ticket to The Pumpkin Express costs $20 per adult.
Other attractions in Catskills include witnessing the Fire Tower at the top of Overlook Mountain and the zip line at Hunter Mountain.
Hudson Valley Offers The Most Amazing Attractions One Can Ever Wish For
One of the most enjoyable experiences when visiting the Hudson Valley is to go to an apple picking farm and pumpkin patches. Moreover, on weekends, people can participate in the Fall Harvest Festival, an event filled with entertainment and outdoor activities and shows. Additionally, people can stay at the spectacular 150-year old Mohonk Mountain House when going to the Hudson Valley. The hotel features a castle-like architecture and includes an ice-skating rink and an entire spa.
- Cost: Staying at the Mohonk Mountain House is expensive, and rates start at $400 per night.
Another area worth exploring in the Hudson Valley is the Bear Mountain State Park, where they can witness great lakes, splendid forests, and beautiful trails and groves. The park also has an ice-skating rink, a zoo, a carousel, a museum, a swimming pool, and other attractions. Albany is another place that people enjoy visiting when in the Hudson Valley.
- Recommended: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a popular fall event in Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley that is worth attending.