Top 10 Places to See the Leaves - Sept 2010
Orange County, NY (September 2010) - Long country drives to see the fall colors are a tradition in the Hudson Valley. Trees start their eye-popping transformation in mid-September, building to a riot of red, green and gold by Columbus Day weekend here in Orange County. Any country road will provide a sensational display, but Orange County Tourism has chosen 10 favorites, no particular order:
- Hawk's Nest Drive, Route 97. An official New York State Scenic Byway, this mountain-hugging road offers beautiful views of the Delaware River.
- Elks-Brox Park, Port Jervis. Perched on an overlook above the city, there's a wide view of the valley and the point where the Neversink River meets the Delaware. 845-856-6694
- Route 84 Overlook westbound. Okay, it's not a country road, but the pull-off has an interpretive sign and you can see 3 states from here. Between Exit 2 and Port Jervis.
- Route 6. From Port Jervis to Bear Mountain, this route winds its way over mountains and into valleys covered with fall foliage.
- Appalachian Trail. Anywhere along the trail will be beautiful, but hiking an hour southwest from the top of Mt. Peter brings you to a panoramic view of 9-mile long Greenwood Lake.
- Winding Hills Park, Montgomery. Take a picnic and walk the trails around the lake for a relaxing view of the spectacular foliage. 845-457-4918
- Storm King Art Center, Mountainville. Autumn leaves are a dramatic backdrop to the sculptures on the 500 acres of this park-like setting. 845-534-3115
- Cruising the Hudson. Three pleasure boats offer narrated cruises that double the effect of fall with the blazing leaves reflected in the Hudson River. Commander (845-534-SAIL). Pride of the Hudson (845-220-2120). River Rose (845-562-1067)
- Fort Montgomery. Gorgeous views of the Hudson from this recently renovated National Historic Landmark and Revolutionary War site. Don't miss the footbridge that crosses the creek to Bear Mt. 845-786-2701
- Seven Lakes Drive. From Bear Mt. to Lake Kanawauke, this route traverses 2 state parks with the fall leaves mirrored in all 7 lakes.
More great ideas for fall can be found in the travel guide from Orange County Tourism at 845-615-3860. Or visit www.orangetourism.org
