Top Five Beautiful Riverside Parks in New York’s Mid-hudson Valley

One of the benefits of living in New York State’s mid-Hudson Valley is the close proximity to the beautiful Hudson River. Hidden away in the towns that make up the mid-Hudson Valley are some small but spectacular local parks that are just steps from the river. These riverside parks are a great way to spend a lazy summer afternoon with family and friends, but you may not know where to find them. Here is a list of 5 beautiful riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley to check out this summer.

Dutchmen's Landing Park in Catskill, New York

Located in Greene County in the mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchmen's Landing Park is a short drive from Catskill's Main Street area. This peaceful mid-Hudson Valley park is right on the Hudson River, and the park's four launch ramps make it a mecca for boaters. There's a lot to see at Dutchmen's Landing, and on a summer afternoon you can spot a variety of interesting boats of all sizes making their way up and down the Hudson.

Dutchmen's Landing is an ideal spot for that family reunion or summer get together. The park is fully equipped with barbeques, picnic tables and benches, and a playground for the kids. The snack bar at Dutchmen's Landing serves the usual summer fare like hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries and onion rings, as well as ice cream and cold drinks. Also check out the summer concert series at Dutchmen's Landing for great live music by popular local bands and performers.

While visiting Dutchmen's Landing in Catskill, don't forget to look across the river to Olana. The Persian castle that was the home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church is visible in the distance.

The Historic Catskill Point in Catskill, New York

Just a few steps away from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is a hub of summer activity in Catskill. Located at the bottom of Main Street and just a short walk from Dutchmen's Landing, The Historic Catskill Point is host to a number of fun, warm weather events.

The warehouse building at The Historic Catskill Point is the location for the Riverside Farmer's and Artisan's Market held on Saturdays during the summer and early fall. There you will find a variety of goods for sale, including fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and baked goods, as well as locally produced art and crafts. Visitors to the Market enjoy music performances as part of “Music at the Market” presented by the Greene County Council on the Arts.

The Historic Catskill Point also hosts a number of festivals throughout the season, such as the Catskill Mountain Ginseng/Medicinal Herb Festival and the Shad Festival. Theatrical performances given by Classics at the Point theater ensemble in the Warehouse at the Point are a highlight of the summer. The popular group returns to The Historic Catskill Point each summer, performing classic plays in a riverside setting.

Catskill Point Park, adjacent to the historic Warehouse at the Point, is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the river. This park is one of those intimate mid-Hudson Valley locations where the visitor is just steps from the Hudson, and the Point offers unobstructed views of the river. During your trip to the park, check out the small maritime center at The Historic Catskill Point that documents the history of the area.

Catskill Point offers no picnicking facilities or refreshments at the park; however, Catskill Point Restaurant and Bar is right next door. Enjoy drinks and dinner from the deck of the Catskill Point Restaurant while you take in the magnificent Hudson River views.

Athens Riverside Park in Athens, New York

The village of Athens is one of the sleepiest little towns in upstate New York; however, it boasts one of the most beautiful, peaceful riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Located adjacent to The Stewart House hotel and restaurant, the park in Athens offers incredible, clear views of the Hudson River.

There are no picnicking facilities available at Athens Park, but the park offers a pavilion and benches that are a few steps from the Hudson River. The park in Athens is a lovely spot to sit awhile and enjoy the Hudson; after spending time in the park, walk across the street and enjoy a meal at The Stewart House.

Some Athens trivia: the village (and the waterfront area) was a film location for Steven Spielberg's movie War of the Worlds.

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York

Hudson Waterfront Park in Hudson, New York is one of the newer riverside parks in the mid-Hudson Valley. Newly created by the City of Hudson and located at the bottom of Warren Street near the Amtrak Station, the Hudson Waterfront Park is a tiny, very intimate recreational area that puts the visitor right on the water.

The most prominent feature of Hudson Waterfront Park is the gazebo, which hosts musical performances and other special events. There are no refreshments or picnicking facilities available at the park, just areas of green and benches that are situated right at the river's edge. This small park provides open views of the mid-Hudson Valley's Hudson Athens Lighthouse in the distance, and the Hudson Boat Club is conveniently located right next door. Watch the boats cruise up and down the beautiful Hudson or sign up to take your own Hudson River excursion with Hudson Cruises, also near the Hudson Waterfront Park.

After enjoying time at Hudson Riverfront Park, don't forget to walk along Hudson's Warren Street area, often referred to as the “antiques capital of the Northeast.” On the mile long stretch of Warren Street, you'll find antiques and collectibles, as well as art galleries, fine dining, home furnishings and other unique sights and shops.

Clermont State Park in Clermont, New York

Many visitors to the mid-Hudson Valley don't realize that a beautiful riverside park is tucked away just off Route 9G in Germantown, New York (near Tivoli.) If you see the sign for Clermont State Historic Site, turn in to experience sweeping views of the Hudson River in a peaceful setting.

Clermont was home to many generations of the prominent Livingston family, and their mansion and grounds are now open to the public as a New York State historic site. House tours of the Clermont mansion are given during the summer season, a great way to learn about the history of the Livingston family and the mid-Hudson Valley. While you're there, also check out the garden, the Visitor's Center and the museum gift shop at Clermont State Historic Site.

One of the best features of Clermont is the beautiful park-like setting with many green meadows and pastoral views of the Hudson River. The park that surrounds Clermont State Historic Site isn't steps from the river; however, the way the trees and grounds frame the Hudson from atop the rolling hills makes the location feel very intimate.

Clermont State Historic Site is a perfect place to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic on a summer afternoon. Bring some art supplies and sketch or paint scenes of the mansion and river. Consider attending one of the many mid-Hudson Valley festivals and events at Clermont in the warmer months, like Steamboat Days or the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Clermont is ideal for families because it offers an opportunity to learn about mid-Hudson Valley history while enjoying nature and some stunning views of the Hudson River.