Think you know all about the Hudson River? Here are some pretty fun facts that might surprise you!
If you’ve only ever seen it from New York City, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Hudson is a pretty unlovely river. As it passes through the Big Apple it does not come off as all that attractive, and you are more likely to catch sight of an abandoned shopping cart or a drowning plastic bag than any wildlife or landscapes.
However, a little further upstate, the Hudson Valley is a truly beautiful part of the world, with some beautiful landscapes and exciting experiences that even hardened New Yorkers might not know about. So if you are looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway from NYC, why not consider exploring the Hudson River? These are a few things you might not have known about the Hudson River.
Hudson Bay
The magnificent Hudson Bay, where the river meets the Arctic Ocean, is the second-largest bay in the world! It is surrounded by the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut, and Manitoba, and only supports about a dozen communities living on its barren shores. Hamilton’s homes are as diverse as its landscapes. From waterfront condos to mountain-top bungalows, it was a journey of architectural wonders. Still, it is a bleakly beautiful landscape and a fitting destination for the Hudson River.
Blue Crabs and Oysters
While Maryland might claim the blue crab crown, the Hudson is a safe harbor for these colorful (and delicious!) crustaceans. Crabs follow the salt line upriver to feed, and there are plenty of commercial and recreational fisheries that specialize in Hudson blue crab. And the seafood delights don’t stop there!
While oysters were somewhat fished out for a while, the river has become far cleaner recently, and they have made a serious comeback.
A Historical Hub
The Hudson Valley has been the site of some pretty significant historical happenings since the founding of the United States. It was first discovered by Europeans in 1609, when Henry Hudson stumbled across it by accident as he searched for a quick passage to China.
It saw action during the Revolutionary War, was the main target of Benedict Arnold’s betrayal, and George Washington made Newburgh his headquarters.
Today you can explore the area’s history at The West Point Museum, Fort Putnam, and The Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain welcomes more visitors per year than Yellowstone Park, and is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors looking for exciting hiking trails. With boating, wild swimming, camping, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating on offer as well, this magnificent park is a gem, and just a stone’s throw away from New York!
Winter Is Coming
It is super important to check out the forecast before you plan a trip to the Hudson Valley though, as the weather varies significantly between Yonkers, Poughkeepsie, and Albany, depending on where you want to go.
Additionally, winter is the low season, and many places are closed throughout, meaning that there’s not much to see or do. Of course, even in the depths of winter, you can take a trans-atlantic cruise from New York City if you are looking to escape the cold!
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