World Atlas names 5 Hudson Valley towns the most picturesque in New York. See the list

Rockland/Westchester Journal News
·4 min read

New York is more than the Big Apple — small towns throughout the Empire State are lush with natural beauty, history, culture and more. The Hudson Valley is no exception.

According to World Atlas, the Hudson Valley is home to five of the nine most picturesque small towns in New York State.

Small towns with charm dot the New York landscape, each with its own charm, natural beauty and colorful communities. Here are the nine most picturesque small towns in the New York include the five located in the Hudson Valley, as determined by the World Atlas.

Sleepy Hollow, NY

Sunset at the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse.
Sunset at the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse.

Sleepy Hollow, a village located within the town of Mount Pleasant in Westchester, is home to all of the above. And it's on the list of New York's most picturesque small towns. Looking to play tourist in your own backyard here in Westchester? Here are a few backdrops to consider in Sleepy Hollow, which celebrates its 150th birthday this year.

Sleepy Hollow, is best known for being the main inspiration for Washington Irving's “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Scenic places to visit: Sleepy Hollow named one of the most picturesque places in NY

New Paltz, NY

Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House

Located in Ulster County, in the Mid Hudson Valley, the Wallkill River runs through the town and is in sight of the impressive Shawangunk Ridge. New Paltz was settled by French Huguenots in the early 18th Century. Historic Huguenot Street is home to seven original stone houses and one church founded in 1678. The Mohonk Preserve is located nearby, where 70 miles of carriage roads and hiking/biking/horseback riding trails cover the northern Shawangunk Ridge. The ridge is also home to the Minnewaska State Park Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House – a world-famous resort at the northern tip of the small but dramatic Lake Mohonk.

Kingston, NY

The Rondout Lighthouse on the Hudson River in Kingston
The Rondout Lighthouse on the Hudson River in Kingston

Located in Ulster County, Kingston was once the first capital of New York. Today, it is the rich history and picturesque scenery that truly makes Kingston stand out. The Stockade District, a historic district consisting of eight blocks of 17th-Century structures, holds the distinction of being designated as National Historic Places and Landmarks. The Kingston waterfront boasts the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which features a rotating exhibit of antique ships anchored in the river. Visitors can also enjoy a sandy public beach and catch a glimpse of the Rondout Lighthouse, situated on its solitary island platform, from Kingston Point Park.

Saugerties, NY

Aerial view of the Esopus Creek Bridge in Saugerties, New York.
Aerial view of the Esopus Creek Bridge in Saugerties, New York.

Another town located in the Mid Hudson Valley in Ulster County is Saugerties. It's located between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. Saugerties has a picturesque lighthouse, just like Kingston. The lighthouse was built in 1869 at the Esopus Creek intersection. It now serves as a luxurious bed and breakfast with two rooms. The Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Falling Waters Preserve and Esopus Creek Conservatory, are all located here. Saugerties has a charming small-town commercial district that stretches along the easily walkable Main and Partition streets.

Woodstock, NY

The final Hudson Valley town on the list is Woodstock. Located in Ulster County in the Catskill Mountains, Woodstock is famous for giving its name to a well-known music festival in 1969, even though the festival happened 40 miles away in Bethel, Sullivan County. According to the World Atlas, Woodstock offers many chances to enjoy the outdoors. Overlook Mountain and Catskill Center Thorn Preserve are close by. Mower’s Flea Market is a popular spot that's open every weekend. Additionally, there are plenty of performing arts centers, galleries and museums to explore.

Rounding out the list, here are the four other most picturesque small towns in New York State that are outside the Hudson Valley.

Lake Placid, NY

Lake Placid, located in the Adirondacks, has hosted the winter Olympics twice and is a popular destination for various sports like skiing, triathlons, skating and hiking. The village is situated on the southern shores of Lake Placid and is surrounded by Mirror Lake. Visitors can enjoy numerous wooded hikes starting from trails in the village, which also offers a variety of charming shops and restaurants.

Watkins Glen, NY

Watkins Glen, located in Schuyler County, is famous for its stunning gorges and hiking trails found in Watkins Glen State Park. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk of Seneca Lake Pier and then enjoy a delicious meal at one of the lakeside restaurants.

Montauk, NY

Montauk, located at the eastern tip of Long Island, is famous for its beautiful beaches, coastal parks, water activities like boating and fishing, upscale hotels and excellent restaurants. The World Atlas highlights these attractions. Additionally, Montauk is where you can find the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1796, making it the oldest lighthouse in New York and the fourth oldest in the United States.

Skaneateles, NY

Skaneateles, located by the stunning Skaneateles Lake, is known for its beauty. The town welcomes visitors with its charming waterfront at Clift Park and the picturesque Skaneateles Pier. The historic district, with its preserved 19th-Century buildings, adds to the town's appeal for tourists.

lohud editor Ashley Fontones contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Hudson Valley's 5 most picturesque small towns, named by World Atlas.