Where two rivers meet.
Weekends in September, the Hudson River Valley Ramble brings its 13th year of walks, hikes, paddles and bike tours through 13 counties. Among them, a guided cruise of the Hudson Highlands aboard the Pride of the Hudson. From Newburgh Landing you’ll sail past Washington’s headquarters, Mount Beacon, Bannerman Island, Breakneck Mountain, Cold Spring, World's End, Constitution Island and the United States Military Academy at West Point.
September 7-9, Waterford’s historic waterfront will harken to earlier days during the Waterford Tugboat Roundup. This yearly festival attracts 25,000 people to the sleepy canal town for tugboat tours, music, boat rides and fireworks. Watch the parade of mighty wood-bumpered, smoke belching vessels and board the Caldwell Bell for a tug ride.
Just south of Albany, seven miles of Hudson River and Schodack Creek shoreline make Schodack Island State Park ideal birdwatching country for bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons. Eight miles of trails beckon hikers and a launch site welcomes kayakers. Bring a picnic, there’s plenty of room to stretch in the park’s 1000 acres.
Whether you race or just cheer on the teams, the Head of the Hudson Regatta promises excitement on September 22, when hundreds of competitors from high schools, colleges, and clubs throughout the northeast converge on Albany’s Corning Preserve to paddle it out for prizes and fame. Hosted by the Albany Rowing Center, admission is free.
Ply the gentle Mohawk River through Schenectady County with a stop at The Boat House. If it uses an oar, The Boat House sells it, fixes it and rents it. It’s located right on the riverbank at Rexford, so you can glide directly into the Mohawk’s quiet waters by kayak, canoe or rowing shell, moving at your own pace past the riverside foliage. Kayak and canoe rentals are available through October.
As river cruises go, nothing tops the Captain J.P. II, a four-deck cruise ship with three completely enclosed decks, central air and heat, full service bars and dance floors on every deck. The party continues all through the fall season with brunch cruises, New York City junkets and concert cruises. Or book your own private party.
At six miles wide and 29 miles long, The Great Sacandaga Lake is Fulton County’s largest, but pick any lake from among the 44 that call this county home and you’ll find countless ways to take to the water. Whether you kayak, canoe, sail or motorboat, you’ll find the region’s clear waters and spectacular Adirondack views a pristine setting.
For more ideas visit the Capital-Saratoga region.