Hudson Valley, Valley region north of New York City, United States
The Hudson Valley is a valley region north of New York City that stretches about 150 miles along the Hudson River from Albany to Yonkers. Gentle hills alternate with wide river sections, while forests, fields, and small communities line the shore and the valley narrows in places between steep riverbanks.
Mohican and Wappinger tribes lived in this area before Dutch settlers arrived in the 17th century and founded trading posts. The river later became an important transport route between the interior and New York harbor, encouraging industry and trade along its banks.
The region takes its name from the river explored by Henry Hudson in 1609 and remained agricultural for centuries with Dutch farms and orchards. Today families visit the many farms in autumn to pick apples and choose pumpkins, while small towns along the river maintain local markets and craft shops.
Large parts of the region can be reached by highways from the city in about two hours, with smaller roads connecting the communities along the riverfront. Walking trails and parks remain accessible throughout the year, though autumn and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures and the most vivid colors.
Storm King Art Center displays large sculptures across more than 500 acres (200 hectares) of meadows and hills, allowing visitors to walk among artworks and grassland. The collection includes works by numerous artists distributed across the grounds of a former farm and can be explored over several hours.
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