New York’s Hudson Valley: A National Heritage Area
Do you want to bike through an area of North America that was carved out of the larger Great Appalachian Valley during the last ice age?
When this last ice age ended the Great Lakes, which were originally one large glacial lake called Iroquois, drained south down the Hudson River. This river is often described as “America’s Rhine,” and was believed to be the infamous Northwest Passage by Dutch explorer and namesake Henry Hudson. The river and valley have supported humanity dating back to the indigenous tribes of the Lenape, Wappinger, and Mahican (Mohican) branches of the Algonquins.
The Hudson Valley region stretches from New York’s capital city of Albany down to Yonkers in Westchester County. It is known for its history, diverse culture, scenic beauty, and a rich food and arts scene, and was designated a National Heritage Area in 1996. It was impacted by both the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. At one time it was the breadbasket of colonial America, growing grains that were shipped down river to the larger ports in New York City.
By the 1970s the Hudson Valley began to lead the farm-to-table movement, the local food movement, and sustainable agricultural practices. Though dairy farms are predominant in the region, fruit, vegetable, poultry, meat, and maple syrup are also produced. The Hudson Valley is one of the oldest wine-making and grape-growing regions in the United States, with its first vineyards planted in 1677 in current-day New Paltz. The region has sunlight, moisture, chalky soil, and drainage conducive to grape growing, especially grapes used in sparkling wines.
The modern Hudson Valley designated by New York State consists of 10 counties, and are divided up into the Upper, Mid, and Lower Hudson regions.
Following the Hudson River and winding through the Hudson Valley is the Empire State Trail. This 750-mile collection of multi-use trails, completed in December of 2020, consists of pre-existing trail segments connected by the construction of 40 new trails. The Empire State Trail is organized in three main segments: the Hudson River Valley Greenway Trail, the Erie Canalway Trail, and the Champlain Valley Trail. Wilderness Voyageurs offers bicycling vacations on both the Erie Canalway Trail at 360 miles in length, and the Hudson River Valley Trail which is about 270 miles.
If history and landmarks aren’t enough to lure you onto the Empire State Trail, imagine safely biking from the hustle and bustle of New York City and the Bronx, and hours later being in the most scenic landscapes found in the state. That’s the sudden change you experience when biking north from the southernmost point on the Empire State Trail. New York City, Kingston, Hudson, and Albany are all major centers of commerce, but the natural spaces between them along the Empire State Trail are the real gems. Our bike tours in June are perfect for shaking off the springtime chill and enjoying the lushness of the trees as they leaf out and bloom. Our fall tours are scheduled during peak fall foliage color changes. The days are warm but the evenings cool during our two seasons of biking the Empire State Trail.
For those who’d like to read more about the Hudson Valley, here are a couple books we recommend.
The Hudson: A History by Tom Lewis (2005)
- Genre: Non-Fiction History
- Why it’s essential: Considered one of the most comprehensive single-volume histories of the river tracing its course through four centuries, covering explorers, industrialization, artists, and environmental preservation.
The History of the Hudson River Valley (Two Volumes) by Vernon Benjamin (2014-2016)
- Genre: Non-Fiction History
- Why it’s essential: A monumental, exhaustive two-volume work offering a deep dive into the region’s complete history, from its geological formation to modern times. Volume I covers Wilderness to the Civil War, and Volume II covers the Civil War to Modern Times.
A Family Place: A Hudson Valley Farm, Three Centuries, Five Wars, One Family by Leila Philip (2009)
- Genre: Memoir/Local History
- Why it’s essential: A woman’s journey to uncover the long and complex history of her family’s ancestral farm in the Hudson Valley, weaving together personal experience with three centuries of American and regional history.
World’s End by T. Coraghessen Boyle (1987)
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Why it’s essential: A sprawling, ambitious novel that traces the history of a Dutch-American family in the Peekskill/Peterskill area of the Hudson Valley from the 17th century through modern times, exploring themes of legacy, property, and class.
Wilderness Voyageurs operates Inn to Inn Bicycling Vacations
If you want to experience the sights, sounds, culture, and geography of a place, what better way than from the saddle of your bike?
All Wilderness Voyageurs tours are fully supported with a SAG vehicle and include beautiful routes through stunning landscape, excellent food and accommodations, top rate equipment, and dedicated and enthusiastic guides.
Give our wonderful reservations staff a call to book your next bike tour vacation. (800) 272-4141