From traversing the Appalachian trails to sipping craft beer in local breweries, this scenic region offers a welcome escape from the state's capital.
Stretching north along the Hudson River towards Albany, the Hudson Valley is characterised by rolling farmland, wide-open scenery and a strong creative culture. At its heart lies Orange County, a place defined as much by its natural setting as by its small towns and cultural landmarks.
Just 50 miles from New York City, the region offers unhurried weekends for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re an active adventurer keen to hike the Appalachian Trail and paddle the Delaware River, or a culturally curious visitor drawn to the area’s galleries and exhibitions, there’s plenty to explore. Here’s an insider's guide to exploring this bucolic region.Despite being home to the historic villages of Warwick and Montgomery and the vibrant cities of Middletown and Port Jervis, it's Orange County's sprawling countryside that draws most visitors. Take the famous Appalachian Trail, for example, which cuts through two of the county's state parks,. The trail covers around 40 miles of rugged scenery, with highlights including panoramic views from the Cat Rocks overlook and the narrow boulder passage, also known as the Lemon Squeezer which requires hikers to squeeze through a tight granite gap.. Beyond walking routes, there are plenty of other adventurous activities on offer, including the roller coasters and climbing towers ofis a great place to soak in the county’s creative scene, with eclectic galleries and artisan workshops open to visitors. Seasonal events also take place throughout the year, most notably the, based in Walden, produces the top-selling cider brand in the US and is home to a popular cider bar where locals sip their favourite tipple. Craft beer fans can visitis another favourite, taking a farm-to-fork approach. Beyond restaurants, visitors can explore pick-your-own farms and browse farmers’ markets, or time their trip to coincide with harvest celebrations. Among the standouts isis a boutique property in Goshen. Originally constructed in the 1800s, the heritage building is part of the Hudson Valley town’s historic fabric.Orange County is around 50 miles north of New York City. From the UK, travellers typically fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport . From either airport, Orange County can be reached by car in around 90 minutes. Trains also run from New York City to towns within Orange County, including Middletown. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for Orange County Tourism. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic,
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