Why? because some of the best foliage is just outside New England’s borders

Guest post by Elisa M. Shaw

As recently as 10 years ago, I imagine most people could not place Rhinebeck, NY on a map. (there is a map at the bottom of the page) A small former farming town of about 10,000 residents,

Rhinebeck has grown in popularity thanks in part to its proximity to New York City, its ever-growing status as the place to spot a celebrity (Samuel’s Sweet Shoppe, anyone?), and most importantly, the rustic beauty and charm Rhinebeck and the surrounding towns have to offer. Getting here is easy. Amtrack has a station in Rhinecliff, the town next door, and if you’re traveling by car, the town isn’t too far off both the Taconic State Parkway and the NYS Thruway.

The fall foliage in this area peaks around Columbus Day weekend, but you can find good color throughout the first few weeks of October during a typical year.  Rhinebeck is a town well suited for walking. So finding pops of fall color in town is usually done while you’re strolling through, enjoying the shops, and grabbing a bite to eat.

When the foliage is at its peak, one of the first things I do is head to the Hudson River to visit one of the 3 lighthouses that lie within 20 mins of Rhinebeck. The way the river runs through the valley and the locations of the lighthouses, this side of the river is the best vantage point for viewing them with the foliage-covered Catskill Mts in the background.

I personally prefer going in the morning, when the rising sun is hitting them with the best light and, every so often, fog is still covering the river. Going from south to north, the first one to visit is the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse

It is easily viewed from the Staatsburgh State Historic Site (https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/25/details.aspx) a quick 10-minute drive south of Rhinebeck on Rt 9. Follow the driveway to the mansion parking lot, then take a walk down to the river’s edge. The lighthouse will be easily viewable slightly to the north of the mansion property. (If you have the time, walk the grounds and visit the mansion itself while you’re there. Both are beautiful)    

Rondout Lighthouse

The second lighthouse, the Rondout Lighthouse, is found on the opposite side of the river from Rhinebeck. My favorite spot to see it is from is the Amtrack train station off Rhinecliff Rd in Rhinebeck (Rhinecliff) or Rhinecliff Park at the end of Hutton St.

Saugerties lighthouse

The final local lighthouse is the Saugerties lighthouse, best viewed from the riverfront in Tivoli, a small town 15 mins north of Rhinebeck. 

(While you’re looking for lighthouses, keep an eye out for bald eagles. They are common along the Hudson River year-round)

Blithewood Garden

If lighthouses are not your thing, try a visit to Bard College, a short drive north of Rhinebeck along Rt 9G in Red Hook. The grounds offer a beautiful public garden called Blithewood Garden, a walled Italianate garden situated on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River.

Originally designed and built during 1903 as part of a private estate, it has been well maintained ever since. The other popular must-see sight on campus is the renowned Fisher Center designed by Frank Gehry, with its futuristic wavy stainless steel roof and walls and adjacent water feature.

For the slightly more adventurous, park at the parking lot at the top of Bay Rd on the Bard Campus and walk less than ½ mile down to the Hudson River to view the beautiful Zabriskie’s Falls (The road is gated partway down, but pedestrian access is allowed. I’d recommend wearing good shoes for this one, it’s a little scramble down a steepish hill at the end of Bay Rd and across some wet rocks to get a full view of the falls)

Side note: As of the writing of this post, Bard College is open to the public, but check ahead on their website for covid related closures. https://www.bard.edu/visiting/

Ferncliff Forest off River Rd in Rhinebeck is a great spot to stretch your legs along the miles of trails.  There’s a small lake where you can stop and have a picnic. Most trails are rated as easy and all are well marked. For a real leg workout, climb the many stairs to the top of the 79-foot fire tower for a wide-open view of the Hudson River valley and the Catskill Mts beyond. The vista really is worth the effort.

If all else fails, take a scenic drive. River Road from Rhinebeck heading north to Red Hook offers miles of field-stone walls that mark the former estates of wealthy Gilded Age families. Once you get to Red Hook, seek out one or more of the handful of back roads with “Hill” in the name that takes you up a bit in elevation for scenic spots where you can view the mountains and the valley below, as well as several quiet lakes and ponds along the way. 

Red Hook is also home to several working farms for anyone who wants to pick some apples, grab a few pumpkins or enjoy homemade cider doughnuts. 

Obviously, this is a limited list of some of my favorite places.  A quick google will offer up a long list of great places to enjoy the local foliage and sights. The Rhinebeck area is full of historic mansions, parks, and natural beauty just waiting for visitors to discover on their own.

My website is: Elisa Shaw Photography

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