by Leigh Goessl

Created on: April 03, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The Hudson River begins in upstate New York, just above the state capital city of Albany and flows south to New York City. The river runs 315 miles and along the way there are many beautiful scenic views to enjoy.

Many of the most beautiful sights are located in the southern section of the river in Orange, Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties. There are many lovely sections in the northern sections too, but since I'm most familiar with the south, the focus in this piece will be on the lower Hudson River region.

Here are some top picks of the most beautiful scenic views along the lower section of the Hudson River:

*Bear Mountain Bridge Road Lookout

Whether you come across the Bear Mountain Bridge from Rockland County or head towards the bridge from Westchester, the designated lookout area across the river from Bear Mountain State Park has some spectacular views.

Fondly dubbed "the mountain road" by locals, the Bear Mountain Bridge Road is a two-lane road full of s-curves and sharp turns. This is definitely a road you want to mind speed limits on because it is too risky, especially in wet or icy weather.

As you reach up to the northern section of the road, not too far from where the road meets Route 9D and the Bear Mountain Bridge itself, you'll come to a look-out point. It is a small parking lot, but a popular one. No matter the season you're bound to see some incredible views from this look-out point.

*West Point

The United States Military Academy is located on the western side of the river and also possesses some of the best views of the Hudson. Across the Hudson you'll gaze upon the villages of Cold Spring and Garrison; at the latter is where the lovely Boscobel Mansion resides.

*Boscobel House and Gardens

This mansion, which rests on the eastern side of the river is the home to the former estate of States Dykeman, a former loyalist during the Revolutionary War era. He originally built this home down the river in Westchester County's Montrose, but in the 1950s the US government slated the property for demolition.

The property was purchased and dismantled and moved to its current pristine location. The acreage chosen for Boscobel is simply breathtaking and holds some of the finest views of the Hudson River. You can see West Point, which is a magnificent site in itself, clearly from this location.

The property sits high above the riverbank and has a spectacular rose garden which leads to a trail where you can follow and stand above the Hudson River and gaze upon the beauty if the region.

*Palisades

If you are in the City of Yonkers or in northern New York City, the view across the Hudson River overlooking Rockland County is spectacular. From here you can see the beauty of the Palisades in Rockland County.

If you have the good fortune to know someone with a boat, viewing both sides of these sections from the inside looking out is breathtaking. The ride from Poughkeepsie down to New York City is a wonderful way to spend the day. You'll pass through the five counties and see many undeveloped regions on each side which maintain natural beauty.

If you want to be amazed by some other areas of the river and don't have access to a private boat you can contact one of the many cruise companies that sail on the Hudson; some companies focus on north, while others sail the southern area of the Hudson. Any boat opportunity you receive, be sure and bring a camera!

The Hudson River has a long and historical tie to New York State and even today some of the original land that existed in the early beginnings of the American colonies are still just as beautiful today as they were centuries ago.

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