General Description & Characteristics:
The Hudson River should be on the short list of the most scenic and
important rivers in the United States. At its mouth is the harbor of
New York City, America's largest city, and one of the most dramatic places
on the American landscape. Upstream it courses through the majestic Hudson
River Valley, rich in historical sites and scenic beauty. Technically,
the Hudson Valley is not a fjord; however, it is often compared to the
dramatic fjords of Norway.Location and Navigable
Mileage: From New York harbor, adjacent to Manhattan Island,
upstream the Hudson is navigable for about 190 to Fort Edward, where it is
joined by the Champlain Canal. A portion of this run is concurrent
with the cruise described under the New York State Canal System (see link
below). A series of locks and dams maintains navigability on the upper
sections of the Hudson River, and provides access to the St. Lawrence Seaway
and Great Lakes via Lake Champlain. Pleasure boats may also traverse
New York on the Erie Canal, which connects to the Hudson River at Cohoes
(Mohawk River). Interesting Features: From
the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the historic villages and towns of the upper
Hudson, this cruise is a non-stop delight of scenic and historic
treasures. Old lighthouses are a particular attraction for navigation
buffs, and many of these can be visited. The links below offer some
suggestions as to what you might consider doing (besides enjoying the lovely
scenery) while cruising the Hudson. The Hudson River is particularly
notable for the surviving historic lighthouses, some of which are open to
visitation.Tidal influence extends over 100 miles upstream
from New York City.Additional Information:
River-Horse:
A Voyage Across America(William Least Heat Moon) - The
author of Blue Highways sets out to cross America by
motorboat. A spellbinding, exciting, and informative tour of
many of the waterways on this site, including the Hudson
River
