Welcome to Hudson Valley Illustrated!
Welcome to Hudson Valley Illustrated, the companion site of the Hudson Valley Illustrated coffee table book! The Hudson Valley region in New York is a hidden treasure located in the backyard of one of the biggest cities in the world. The region revolves around the amazing Hudson River which starts its journey to the Atlantic Ocean in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. The historic region is nestled with spectacular mountains, creeks, lakes, waterfalls, farms, mansions, and lively cities. Designated as a National Heritage Area, there is breathtaking beauty everywhere one looks. The area is getting its much deserved recognition by making it to National Geographic's "Top 20 destinations in the world" list in 2013 and Fodor's "Go List 2015".
I am Vijai Kalathur, a landscape photographer and the author of the "Hudson Valley Illustrated" book. The beauty of the Hudson Valley inspired me to take up photography as a serious hobby 8 year back. I have been on a bit of a mission over the last five years to visit 50 amazing spots in the Hudson Valley and capture the beauty of the majestic Hudson Valley. The 100 page photo book documents my journey and provides a glimpse of the beauty that exists in the Hudson Valley region by taking its readers to many picturesque spots in the area. Some of the destinations are very well known and popular while others are hidden treasures. This site has more details and photos of these amazing destinations. We hope you enjoy the journey.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the many groups in the region for all that they do to preserve the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. One of the organizations leading this effort is Scenic Hudson. Many of the photos in this book & site were captured at parks created and maintained by them. To support their efforts, we will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book to Scenic Hudson. Thank you for your support!
I am Vijai Kalathur, a landscape photographer and the author of the "Hudson Valley Illustrated" book. The beauty of the Hudson Valley inspired me to take up photography as a serious hobby 8 year back. I have been on a bit of a mission over the last five years to visit 50 amazing spots in the Hudson Valley and capture the beauty of the majestic Hudson Valley. The 100 page photo book documents my journey and provides a glimpse of the beauty that exists in the Hudson Valley region by taking its readers to many picturesque spots in the area. Some of the destinations are very well known and popular while others are hidden treasures. This site has more details and photos of these amazing destinations. We hope you enjoy the journey.
We would like to acknowledge and thank the many groups in the region for all that they do to preserve the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. One of the organizations leading this effort is Scenic Hudson. Many of the photos in this book & site were captured at parks created and maintained by them. To support their efforts, we will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book to Scenic Hudson. Thank you for your support!
Hudson Valley Destinations
Little Stony Point, Cold Spring
Little Stony Point is one of the most popular beaches along the Hudson River. A short half a mile walk from the parking lot on Rt 9D just north of Cold Spring leads to the beach and stunning views of the Hudson, Storm King Mountain, and the Hudson Highlands. It’s a popular destination to relax...
Stony Kill Farm, Wappingers Falls
Stony Kill Farm is located on Rt 9D in the Town of Wappingers Falls. The farm includes a 19th Century barn and farmhouse, an 18th Century Dutch stone house, a greenhouse, a pond, and community garden plots among other things. The farm is run through a collaborative effort between the DEC and the Stony Kill Foundation. ...
Mt. Beacon, Beacon
If you are looking to get in a good workout and want an instant reward for your efforts, Mt. Beacon is what you have been looking for. The hardest mile in the Hudson Valley gets you to the summit of Mt. Beacon from where you are rewarded with some of the best views of the Hudson Valley. For...
Dennings Point, Beacon
A cool little peninsula in Beacon sticking out in the river offers visitor’s some nice hiking trails, a peaceful cove, awesome bird watching opportunities. Part of the Hudson Highlands State Park, Dennings Point provides a nice trail loop that highlights the industrial past of Beacon. There are still remnances of old factory buildings in a...
Poughkeepsie Waterfront (Wrayas Park), Poughkeepsie
The Victor Wrayas park along the Hudson River in downtown Poughkeepsie provides amazing views of the river and two very cool looking bridges. The FDR Mid Hudson bridge connecting Poughkeepsie and Highland blends in perfectly with the surround mountains and offers a very pretty site when lit up a night. The historic Walkway over the...
Riverfront Park, Beacon
A small recreation park behind the Beacon train station is a popular place for little kids to play in the slides & swings and older kids to master their volleyball & basketball skills. The park is also a great spot to take in views of the Hudson River, Newburgh, the Newburgh Beacon bridge, and surrounding...
Croton Gorge Park, Cortland
Home of the impressive Croton Dam, this park contains some of the most scenic waterfalls in the area. There is a walking trail that lets you walk on top of the dam which provides stunning views of the Croton reservoir and multiple waterfalls. This is also a popular spot for eagle and bird watching. The...
Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point, New Windsor
Located on the western banks of the Hudson River, Plum Point offers magnificent vistas of the Hudson River and the surrounding mountains. The views from this site are hard to beat and provide easy access to watch majestic sunrises and sunsets. The park also offers visitors a lot of recreation options.
Beacon Falls, Beacon
Beacon Falls is a pretty waterfall located in Beacon and is a perfect symbol of the resurgence of Beacon. This area of town was once a major industrial area early in the 20th century. Once the industries shutdown, the area became ugly and rundown. However Beacon is making a big comeback in the last three or...
Poet’s Walk Park, Red Hook
Poet’s Walk Park in Red Hook is one of the most popular destinations in the Hudson Valley for a nice stroll. It was designed by landscape architect Hans Jacob Ehlers in the mid 1800’s. The park was a favorite place of many literary figures like Washington Irvin of Rip Van Winkle fame and other poets and authors and...
Indian Brook Falls, Garrison
Sitting on one of the many blouders surrounding the majestic forty foot Indian Brook Waterfalls in Garrison is one of the most peaceful experiences in the Hudson Valley. The falls have a bit of an amphitheater feel to with the Indian Brook Falls leading the performance on stage and the visitors having a front row seat. The...
Madam Brett Park, Beacon
Located in the city of Beacon is another Scenic Hudson gem. Madam Brett Park houses the beautiful Tioronda Falls and offers a short trail along the Fishkill Creek leading to the Fishkill Marsh. This is yet another former industrial site in Beacon that has been transformed into a beautiful area to connect with nature. It is...
Long Dock Park, Beacon
Long Dock Park in Beacon is one of the most scenic and accessible parks in the Hudson Valley and my favorite place in the Hudson Valley. There is very little work one has to do to enjoy some amazing views. Located on the banks of the Hudson River right next to the Beacon train station,...