Mohonk, New Paltz, and the Hudson

We started the day with a visit to the Mohonk Preserve, enjoying the scenic trails, a bit of fall color, and making me wonder what it would’ve been like to live in a stone gatehouse. Unlike Bear Mountain State Park, this is a private nature reserve that got its start shortly after the Civil War.

Testimonial Gate

Mohonk Preserve

From there we made our way to the town of New Paltz, which was founded by French Huguenots in the late 1670s and still has stone houses from the early 1700s and other historic homes. They were lovely, and the guided walking tour made me appreciate the history of the area a bit more.

Replica Esopus Wigwam

Interior of the Ezekiel Elting House on historic Huguenot Street

Deyo-Brodhead House in New Paltz

French Reformed Church (reconstruction)

Bevier-Elting House (architectural details showing the Dutch influence)

another charming home on Historic Huguenot Street

Reformed Church

It was a little early for peak fall foliage, but the drive in the Preserve was still scenic, and I enjoyed the short hike to an overlook to catch a glimpse of fall color. 

Made it to the top!

View from the top in Mohonk Preserve

The other highlight (literally) was Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. They converted a railroad bridge that’s over a hundred years old into a pedestrian-only thoroughfare, and it made for great scenic views of the valley and the river way down below.

Sojourner Truth statue at the entrance to the bridge (she's from the region)

View of the Hudson River

Made it to the other side (and then had to walk back)