Guest Author - Brenda Potter Reynolds

Long country drives to see the fall colors are a tradition in the Hudson
Valley. Trees start their eye-popping transformation in mid-September,
building to a riot of red, green and gold by Columbus Day weekend in
Orange County. Any country road will provide a sensational display, but
Orange County Tourism has chosen 10 favorites, in no particular order:

1. Hawk's Nest Drive, Route 97. An official New York State Scenic
Byway, this mountain-hugging road offers beautiful views of the Delaware
River.

2. Elks-Brox Park, Port Jervis. Perched on an overlook above the city,
there's a wide view of the valley and the point where the Neversink River
meets the Delaware. 845-856-6694

3. Route 84 Overlook westbound. Okay, it's not a country road, but the
pull-off has an interpretive sign and you can see 3 states from here.
Between Exit 2 and Port Jervis.

4. Route 6. From Port Jervis to Bear Mountain, this route winds its way
over mountains and into valleys covered with fall foliage.

5. Appalachian Trail. Anywhere along the trail will be beautiful, but
hiking an hour southwest from the top of Mt. Peter brings you to a panoramic
view of 9-mile long Greenwood Lake.

6. Winding Hills Park, Montgomery. Take a picnic and walk the trails
around the lake for a relaxing view of the spectacular foliage. 845-457-4918

7. Storm King Art Center, Mountainville. Autumn leaves are a dramatic
backdrop to the sculptures on the 500 acres of this park-like setting.
845-534-3115

8. Cruising the Hudson. Three pleasure boats offer narrated cruises
that double the effect of fall with the blazing leaves reflected in the
Hudson River. Commander (845-534-SAIL). Price of the Hudson (845-220-2120).
River Rose (845-562-1067).

9. Fort Montgomery. Gorgeous views of the Hudson from this recently
renovated National Historic Landmark and Revolutionary War site. Don't miss
the footbridge that crosses the creek to Bear Mt. 845-786-2701

10. Seven Lakes Drive. From Bear Mt. to Lake Kanawauke, this route
traverses 2 state parks with the fall leaves mirrored in all 7 lakes.

More great ideas for fall can be found in the travel guide and fall events
brochures from Orange County Tourism at 845-291-2136. Or visit
Orange County Tourism .