Mid-Hudson West
The Mid-Hudson West loop takes you along the Hudson River’s west shore and back up through the Catskill foothills and Helderberg Mountains west of Albany, NY. This ride features several different nature preserves and sightseeing opportunities. Four-Mile Point Preserve is one that offers both, as it has several overlooks and a trail all the way down to the water’s edge.
The river really starts to widen as you travel south along the middle section of the Mid-Hudson west loop, and on a clear day you’ll catch intermittent views of the Rensselaer Plateau, Berkshire foothills and Berkshire Mountains across the river’s eastern shore. But, from the western shore of the river, the views of the Catskills will be highly visible, even on a hazy day. The ForkCam video is from late April, and you can still see remnants of the last snowfall up in the higher elevations of the Catskills, while down below spring is starting to pop-out all over.
As the Mid-Hudson west loop jogs west, it puts us right in line with magnificent views of the Catskills. Continuing west, and then north, you’ll pass lakes, streams, and ponds as you enjoy long distance views of the foothills heading back toward Albany. Travel through rural farmland, with picturesque barns and quaint towns as you head back north and east toward the Helderbergs. Enjoy more long distance views of the Albany metro and surrounding areas as you head back down into the valley to complete the loop. And, as always: EnJoy the Ride!
Gallery
Directions: From the intersection of NY 32 and NY 144, south of Albany, NY, take NY 144 heading south. In New Baltimore, NY continue straight on County 61 (River Rd.). At the end of County 61, turn left on NY 385 heading south. Entering the village of Athens, NY, turn right on Union St. heading west. When you come to a “T”, bear left to continue on County 28 (Schoharie Turnpike).
At the intersection with High Hill Rd, bear right to continue on Schoharie Tpk. (see Tips section below). Follow County 67 to the end, then turn left on NY 81 heading west. At the end of NY 81, turn right on NY 145 heading north. In Middleburgh, NY turn right on NY 30 heading north. In Schoharie, NY, turn right on NY 443 heading east, then, in Delmar, NY, turn right on NY 335 heading east. Finally, turn right on NY 32 heading northeast, which will take you back to the intersection with NY 144 and the start of the loop.
Tips: Watch for the right turn on Union St. just as you come into Athens, NY. Also, the way the signs are turned on the Schoharie Tpk, at the “Y” intersection with High Hill Rd, may not always make sense. So, bear right at the “Y” to continue on Schoharie Tpk. If you end up on High Hill Rd, just continue on and take a left on NY 81. Follow 81 to the end and pick up the loop there.
Shorthand:
NY 144[S]-> S-River Rd(Co 61)[S]-> L-NY 385[S]-> Athens, NY R-Union St [W] -> R-Co 28(Schoarie Tpk)[W] -> S-Co 67[W] -> L-NY 81[W] -> R-NY 145 [N] -> Middleburgh, NY R-NY 30[N] -> R-NY 443[E] -> R-NY335[S] -> L-NY 32 [E] -> NY 144
Ride Details
- Ride Type: Circular
- Time: 2:30
- Distance: 106 mi (170 km)
- Average Speed: 43 mph (70 kph)
- Road Type: US Route/State Routes/County Routes/Secondary Roads
- Road Condition: 8 – A few bumpy spots
- Date Ridden: 4/19/2020
- Maximum Elevation: 950 ft
- Traffic Lights: 7
- Stop Signs: 8
Gas:
Sunoco – Athens
*Stewart’s – Voorheesville
*Stewart’s – Glenmont
*Stewart’s – Delmar
*Stewart’s – Clarksville
*Ethanol free gas available
Food:
Yanni’s Restaurant
Boathouse Grill
Hagar’s Harbor Bar and Grill
Middleburgh Diner
Your Way Cafe
O’Slattery’s
Johnny B’s Glenmont Diner
Lodging:
McGrath’s Motel
The Inn at Deer Meadow
Quality Inn and Suites
Camping:
Juniper Woods
Repair Shops:
Twin Tech Motorcycles
Lime Street Auto Service
Ryan’s Auto Repair
Attractions:
Moh-He-Con-Nuck Nature Preserve
Henry Hudson Town Park
Hanncroix Creek Preserve
Four-Mile Point Preserve
Bennett Hill Preserve
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Phillipinkill Preserve
Connections:
Mine-Kill->Grand Gorge Loop