Fall for These Seasonal Hudson Valley Picks

Along with apple-picking and leaf-peeping, add renting a car to your fall to-do list to create an fun road trip through the Hudson Valley.

Seasonal Things to Do

Driving through the red and gold autumn landscapes is a relaxing way to experience the season. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the seasonal food- and farm-related activities available in the Hudson Valley region. Apple picking, pumpkin patches and corn mazes are fun, family-friendly ways to get off the beaten path, learn where food comes from and eat locally while easily allowing social distancing. Make the most of your fall road trip. If you need room for all those bushels of apples, consider a rental and enjoy your drive in a new-to-you vehicle. Hertz, a AAA preferred travel partner, offers a vast selection — even convertibles if you want to let your hair down. Visit to book your vehicle and take advantage of your exclusive AAA discounts and benefits, such as a complimentary additional driver, child safety seat and unlimited mileage on most rentals. AAA members between 20-24yrs get the young renter fee waived, a savings of $29 per day. Other budget-friendly car rental options include Dollar Car Rental (Dollar) and Thrifty (Thrifty).

To ensure your journey's a smooth one, phone ahead to confirm what's open and in season as well as any reservation requirements or travel restrictions you may encounter.

Where to Go on a Hudson Valley Road Trip

Customization is a huge perk with scenic drives. If you’re all about views, you can stay in the car and appreciate the fall colors or Colonial-style buildings of Kingston, N.Y. If you feel like stretching your legs a little, get out of the car and shoot photos from a nearby roadside pullout. Other recreational things to do, such as hiking or camping on Storm King Mountain—overlooking the Hudson River Valley — also draw visitors to the region.

If you’re ready to go, here are a few drives of varying lengths to consider for your itinerary.

• The 205.4-mile Hudson Valley Road Trip, a leisurely journey through the hills and river valley, passes everything from historic buildings and state parks.

• Conversely, the 7.2-mile Storm King Scenic Highway Road Trip provides a brief glimpse of notable sights to see, such as a 4-mile interlude through Cornwall-on-Hudson's picturesque Storm King State Park or the United States Military Academy at West Point.

• Start from Albany and take as long as you like on US 20, a one-time Native American footpath that aided the nation’s westward expansion. The east-west highway runs through New York's charming towns and countryside, and it's not unusual to pass farm stands as well as roadside attractions.

If you're planning a vacation around your Hudson Valley road trip, a AAA Travel Agent can offer expert trip-planning advice so you can fall back to enjoying the abundance of the season.

Start Your Next Road Trip with AAA

AAA Travel provides peace of mind for travelers — from the first mile of the journey to the last. Get inspiration for your next road trip with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner and AAA Digital TourBook®, or browse pre-planned itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips. Estimating fuel costs for your trip is easy with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator, and if your car needs a quick tune-up before the trip, find a AAA Approved auto repair facility near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair. For printed maps and trip planning advice, visit your local AAA office.