Hudson River Valley Ramble: Explore outdoors with hundreds of events

Tuesday September 11, 2012 5:00 PM By Janine Bowen

Photo credit: National Park Service/Bill Urbin | The Stone Cottage at Val-Kill, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, in Hyde Park (Oct. 19, 2005)

Looking for a reason to explore the great outdoors before it turns cold? From Hudson River cruises to wilderness walks, the 13th annual Hudson River Valley Ramble, which kicked off last Saturday and runs on weekends through Sept. 30, features more than 200 outdoor events.

The Ramble is “a celebration of the Hudson Valley’s natural, cultural, and historic resources that connects people to the landscape in a unique way,” said Mark Castiglione, the acting executive director for the event.

There are dozens of Ramble events this weekend, some of which are featured below. Find the complete list of events, which take place from lower Westchester up to Albany, and learn more about the fest by visiting the website at hudsonrivervalleyramble.com.

Saturday, Sept. 15:

Hudson River cruise in Peekskill: Participants can enjoy a scenic tour of the Hudson River on this artist’s cruise. The cruise departs 8:30 a.m. from Charles Point Marina in Peekskill. Book in advance via email. A sightseeing tour is also available on Sunday, Sept. 16. Info: 914-589-7773; info@trinitycruises.com; $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for children, free for children under 5; mention “rambler” when you book to get a $5 discount

Roosevelt retreat hike in Hyde Park: Combining fitness with Dutchess County history, participants can hike the same two-mile route as former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The hike begins and ends at Val-Kill, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, and includes a stop at President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Top Cottage retreat. Hikers can also take a shuttle back from Top Cottage. The event begins 12:30 p.m. Info: Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Route 9G, Hyde Park; 845-229-9422; AllanDailey@nps.gov; free

Farmland cycling tour in Red Hook: Cyclists can enjoy a scenic tour through the Dutchess County countryside as they ride along the Hudson River and pass several working farms and other landmarks. The tour offers a variety of routes ranging from 10 to 45 miles. Water stations are set up throughout the ride and local farmers will provide fresh doughnuts, apples and ciders. Riders of all ages are welcome but children under the age of 16 must ride tandem with an adult; an adult must accompany all minors. Nonriders are welcome to participate, too, with lunch and live music at Poets’ Walk Park in Red Hook. The event is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is between 8:30 and 10 a.m. Helmets are required. Info: 845-473-4440 ext. 273, aconeski@scenichudson.org; free

Sunday, Sept. 16

Bannerman Island self-guided tour: The journey to Bannerman Island begins with a short boat ride from either Torches Landing in Newburgh (departing at noon) or the Beacon Ferry Dock (at 1:30 p.m.). Once they reach the island, participants have the opportunity to explore the very real ruins of a centuries-old castle. Guides will be stationed around the island to answer any questions and the self-guided tour will last approximately 2 1/2 hours. A 20-minute concert will take place at the end of the event. Make reservations online or by calling 800-979-3370. Info: 845-220-2120; prideofthehudson.com; $42 for adults, $37 for children; free lunch is provided for anyone who registers at least three days in advance

Lyndhurst landscape ramble in Tarrytown: Tour the 67-acre property that was once home to railroad tycoon Jay Gould and former New York City Mayor William Paulding. The centerpiece of this two-hour guided tour is the mansion, which overlooks the Hudson River and was built in 1838. If that’s not enough to hold your interest, visitors can also see the Lord and Burnham greenhouse complex, the oldest regulation bowling alley and several gardens on the property. The tour begins at 9 a.m. Info: Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; 914-631-4481; lisabuckley@nthp.org; free

Sparkill Creek exhibit in Piermont: Serving as the capstone event for the Sparkill Watershed exhibit at the Piermont Library, this interactive panel discussion will address features of life on the Sparkill and what is being done to preserve the creek. The event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Info: Piermont Public Library, 25 Flywheel Park West, Piermont; 845-365-8494; Margie.turrin@gmail.com; free

Photo: The Stone Cottage at Val-Kill, the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site

Tags: Hyde Park , Val-Kill , Beacon , Bannerman Castle , Tarrytown , Lyndhurst , Piermont , Hudson River , Red Hook , events , outdoors