ORANGE COUNTY – Known for its picturesque landscapes, Orange County is home to beautifully winding roads overlooking the region’s mountains and waterways. As our communities work to minimize the spread of the coronavirus pandemic through statewide stay-at-home orders, many are looking for a safe change of scenery. Orange County’s scenic vistas and special sights offer that escape.
“The Hudson Valley looks great from every angle — including from the comfort of your own car,” said Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana. “While many of our state and local parks remain open to the public for hiking and biking, we can’t overlook the scenic views here in our own backyards. Pack up the family and go for a drive to witness a beautiful sunset or just enjoy a birds-eye view of our cities and towns. Let’s not take for granted this beautiful place we all call home.”
Some Orange County, N.Y. scenic vistas and special sights include:
Hawk’s Nest Drive, Route 97, Sparrowbush: Take a drive down New York State’s newest scenic byway as it winds along the Delaware River. A snake-like portion of Sparrowbush, the Hawk’s Nest connects the railroad city of Port Jervis to the bluestone village of Hancock. The unique highway has been featured in many car advertisements and commercials. upperdelawarescenicbyway.org
Old Storm King Highway, Route 218, Cornwall: Extending from Cornwall to West Point, this stretch of highway circles Storm King Mountain, the birthplace of the ecological movement in the U.S., and offers beautiful views of the Hudson River. The twisty route offers an uninterrupted panoramic view at its higher elevations.
Seven Lakes Drive, Tiorati Circle on Route 6, Bear Mountain: This beautiful drive runs through Harriman State Park to Bear Mountain. An excellent spot for fall foliage, but the views are second to none year-round. A perfect blend of exciting curves and scenic views, Seven Lakes Drive offers drivers and motorcyclists a gorgeous spectacle of the mountain and lake.
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, Route 52, Pine Bush: This scenic drive through the Hudson Valley’s rural countryside encircles the Shawangunk Mountains and travels through the Rondout and Wallkill valleys. The byway offers scenic vistas of farmlands and mountains, views of multiple historic sites dating back to the early Dutch settlements, and access to more than 30,000 acres of nature preserves. mtnscenicbyway.org
Tri-State Overlook, I-84, Greenville: This highway pull-off offers views of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Continue your drive to Laurel Grove Cemetery in Port Jervis to see the Tri-State Rock, a granite monument that marks the tripoint of the states’ boundaries.
The Orange County Tourism website at www.orangetoursm.org has more information on outdoor recreation and scenic spots. Additionally, free, totally revamped, 55-page travel guide is available for digital download or by request at www.orangetourism.org/travel-
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@
