Traveling the Hudson Valley by road

Spencer Ainsley/Poughkeepsie Journal The Taconic State Parkway takes motorists from lower Westchester County, north through the Hudson Valley, to Rensselaer County.

For a leisurely drive, try the Taconic Parkway. Reserved strictly for passenger cars, the Taconic takes motorists from lower Westchester County, north through the Hudson Valley and finally to Rensselaer County. At its northern end, this road offers access to Interstate 90 and the Massachusetts Turnpike.

The Taconic is a twisty-turny route (although the New York State Department of Transportation is working to straighten it a bit) and is a perfect way to check out the beautiful foliage. Popular with the commuters is Interstate 684. This road winds its way north from Westchester County to Putnam County, where is connects with Interstate 84.

Running east/west through the Hudson Valley, Interstate 84 is convenient for motorists traveling from Connecticut and Pennsylvania. On the west side of the Hudson River, the New York State Thruway is a popular choice for those heading to the Hudson Valley from New York City.

The Thruway can also take people up to Albany and the Adirondacks. And from all of these major routes, visitors can hop onto the less-traveled, more scenic roads that wind their way through the valley.