Hudson Valley Road Trip 06: The Lakes and Reservoirs

At the end of October, we led you on a fall tour of the Hudson Valley and its historic countryside south of Uptown Kingston, NY, featuring apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes and other autumn activities in Kingston, Stone Ridge, Accord, New Paltz, Rosendale and Hurley. Today, join us for the (possibly brisk) Road Trip 06, showcasing some of the area's most beautiful bodies of water â€” and our award-winning, small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate.

As always, you'll be guided by our maps and our love for exploring the ins and outs of our National Geographic Traveler Top 20 Destination.  

#MakeTheRightMove: #LiveLikeALocal on this curated expedition featuring more of the top stops for experiencing the real Hudson Valley.

Follow the Path

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Woodstock Village: Starting out at the Village Green, take Route 212 west toward Bearsville. At Bearsville, turn left and continue up Wittenberg Road. At the crossroads of Wittenberg Road and Glenford-Wittenberg Road, turn left again.

2. Yankeetown Pond: As you drive east on Glenford-Wittenberg Road, you will see Yankeetown Pond, named for a present-day portion of Woodstock with the same name before the American Revolution. Created 100 years ago to help power a sawmill, Yankeetown Pond is now a scenic lake filled with water lilies in the summer and ice skaters in winter.

3. Kenozia Lake: Continue along Glenford-Wittenberg Road until you come to Boyce Road. Turn right and continue down the hill until you reach the stop sign. Turn left and Kenozia Lake will quickly appear on your right. Easily visible from the road, this private lake beautifully reflects the surrounding mountains.

4. Route 28 to Reservoir Road: Continue to the stop sign and make a right and then a second right onto Route 28. Follow Route 28 west through the village of Shokan, where recommended stops along the path include the factory store and retail boutique location of international award-winning small-batch chocolatier Fruition Chocolate Works (on the left), and shortly thereafter, the historic Olive's Country Store and Cafe and popular Chinese takeout spot Ming Moon (on the right). Continue further until you reach Winchell’s Corners, and turn left onto Reservoir Road.

Hudson Valley Road Trip 06: Fruition Chocolate Works

5. The Ashokan Reservoir: Continue along Reservoir Road until you reach the Ashokan Reservoir, a 103-year-old man-made reservoir surrounded by the high peaks of the Catskill High Peaks. Built from 1907 to 1915 to accommodate the drinking needs of New York City, the pristine waters of the reservoir are off-limits to swimming and boating, but four-season hiking (and biking, rollerskating, etc.) is permitted along the Promenade.

The best way to access the three-mile-long Promenade is to take the left after you cross the Reservoir and continue down the slowly sloping hill to the stop sign. At the stop sign, turn left onto Route 28A, heading east, and then take the next sharp left into the Ashokan Reservoir East Parking Lot, a rotary-style parking area.

Do not forget your camera (or smart phone), as the majestic beauty of the Reservoir has been an inspiration to local and visiting artists, writers, dancers and poets for more than a century. Plus, you may see one of the many nesting bald eagles perched or soaring over head. 

Hudson Valley Road Trip 06: The Ashokan Reservoir

6. Beyond the Reservoir: Once back in your car or truck, turn left out of the parking area and continue on Route 28A east — a classic curvy country drive through forestland, frequented by car and motorcycle clubs on mild-weather weekends. After approximately five miles, turn left onto Basin Road, which will lead you back to Route 28. Continue the trek under the train bridge, and head right toward the traffic light. At the light, continue straight onto Zena Road.

7. Zena to Little Deep to Woodstock: On Zena Road, you will pass on your right the 21-acre Kingston Reservoir Number Four. Shortly after, bear left at the crossroads of Zena and Sawkill Roads. Follow the scenic drive north and, at the junction of Route 212, park at the small dirt clearing on the left to experience the iconic views of the bucolic cornfields and Catskill Mountains.

If you want to hike along the Saw Kill â€” popular for fishing, as well as whitewater rafting and kayaking â€” to the Little Deep swimming hole and Zach's Waterfall, find the trail near the car park clearing and walk along the creak, following the path through the woods.  

When you're ready to return to Woodstock, drive to the end of West Hurley-Zena Road and turn left onto Route 212. Follow the path back to the Village Green.

Hudson Valley Road Trip 06: The Lakes and Reservoirs

Thanks for riding with us! Stay tuned for the next edition of On The Road with Halter Associates Realty, when we'll be mapping out an entirely new trip designed for winter travelers. 

Don't Want to Leave?

Thinking of moving here? Make The Right Move: Contact us today, or stop by the office next time you're in Woodstock or Kingston — and Experience The Halter Difference. 

Posted by Lisa Halter on
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