A Marist Student’s Guide to Fall in the Hudson Valley

The breathtaking view of the first foliage changes from Marist's backyard. Photo by Grace Wilson-Cahill '30

Vast rolling mountain ranges covered in streaks of red, orange and yellow, along with winding rivers and lakes, define the autumn season in the Hudson Valley. Regardless of whether it’s your first or last year enjoying the breathtaking view from Marist University’s campus, there is so much that the area has to offer during this colorful time of year.

No matter what students are interested in doing during the fall, Dutchess County offers something for everyone. There are many activities ranging from classic apple picking to spooky events leading up to Halloween. Many of these locations are 30 minutes or less from campus by car and are exciting ways to spend time off-campus during the weekends.

For nature enthusiasts, hikers or students who are hoping to take in the rapidly changing colors of the landscape, there are several locations to enjoy the scenery. One of the closest and well-known walks is the Walkway Over the Hudson. This free pedestrian bridge is open from 7 a.m. to sunset every day, weather permitting, and connects Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York. The bridge is only a five-minute drive and a 20-minute walk from campus. 

At 212 feet above the Hudson River, you can view the beautiful foliage and the river itself stretching through the landscape. The walk is about 1.28 miles from gate to gate and takes around 30 minutes to cross in one direction, a perfect opportunity to get your steps in on a warm day.

Franny Reese State Park in Highland, New York, is also a great opportunity to be immersed in nature this fall. Only 13 minutes from campus by car, the location features 2.5 miles of hiking trails through the autumn foliage. The trail passes ruins of a 19th-century estate and offers views of the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. It is open from dawn to dusk and is a free way to enjoy the sights of the area.

If you are interested in classic Northeast autumn activities, take the 15-minute drive to DuBois Farms to pick your own apples and select a pumpkin to decorate, featuring free admission for college students who bring their student ID. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can dress up for the perfect photo op and to take advantage of the wagon rides, apple orchards, animals, pizzeria and cafe the farm has to offer.

Commuter Ashleigh Burgess ‘30 recommends checking out Eastdale Village this autumn. As a Poughkeepsie local who visits annually, she considers it one of her favorite places to walk around during the season to enjoy live music, great restaurants, dessert spots and small stores to shop in. Eastdale is a 17-minute drive away from campus, and according to Burgess, a go-to spot.

“There are places like Eastdale Village that decorate for fall. It looks like a Hallmark movie,” Burgess said.

Looking for more spooky activities during this October Halloween season? Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner ghost or ghoul. Celebrate their 50th anniversary by attending the haunted mansion that is only an 18-minute drive from Marist. The mansion is open from October through November. Buy tickets online and check out the attractions ranging from the Garden of Evil to Ghost Town.

Another spine-chilling place to go this October is the Haunted Fortress of Stanford open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. from Oct. 2 through Oct. 30. The fortress has offered a scary experience since 1997 and includes a Crooked House, a Bottomless Pit, a Laboratory and more. They offer sensory-friendly shows for those who want to enjoy a walk through the property without spooky interruptions and jump-scares. 

Another option to get active is the Halloween 5K sponsored by Crunch Fitness. This event is only 12 minutes away by car from campus and will take place on Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. If you are looking for something to do on Halloween morning, come cheer on runners or participate in the Halloween-themed race and costume contest.

Tori Buck ‘26’s favorite place to grab fall seasonal drinks and pastries is Kelly’s Bakery. This location is only a four-minute drive and a seven-minute walk from campus. From croissants and cheesecakes to chai lattes and cold brews galore, Kelly’s is a must this season.

The Hudson Valley offers a unique combination of activities and events that allow students and locals to get the most out of the fall season. Check out these opportunities to escape from your room during a free day to enjoy the dazzling autumn colors surrounding the river or to celebrate the ongoing Halloween season.