Just below the South Gate to the Hudson Highlands the mighty Hudson River broadens out into a wide tidal estuary as it makes its way south becoming the greatest deep water port in America, New York Harbor. Below Haverstraw in Rockland County the railroad hasn't laid claim to the bank and public parklands line the western shore from Hook Mountain down to Nyack. These parks form an unparalleled opportunity for anyone to walk the bank of the river and experience its power and scale first hand. In these reaches it's a gentle slow and friendly body of water with marshes on its banks and friendly waves lapping the shore. On this bank great palisades tower above the river covered with forests and protecting you as you walk the bank.

Nyack Beach State Park is the most direct and easy access to the excellently developed paths that follow the bank of the river through these series of parks. Nyack Beach State Park is actually a tiny park consisting of little more than a parking lot and some picnic tables giving you a place to access the river and the trails. So don't go to the park expecting fabulous facilities or anything to amaze you, the river itself and access to the paths are the attraction and the reason not to miss this park. This is especially true for people with handicaps as the broad cinder path that follows the bank is right at the end of the parking lot. By accessing the pathways from this location they are completely handicapped accessible and very friendly to stroll.

Pack a picnic and take the family or friends on a stroll north from Nyack Beach State Park. The pathways hug the shoreline and are shaded by trees and the palisades towering overhead. The path is nearly level and wanders in and out following the little bays and outcroppings of the shoreline. On your walk you see people fishing from the banks, families and couples with blankets spread picnicking under the trees, kids playing and other people just like you strolling enjoying the day and the spectacular view. The path is broad, level and an exceptionally easy stroll.

If you like to stroll in scenic locations, and you think that actually being able to see the river close up is possibly more fun than seeing it out the window of your car as you drive over a bridge, then a visit to Nyack Beach State Park should be put up high on your list of places to go in the Hudson Valley. You'll have a great time in the outdoors and the view and breezes cannot be matched anywhere else in the Valley.