For some reason just about everyone is fascinated by lighthouses. Maybe its the romance they create, maybe its the isolation and separateness they embody, maybe its just the sheer pleasure of climbing up and getting a better view?

Whatever the reason, you will love the Saugerties Lighthouse!

The Saugerties Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the Hudson Valley that you can actually walk out to. Located down a rustic path at the end of a nature preserve, the Saugerties Lighthouse is an excursion out into the middle of the river through a tranquil woodland out to a tranquil and peaceful isolation. The nature preserve is a result of the jetty lining the northern edge of the Esopus Creek and the dredging necessary to improve this important 19th century industrial harbor. Over the last century the spoils were added to by the currents of the river itself and were inhabited by water loving trees and shrubs. The result is a tranquil preserve rich in species providing a haven for all manner of wildlife and migrating birds.

From the banks of the preserve as well as from the lighthouse itself the views of the mighty Hudson River swirling around you are magnificent. The deep blue of the river continues to provide one of the best transportation pathways into the interior of New York with huge ships plying the waters between upstate and New York Harbor. Uncountable small pleasure craft, from small sailboats to large pleasure craft, skip across the waves filled with happy people out for a day on the river. You wave at them from your perch atop the lighthouse and they happily wave back, each of you beckoning to the other to experience the delights you are having.

Being a river lighthouse, the Saugerties Lighthouse is a short beacon only 46 feet above the river. But this seemingly short distance gets you up into the air high above the surrounding trees and landscape, giving you a complete panoramic view of the river and the banks. Once you reach the top you will want to spend some time enjoying this magnificent view.

Be sure to go to the lighthouse when it is open to the public so you can see the inside of the fully restored keepers house and climb the light. Access to the lighthouse is on weekend and holiday afternoons from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. But be aware that you can access the interiors of the lighthouse at other times too! The Keepers House is run as the most unique Bed & Breakfast in the Hudson Valley. Two of the bedrooms upstairs accommodate overnight guests in simple yet comfortable surroundings. Spend the night on the river for a real experience you will never forget!

But at any time you can walk the Nature Preserve out to the lighthouse and wander the decks and two small artificial islands on which it sits. At any time the views are spectacular and the experience is one you will always remember.