Step Back in Time and Ferry Across the River
Athens and Hudson may be separated by the wide and mighty waters of the Hudson River, but they’ve also long been connected by it. The main artery between the two historic riverfront towns is now the mile-long cantilever Rip Van Winkle Bridge, but before that, a horse-powered ferry carried passengers back and forth. It’s been nearly one hundred years since the horse powered ferry days, but you can still take a ferry between Athens and Hudson today. Hudson Cruises operates the Hudson-Athens Ferry on Friday and Saturday evenings, Memorial Day through Labor Day, which means there are just three weeks left in the season this year!
What’s better than exploring a quaint, enchanting, historic town? Exploring two of them, in the same night, without having to get in a car! Hudson and Athens both offer whimsical streets for wandering, charming locally owned businesses, and an abundance of architecture to take in. Start on one side of the river, hop on the ferry, and zip across the water to the other. If you start here in Athens, visit The River Grill at The Stewart House for a late lunch or early dinner and take in the waterfront while you enjoy a fresh cocktail, glass of wine, or local craft beer. Then hop over to Hudson on the ferry and take a self guided walking tour, and enjoy the sunset over the Catskills on your way back.
As you cruise the water, take in the The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. Built in 1873 and in full service until the 1950’s, the beacon is now automated by the US Coast Guard, guiding vessels around the Middle Ground Flats. The lighthouse itself is owned and cared for by the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead or diving down to the water while fishing. After a one hundred year long hiatus, they’re making a big comeback in the area. New York State reports that close to 200 pairs of eagles nest in the state year round, with many more coming to the area in the fall and winter knowing they’ll find open waters in the Hudson River.
The Hudson-Athens Ferry operates Memorial Day through Labor Day on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm to 10:30pm. It departs on the hour from the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park in Hudson and on the half hour from the Athens Riverfront Park, with the last run from Athens to Hudson at 10:30pm. It’s $15 for a roundtrip ticket, and you can pay cash on the ferry. During inclement weather, call (518) 500-2524 to confirm your trip.