Not Many People Know That You Can Take A Week-Long Cruise Along The Hudson River In New York

New York's Hudson River is one of our country's most important rivers. Before European settlers came, Native Americans lived  along its banks for thousands of years. Later, it played a big part in the development of New York, New England, and even the Midwest. More recently, it also was a major player in the creation of the Clean Water Act in the 1970s. The Hudson River has many stories to tell and its 315-mile length is beautiful its entire way, from its beginnings in the Adirondacks to its end New York Bay.

Nowadays, people travel by car or by plane the majority of the time, so most don't get a chance to travel by boat up and down this incredible river. If doing so sounds interesting to you, you'll be happy to know that it is possible to take a cruise on this river today. American Cruise Lines offers seven-day fall foliage cruises in October that start and finish in New York City; participants visit several Hudson River towns along the way. Read on to learn more.

American Cruise Lines is a small ship cruise company that offers river and ocean cruises all over the United States. This company offers seven-day Hudson River cruises on several of its ships. The ships that the company uses on the Hudson have room for 100 - 170 passengers.

These ships are too small for most the amenities you'd find on larger cruise ships, but that's why people like them. The ship is smaller and is less overwhelming, and it's easy to get to know the staff and your fellow travelers.

Even though they are small, American Cruise Line's ships are classy and comfortable. There are numerous lounges to enjoy.

The staterooms are very nice as well.

The Hudson River cruise departs from New York City. Soon after you leave the skyscrapers behind, you'll pass under the Bear Mountain Bridge as you enter the breathtaking Hudson Highlands section of the river.

The first port of call is West Point. Passengers can take a guided tour of the United States Military Academy if they wish.

The second stop is in Kingston. This port of call is near Hyde Park, which served as a summer retreat for New York City's wealthy in the 1800s and early 1900s. Here, passengers can visit the Vanderbilt Mansion or can enjoy a visit to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.

Albany is the capital city of New York and there are many historical sites and museums to visit in this area. This is as far as the ship can go; the river becomes narrower and shallower north of the Capital Region.

The next port of call on the way back south is Catskill. This area is known as the home of the Hudson River School of painters. Passengers can visit the Olana State Historic Site or the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to learn more about this important art movement.

Finally, the last stop before returning to New York City is Sleepy Hollow. People around the United States and the world are familiar with this small town due to its appearance in Washington Irving's tale about Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman.

This American Cruise Lines cruise ends back in New York City with an extra night docked in the Big Apple. Passengers can explore the city at their leisure.

October is a fantastic time of year to travel on the Hudson. The sights you'll see along the way and the bright autumn colors will stay with you the rest of your life.

As you can see, this is a wonderful way to experience the Hudson. Even if you know this area well, traveling by boat is special. Book your journey with American Cruise Lines today!

If you'd rather tour the Hudson by car instead, then check out this road trip: The Stunning New York Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America