Edgewater Live Cam

Edgewater is one of New Jersey's fastest growing towns. Situated on the west bank of the magnificient Hudson River, visitors are treated to a picture postcard view of New York City at its best. At night the lights of the city reflect in the currents of the Hudson River. A variety of wonderful restaurants and shops are situated along picturesque streets that follow the river.

Its steep cliffs, rolling hills, highland plains and sandy beaches. Its thousands of acres of parkland. Its boating, fishing, swimming and hiking. Its peaceful shores and lively festivals. Its tiny hamlets and great cities. The number of things you can do, see and enjoy on its water and shores is almost without limit.

There is still a tremendous amount of work to be done for the Hudson. But the River does flow cleaner than it has in decades. Many of the worst polluters have been challenged and stopped. Its shores are being cleared of abandoned warehouses and empty factories, opening up grand vistas and making room for new parks. People young and old are drawn once again to its banks.

No single guide can tell you all there is to see and enjoy. Ours is intended as a sampler to some of the best that the Hudson has to offer within a few hours of New York City. While we were forced to leave out even more than we could include, we have listed some of the other resources that are available to help you learn more ways to celebrate the Hudson River. And you can find more information about the river from HudsonLink and Hudson River Watertrail.

Clermont State Historic Park - A large wooded park on the eastern shore of the river, the Clermont Mansion itself was the home of Robert Livingston, who helped to draft the Declaration of Independence, swore in George Washington as our first President, and aided in the development of the steamboat. Includes period furnishings. Grounds offer gardens, trails, special events, and facilities for winter sports. Magnificent views of the Hudson and the Catskill Mountains. On Rt. 9G.

Hudson River Maritime Center - Once an important center for shipping and commerce. Rondout Creek now is home to a museum devoted to the lore of seafarers and the craft of shipbuilding. Permanent steamboat display, changing exhibits, extensive collection of model ships, oral history programs, gift shop. Ship-building workshop adjacent. On Rondout Landing in Kingston, NY.

Mills/Norrie State Park - A veritable treasure trove of outdoor activities on the Hudson, with fishing, riverside nature trails, a boat basin and winter sports ranging from tobogganing to cross-country skiing. Camping facilities. Also in the park is Mills Mansion, a Greek Revival estate with precious works of art and collectibles. Rt. 9 in Staatsburg, NY.

Young-Morse Historic Site - Italianate-style homestead (circa 1850) overlooking the Hudson. 150 woodland acres, nature sanctuary, 2 miles of trails, picnic areas. One mile south of Poughkeepsie on Rt. 9. Open Memorial Day through September. Tours of the mansion Wednesday-Sunday.

Washington´s Headquarters - General Washington borrowed this Dutch fieldstone house from a local family to serve as his headquarters for nearly a year and a half during the Revolutionary War. Permanent museum as well as changing tours. 84 Liberty Street, Newburgh.

West Point - In addition to serving today as the U.S. Military Academy, West Point played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Tour restored fortifications and sites, as well as cadet training displays and films. Pretty but little-known park with facilities on the riverbank, now open to the public. Off Rt. 9W, 10 miles south of Newburgh.

Bear Mountain State Park - Almost every conceivable outdoor recreational activity can be found here - from fishing, boating, hiking and swimming to just enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty at one of several picnic areas. On Rt. 9W at the Bear Mountain Bridge.

Nyack State Park - Picnicking, hiking, fishing, 8-mile shoreline trail to Haverstraw, NY - North Broadway, Upper Nyack.

Lyndhurst - Tarrytown´s own Gothic Revival Mansion offers a look at furnishings and collections of a former New York City mayor and industrialist Jay Gould, plus a spectacular view of the Hudson. Summer evening concerts. Mid-April through October.

Historic Hudson Valley - 19th-century author Washington Irving immortalized Westchester County´s River villages in his Legend of Sleepy Hollow and other works. Today, the area still retains most of its charm. Three historic restorations offer an insightful look at day-to-day life of centuries gone by.

Sunnyside, Irving´s own Hudson River estate, mid-19th-century. On West Sunnyside Lane, west of Rt. 9, Irvington, NY. Phillipsburg Manor. Late 17th or early 18th century farm site, with operating granary and gristmill, exhibits Rt. 9 in North Tarrytown. 2 miles north of 1-87. Van Cortlandt Manor. Late 18th-century estate house of prominent Colonial family. Croton-on-Hudson. Croton Avenue exit Rt. 9. Montgomery Place. This 434-acre great estate overlooking the Hudson is the newest addition to Historical Hudson Valley. Includes a Federal style mansion which is open to the public as a restoration in progress. Annandale-on-Hudson.

Hudson River Museum - Breathtaking site overlooking the river. Combines Victorian charm of 18th-century Trevor Mansion with contemporary galleries. Exhibiting 19th and 20th century American art and design. Planetarium, museum shop, craft gallery and cafe. Changing exhibits, concerts, lectures and children´s program.

The Palisades - Perpendicular cliffs, soaring to 500 feet, along the west bank of the River between Fort Lee, NJ and Piermont, NY. Can be viewed from the River itself, as well as from locations on the east shore between the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry.

Wave Hill - Once home to Mark Twain, this Hudson River estate offers education programs, workshops and exhibits in addition to formal gardens, greenhouses, nature trails and a panoramic view of the River. 675 West 252nd Street in the Bronx.

The Cloisters - Exquisite collection of European medieval art in a northern Manhattan castle with a commanding view of the River. At Fort Tryon Park. By bus and car.

South Street Seaport Museum - Capture the flavor of the days when `olde New York´ was the world´s busiest port by boarding restored historic ships, walking along the maritime-theme eleven block plaza and viewing multi-media exhibits. On the East River at Fulton Street. By subway, car.

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island - The symbol of liberty for so many, is so often overlooked even by many native New Yorkers, as is the port of entry for millions of immigrants in the 19th and early 20th century. Both in New York Harbor, reached by ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan at the Battery.

Most points listed on this guide are directly reached by car or, where indicated, by boat. However, many points south of Poughkeepsie on the River´s east shore are within a short cab ride or walking distance of Metro-North train stations. Hudson River Sloop Clearwater has made every effort to provide information as travel and recreation ideas. For more detailed road information consult a travel map.

There are dozens of open space areas along the river, ranging from tiny local scenic spots to major state and federal parks with a wide variety of facilities. Those listed here are just a sampling of what currently exists.

Just about every regular stop on Metro North´s Hudson Division is within walking distance of a municipal, county or state park. Check with Metro North for weekend specials. For more information on state parks, contact the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Albany, NY 12238. For more information on a particular locality, we suggest contacting the area´s Chamber of Commerce or county Visitors Bureau.

Being out on the Hudson is, of course, one of the best ways to enjoy this great river. Marinas dot the River´s shores for most of its length, with some of the largest indicated here on the map. Private and public boat launch sites are more difficult to find, but check at an area marina for more information. It is nearly impossible to rent boats on the river for day trips or by the hours, but there are two up-river boats offering public trips.

The NYS Department of Health has issued a health advisory that you eat no more than one meal of fish per week from any waters in New York State. To lessen the health risk, clean, skin and fillet the fish. Remove the head and belly flap, bake or broil the fish, and allow the fat to run off.

Many sites on our map include paths for some of the scenic strolls you´ll find anywhere. For those looking for challenge and adventure, the Hudson River Valley offers many excellent hiking trails, including Long Path and the famous Appalachian Trail, both indicated on our map.