Journey through the Rust Belt to the Hudson Valley: Top Places to See When Driving from Alliance to Wallkill.

Planning road trips is an exciting experience, especially when you have a destination that is worth the drive. If you happen to be in Alliance, Ohio, and want to take a long scenic drive, consider heading down to Wallkill, New York, the gateway to the Catskills. This road trip is over 500 miles, a little over 8 hours of driving time, and it encompasses some of America's most scenic backdrops. Below are some of the top places to see on this journey.

Rust Belt - Cleveland, OH

The rust belt has become a popular term referring to regions suffering from industrial decline. The city of Cleveland is a classic example of the rust belt cities that have managed to transform themselves. If you are looking for a day or two of bitter-sweet reminiscing about the golden age of American industrialization, add Cleveland to your itinerary. It boasts of a remarkable array of museums, parks, restaurants, and galleries you can explore any day of the week.

Scenic Appalachians - Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed, OH

The Appalachian Mountains are the most extensive range east of the Mississippi river, covering over 1,500 miles of natural beauty. Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed, located in northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania, is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the Appalachians. The area is best viewed from the Ashtabula Covered Bridge in Ashtabula County, which was originally built in 1861 and renovated in 1983.

The Hocking Hills - Nelsonville, OH

The Hocking Hills is a region located in southeastern Ohio filled with natural wonders, including cliffs, waterfalls, and forests. Nelsonville, located in the heart of the Hocking Hills, offers an opportunity to see breathtaking natural scenery on charming tours. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway takes visitors on a historic rail tour through the region, where they can relive the glory days of Ohio's rail system and take in the unspoiled beauty of the landscape.

The Appalachian Trail - Delaware Water Gap, PA

The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile footpath that traverses the scenic Appalachian Mountains from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine. The section of the trail located in the Delaware Water Gap is a must-see attraction. This park is highly revered for its scenic and recreational qualities, attracting visitors in droves every year. The park offers hiking, camping, bird watching, fishing, and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Poconos Mountains - Gouldsboro, PA

The Poconos Mountains are a long mountain ridge located in northeastern Pennsylvania, known for its natural beauty and fun-filled family activities. The area has a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year, including skiing, hiking, and water rafting. Some popular attractions include the Camelback Mountain Resort, Kalahari Resort, and the Pocono Mountains Family Waterpark.

The Hudson Valley - Hyde Park, NY

Hyde Park is a small hamlet situated in northeastern New York along the Hudson Valley. This area is associated with numerous historical sites, including President Franklin Roosevelt's estate, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Mills Mansion. The area is also home to the Culinary Institute of America, one of the country's premier culinary schools, known for mouth-watering cooking and baking classes. The Hyde Park Farmers Market offers a vast array of locally grown produce, baked goods, and wine.

Beacon - Dutchess County, NY

Beacon is a charming small town located in Dutchess County that has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity over the past few years. Main Street has many cozy cafes, art shops, and local galleries. The most popular landmark in Beacon is the Dia Beacon Museum, an impressive contemporary art museum set in a 300,000 square foot facility. The Mount Beacon Hiking Trail is another must-see attraction, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding wilderness.

Shawangunk Mountains State Park - Ulster County, NY

The Shawangunk Mountains State Park is located in Ulster County, New York. It is highly revered for its panoramic vistas, pristine waterfalls, peaceful picnic sites, and stunning hiking trails. The park offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, rock climbing, and skiing. The ice caves, located near the rock cliffs, are also a must-see attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the area's geological history.

Historic Huguenot Street - New Paltz, NY

Historic Huguenot Street is located in New Paltz, NY, and is home to the largest and best-preserved collection of historic stone houses in North America. The Huguenot settlers, who built these structures, were a group of French protestants who came to America in the 17th century seeking religious freedom. Visitors can explore the quaint village and take guided tours of the various historic buildings, including the Jean Hasbrouck House and the Deyo House Museum.

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail - Wallkill, NY

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a 22-mile long rail trail located in one of the most picturesque regions of New York's Ulster County. The trail was once a railroad track that serviced the region's farms before the decline of the area's agricultural economy. It has since been converted into a paved pedestrian and bicycle path, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over. The trail offers scenic views of the Wallkill River, the Shawangunk Mountains, and the surrounding farmland.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks, the top places to see on the road trip from Alliance to Wallkill. This road trip is an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and history of the region. Explore the rust belt, hike through scenic mountains, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy the recreation opportunities that characterize the trip. Drive safely, have fun, and don't forget to pack a camera to capture some of the unforgettable moments you will experience on this journey!