Leave Manhattan behind for a full day on the Hudson. Circle Line takes you to Bear Mountain State Park, with fall scenery and Oktoberfest on board.
What to expect
The journey is part of the outing. Cruise beneath the George Washington Bridge and past the Palisades, the steep cliffs along the Hudson. Along the way, look out for The Cloisters and the Mario Cuomo Bridge. Wooded hills become a bigger part of the scenery as you head into the Hudson Valley, with autumn bringing yellow, orange and red leaves as the season progresses.
The eight-hour trip includes a stop at Bear Mountain, so you can get off and explore. Take a walk around Hessian Lake, or consider pedal boating if seasonal rentals and weather allow.
On board, there is live music and commentary from the tour guides. The Oktoberfest menu includes options such as bratwurst, schnitzel and large pretzels, alongside German and seasonal beers. Food and drinks cost extra with a standard ticket. Enjoy the views from the outdoor decks, or settle into the climate-controlled indoor seating with large windows.
Good to know
- Wear sturdy shoes: the path from the dock into the park is steep, uneven and not wheelchair accessible.
- Plan your time ashore around the return departure announced by the crew. Check local boat-rental availability before planning on pedal boating.
- For a shorter outing, the four-hour fall foliage cruise stays on the water without a shore stop.
