Athens New York Is Home To The Hudson Athens Lighthouse

Athens New York is a 2.5 hour drive from New York City and just 40 minutes from Albany. Here, one can actually enjoy the Hudson River as there are a great many river-focused activities to enjoy in the village of Athens. The town is largely residential but the Hudson Athens Lighthouse is the main draw. 

The Hudson Athens Lighthouse is surrounded by the Hudson River and unlike the Saugerties Lighthouse, you can’t walk right up to it. You can access it by jetski, canoe, kayak or paddleboard. You can rent a kayak from Screaming Eagle Outdoor Adventures. Hudson Cruises offers cruises on every second Saturday of the month, August through September. 

This picturesque lighthouse makes for more than just an instagrammable trip. Picture yourself canoeing to the lighthouse, wrapped with the fall colours of New York. It makes for a lovely picnic spot. This destination is rich in history too. 

Built in 1874, the unique shape and granite caisson protect the lighthouse from the icing of the river in the winter months. The lighthouse was first lighted by Henry D, who was the lighthouse keeper then. Back in the days when the lighthouse was lived in by the entire family of the lighthouse keeper. This Second Empire architectural style lighthouse was managed by the US Coast Guard until 1984 when the Lighthouse society co-leased this with the Coast Guard. It is now managed by Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society since 2000.

The history and water activities of the day can be culminated with a beer at Crossroads Brewery, voted one of the best restaurants in Greene County. Walk around the historical town to see the Hudson Valley Dutch style of architecture followed by a walk along the Riverfront to take some pictures before you head back to the city. 

The Hudson Athens Lighthouse is instagrammable all through the year, but spring to fall months are the best to visit.