Cruising the Hudson River: A Port-by-Port Guide for Loopers
From the Statue of Liberty to the gateway of the Erie Canal, here’s how to make the most of your journey up one of America’s most scenic and historic rivers.
The Hudson River is one of those stretches of the Great Loop that you’ll never forget. Towering cliffs, castle ruins, and charming towns roll out like a storybook as you cruise north from New York City to the quiet locks of Waterford. But there’s more than scenery—this leg offers easy provisioning, great marinas, and a few perfect anchorages if you’d rather swing on the hook.
In this port-by-port guide, I’ll walk you through the route with mileage between key stops, notes on fuel and groceries, favorite side trips, and practical tips from our own trip up the Hudson. Whether you’re just leaving the Atlantic or prepping for mast-down canal cruising, this is a stretch to slow down and savor.
Planning Your Hudson Run
If you’ve just turned the corner at New York Harbor, you’re officially entering river cruising territory—and the Hudson is a river like no other. Towering cliffs, leafy state parks, and towns rich with Revolutionary War history make this stretch feel like a journey through a living postcard. It’s also one of the easiest sections of the Great Loop to customize to your pace and preferences.
We typically budget about 40 nautical miles per day, but the Hudson invites you to slow down. Whether you’re waiting out the weather, pausing for a farmer’s market, or just soaking in the views, this is a stretch worth savoring. And with the Erie Canal opening delayed in 2025 due to storm damage, it’s a good time to linger. The closure between Lock E-16 (St. Johnsville) and Lock E-17 (Little Falls) means canal entry is phased and unpredictable, so there’s no rush to reach Waterford just yet.
As you head north, remember that the Hudson is a tidal estuary, not a traditional river. Ocean tides influence the current all the way to Troy, which means the direction of flow actually changes throughout the day. Loopers traveling north are technically going upriver, but with good timing, you can ride the flood tide and get a nice push. Time it wrong, and you’ll be slogging through a surprisingly strong current. Tools like Navionics, Aqua Map, or your favorite tide app can help you plan smart departures.
Navigation is mostly straightforward, but stay alert for commercial traffic, particularly around Albany and in narrower bends near West Point. If you have AIS, it’s helpful here, and monitoring VHF 13 is a good habit in tighter sections. The river is wide and well-marked, and the views alone make this one of the most memorable cruising legs on the Loop.
Port-by-Port Overview
Here’s a sample itinerary to get you started, moving northbound from New York Harbor to Waterford. All distances are approximate and based on nautical miles (NM).
🗽 New York City (Start Point – 0 NM)
Marinas: Liberty Landing (Jersey side), 79th Street Boat Basin (seasonal, on Manhattan), One15 Brooklyn Marina
Highlights: If you didn’t already pause here, this is your last big city for a while. Take a day or two for Broadway shows, museums, a ride to the Statue of Liberty, or Central Park.
Notes: Be prepared for ferry wake and heavy traffic until you’re well past the George Washington Bridge.
🌄 Half Moon Bay Marina (32 NM)
Why Stop Here: Protected slips, short walk to restaurants and groceries, beautiful views of the Palisades.
Bonus: It’s right on the scenic Metro-North train line to NYC, so if you skipped the city earlier, you can still pop in for a day trip.
⚓ Roundout Yacht Basin (49 NM from Half Moon Bay)
Access to Kingston: This historic river town is worth a visit, with a maritime museum, farmer’s market, and cute main street.
Side Trip Tip: You’ll pass West Point on your way here—a striking sight from the water. Stay alert; this stretch is photo-worthy.
⛵ Coeymans Landing Marina (38 NM from Roundout)
Sailboat Alert: This is your last practical stop before mast unstepping. You’ll want to coordinate with Hop-O-Nose Marina or Castleton Boat Club (more on that in an upcoming post!).
Facilities: Friendly marina, decent access to groceries and fuel.
🏙️ Albany / Troy (10 NM)
Urban Convenience: Time for a final restock. Albany and Troy offer fuel, groceries, laundry, and repair services.
Don’t Miss: Troy has an excellent Saturday farmers market right on the waterfront.
Note for Sailboats: You must have your mast down before locking through at Troy.
🚤 Waterford (10 NM)
Free Docks: Yes, free! The Waterford Visitor Center offers dockage with power, bathrooms, and a warm welcome from the Erie Canal staff.
Loop Milestone: This is the official start of the Erie Canal—and a great spot to celebrate. Get your photo with the sign and maybe toast with fellow Loopers.
Nearby Eats: Several walkable restaurants and ice cream shops.
Final Tips for Loopers Cruising the Hudson
Ride the Tide: Especially north of NYC, the current can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. Check Eldridge or Navionics for tide timing.
Daylight Cruising: This stretch is scenic—don’t miss it by cruising at night.
Weekend Traffic: Expect more boaters and busy marinas south of Half Moon Bay on sunny summer weekends.
Bring Binoculars: From bald eagles to historic lighthouses, there’s a lot to spot.
Cruising the Hudson River is a highlight for many Great Loopers, and for good reason. It’s a stretch that feels both grand and intimate—like you’re floating through American history, one scenic bend at a time. Take your time, grab a mooring, enjoy a festival, and stock up before the canal. You’re going to love this leg.
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have a favorite stop on the Hudson? A hidden anchorage, great restaurant, or provisioning tip I missed?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what you discovered along the way.
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