The mobile audio tour company TravelStorysGPS today is spotlighting 20 self-guided tours in New York’s Hudson Valley—giving visitors an expert-narrated companion for this popular day-trip and weekend-getaway destination.
The collection of walking, driving and cycling tours offers something for everyone—from vivid Revolutionary War tales to illustrations of community resilience and cultural inspiration. Each tour features GPS-triggered audio narration, curated photography, and in-depth storytelling that bring the Hudson Valley’s rich history, stunning landscape and vibrant towns to life, providing a memorable way to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.
“The Hudson Valley has been a significant stage for some of the country’s most dramatic history, but many visitors are missing out on the deeper, more meaningful experiences here,” said Story Clark, founder/CEO of TravelStorysGPS. “TravelStorys™ tours feel like having a local guide at your side—spotlighting key sights, sharing colorful stories, and helping you experience the places you visit in a whole new way. They turn a road or cycling trip or downtown stroll into something engaging, educational, and fun.”
Eleven different tour sponsors created these experiences for the public to enjoy for free. They include historical societies, arts councils, tourism agencies, and local organizations. Sponsors include Historic Hudson River Towns—a not-for-profit consortium of riverfront municipalities that produced 6 tours—as well as the New York State Thruway Authority, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge Path, Walkway Over the Hudson, and Storm King Art Center.
“The Hudson Valley’s riverfront communities have remarkable stories to tell, and these free audio tours are one of the best ways to tell them. When visitors slow down, explore local sites, and understand the history, they stay longer, spend more, and come back. That’s good for our towns, good for our local businesses, and good for the heritage of this region. We’re proud to bring these experiences to everyone—free of charge—just in time for America’s 250th birthday,” said Burns Patterson, Executive Director of Historic Hudson River Towns.
All of these tours are free and available now on the TravelStorys app for iOS and Android.
A SAMPLING OF HUDSON VALLEY TOURS ON THE TRAVELSTORYS APP
| 1. Historic Hudson River TownsDriving | Explore 16 charming riverfront towns along the Hudson River while soaking up the region’s history, from Native American tribes to the Revolutionary War, the Underground Railroad, and today’s thriving cultural scene.Key highlights: Bear Mountain State Park, New Croton Dam, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Washington-Rochambeau National Historic TrailSponsored by: Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT), with funding from the New York State Thruway Authority, Scenic Hudson, and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission |
| 2. Walk the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo BridgeWalking | Enjoy stunning views and public art on this 3.6-mile shared pedestrian-cyclist pathway over the Hudson River while also learning about the bridge’s innovative architecture and technology.Key highlights: Westchester Landing, Palisades, American Lenape, Esposito TrailSponsored by: New York State Thruway Authority and Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT) |
| 3. Piermont on the HudsonWalking | From Revolutionary War skirmishes to a 19th-century industrial boom, this tour reveals a small village with a big history—including its famous mile-long pier and the landscape that inspired generations of artists and scientists.Key highlights: American Revolution, World War II, Tallman MountainSponsored by: Piermont Historical Society, with support from the Rockland County Office of Economic Development and Tourism |
| 4. Nyack Walking/Cycling | Available in both English and Spanish, this tour explores Nyack’s role in centuries of history, from Native Americans and early Dutch settlers to the Revolutionary and Civil wars and American artists, writers and musicians.Key highlights: Lenape Nation, Edward Hopper, Carson McCullers, Toni Morrison, St. Philip’s A.M.E. Zion Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Nyack Beach State ParkSponsored by: Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT), with funding from the New York State Thruway Authority |
| 5. Plunder, Battles & SpiesDriving | Available in both English and Spanish, this tour traces both loyalist and patriot ground as it brings critical events of the Revolutionary War to life, from British warships firing on the Hudson to the treachery of Benedict Arnold. Key highlights: Battles of White Plains and Pine’s Bridge, Philipse Manor Hall, Captors Monument at Patriots Park, George Washington, Thomas PaineSponsored by: Revolutionary Westchester 250, with funding from the County of Westchester and the Scarsdale Historical Society |
| 6. Canal TrailWalking/Cycling | Follow the historic Delaware & Hudson Canal and learn the fascinating history of this vital waterway and the people who built it, while also enjoying the local flora and fauna that now thrive along its former banks.Key highlights: The Canal Summit, Lock No. 50, Boothroyd House & D&H Canal Interpretive Center, P. Calahan’s House, SummitvilleSponsored by: Mamakating Local Development Corporation |
| 7. Katonah Historic DistrictWalking | In the 1890s, an entire hamlet physically relocated to make way for a new reservoir. As you stroll past the original homes, you’ll learn how it pulled off this remarkable feat and created an even more livable community.Key highlights: Katonah Village Library, Chapman House, John Jay Homestead, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah Museum of Art, Lawrence CircleSponsored by: Katonah Village Improvement Society |
| 8. Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, IrvingtonWalking/Cycling | Available in both English and Spanish, this versatile guide to three charming Westchester villages weaves together stories of notable figures like Washington Irving (author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”), while sharing additional useful information about local restaurants, hotels and parking.Key highlights: Philipsburg Manor, Sunnyside, Kykuit, Old Dutch Church, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Villa Lewaro, the capture of British spy Major John AndréSponsored by: Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT), with funding from the New York State Thruway Authority |
| 9. Revolutionary Road to Putnam CountyDriving | Relive the full dramatic arc of the Revolution in one compact region—loyalty, espionage, heroism and betrayal. On these very roads, one brave teenage girl’s legendary all-night horseback ride put Paul Revere’s ride to shame.Key highlights: Constitution Island, West Point, Boscobel House & Gardens, Putnam History Museum, Enoch Crosby, Benedict Arnold, Sybil LudingtonSponsored by: Putnam County Tourism |
| 10. Follow the FrenchDriving | Americans might not have won their fight for independence without France’s aid. Follow in the footsteps of French soldiers during a critical campaign that led ultimately to victory at Yorktown.Key highlights: Battle of White Plains, Yorktown Encampment, Rochambeau Park, Smith’s Tavern, Odell House, Chatterton’s HillSponsored by: Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters, in collaboration with the North Castle Historical Society and the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission |
HOW TO ACCESS THE TOURS
- Download the TravelStorys app—free on iOS and Android
- Search “Hudson” or explore the interactive tour map
- Download one or more tours to your phone, then start your drive/bike/stroll. GPS automatically triggers narration at key points along the route.
