Haverstraw: Hudson Views, Trails and History

In the area around Haverstraw, river views, outdoor trails and sites of local history come together. These highlights offer different ways to choose a destination for your stay: spend time on the Hudson River, follow a route for walking, running or cycling, or explore the history of the Village of Haverstraw and the African diaspora. Emeline Park and the Greenway Trail offer scenery and opportunities to get active; the African American Memorial Park and the Haverstraw Brick Museum add stories of remembrance and local history to the area. The Haverstraw–Nyack Path also leads into the wider region.

River Views and Trails

In the area around Haverstraw, Emeline Park offers picnic pavilions, playgrounds and walking trails along the riverfront. From here, you can enjoy expansive views of the Hudson River. The park combines a scenic setting by the river with picnic pavilions and playgrounds.

The Village of Haverstraw's Greenway Trail is suitable for cycling, running and walking. It runs from the entrance to Bowline Point Park in “Little Italy” or from Warren Court to Broad Street. Further afield, the Haverstraw–Nyack Path starts in Dutchtown and continues to Nyack Beach State Park; it is used for walking and hiking. When choosing a trail based on the type of activity, both the overlap and the differences are helpful: walking is listed for both trails; cycling and running are included on the Greenway, while hiking is listed for the Haverstraw–Nyack Path. Their endpoints also set the routes apart: the Greenway reaches Broad Street, while the Haverstraw–Nyack Path goes to Nyack Beach State Park. This makes it easy to compare the trails based on the destinations listed.

History and Remembrance

The African American Memorial Park is located in the area around Haverstraw. The park is on the water and features a garden and a fountain. It is home to the permanent statue “Harriet Tubman – Beacon of Hope,” installed in June 2024. A kiosk presents exhibits on local history and the African diaspora. The park can therefore be understood through both its landscape and its historical interpretation: the water, garden and fountain provide the setting, while the statue and exhibit topics give it a specific connection to remembrance.

HAAC's first Juneteenth celebration in the area around Haverstraw took place on June 18, 2016. HAAC announced its 11th annual celebration for 2026.

The Haverstraw Brick Museum, also in the surrounding area, offers another historical perspective. It is dedicated to preserving the cultural and historical past of the Village of Haverstraw and the brick industry that shaped the Village. Its focus is therefore on a chapter in the history of the community and its industry, rather than solely on an individual or memorial statue. The distinction in subject matter is clear: the park focuses on Harriet Tubman, local history and the African diaspora; the museum focuses on the Village and the brick industry.

Discover more destinations: West Nyack, Palisades, Suffern, Stony Point, Spring Valley, Pearl River, Nanuet, Airmont.

For the broader travel overview: Rockland.