Two places very near and dear to my heart are Clermont and Olana; two historic homes and estates located in the Hudson River Valley in upstate New York that are now protected State parks. Both places have contributed greatly to local and national history, and in very different ways. We recently visited and hiked around Clermont and I must say that in June, it may be one of my favorite settings in the world.
Clermont and The Livingston Family
This estate was first founded in 1728 as the home of the Livingston family. The most well-known Livingston member was Robert R. Livingston, who was an active member of the American cause during the United States’ Revolutionary War. In fact, his signature graces the Declaration of Independence. He was a target during the war and in 1777 his home was burned down by the British. Robert Livingston, along with Robert Fulton, also co-invented the first steam boat in 1807, aptly named Clermont. This ship was used upon the glorious Hudson River, transporting passengers between New York City and Albany.
As a child, my family often visited this park. The estate has wooded trails, open fields, lovely little gardens, old and large trees, and a gorgeous Georgian style home. During the summer months, there is a minimal fee to park your car. For an additional fee, you can tour the home. The visitor’s center has some artifacts on display, information panels, an area where you can watch a short documentary on the family, and a small gift shop. The visitor’s center is always free.
It was a warm, sunny day, so we visited the gardens that are partially shaded to find relief from the sun.
The small pond located near the gardens often has frogs, though we didn’t see any today. The large trees offer plenty of shade from the sun.
The estate is along the Hudson River so there are many places where you are afforded your own private view of the water below and the Catskill Mountains in the background.
Where is it located?
Clermont is located on County Route 6, just off of New York Route 9G. Though its address is technically Germantown, it is located about halfway between Germantown and Tivoli, New York.
Map
A great map of all the trails at Clermont can be found here.