Hudson River waterfront in Kingston offers new attractions

From North Street to John Street a riverfront piece of the Empire State Trail called the Hudson River Brickyard Trail offers an ode to Kingston’s history. As you meander down the path you are continually met with reminders of the city’s once-booming brick industry.

Thick metal pipes are now covered with lichen and moss. Broken concrete structures have been swallowed by vines. Victorious saplings have rooted themselves on high. Lapping at the shoreline, the waves beat upon broken-down reddish brown bricks, very few of which still retain the legible names of the former brickmakers. Most bricks are now smooth and rounded.

Continuing about 1.5 miles north from Kingston Point Beach, you will come across something entirely new. A pavilion and seating area has been newly erected. A shaded pavilion covers several picnic tables. A huge sunny deck area which reaches out into the river itself contains lounging chairs and benches where the breeze from the water can gently caress your face. The view of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and the shore across the river can be seen clearly. Port-a-potties have been placed at the site.

One can imagine on a sunny spring day families might bring a picnic lunch and bikers might stop to catch their breaths. Perhaps a few individuals will bring books to read while soaking in the sun. However, right now the newly constructed area is quite empty. This could be the best place to sit quietly. Birds will be heard overhead, an occasional train will pass noisily by on the opposite shore, and the waves will methodically hit the shore. It could be the most peaceful spot in Kingston.