Brewery Profile

Hudson Ale Works

A mile from the Walkway Over the Hudson, this Highland brewery serves as a local gathering point as much as a beer stop. Visitors should expect a taproom built around small-batch craft brewing, with a range of beer styles rather than a single narrow specialty. Hard seltzers are also part of the mix, which gives non-beer drinkers another option without leaving the brewery setting. The food program is a major part of the visit: comfort food is treated as more than an afterthought, with gourmet burgers and a beer cheese pretzel among the known draws. The overall feel is casual and welcoming, making it a practical place to settle in after time outside or to meet up without needing a formal dining room.

Travelers in this part of the Mid-Hudson Valley often plan days around the river, the Walkway, rail trails, and town-to-town cycling routes. Hudson Ale Works fits that pattern because it is close to both the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Empire State Trail, giving hikers and cyclists a nearby place to refuel. A stop here can be as simple as a pint and a snack, or it can become a full meal if the day’s route has been longer than expected. The brewery’s appeal is tied to that combination: local beer, hard seltzer, and filling food in one place, without requiring a detour far from the trail corridor. For visitors exploring Highland or crossing over from the Poughkeepsie side, it offers a grounded Mid-Hudson beer experience.

Because specific tap lists can change at small-batch breweries, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours and any current seltzer options. The same is true for food availability and specials, though the known menu identity leans strongly toward comfort food, burgers, and the beer cheese pretzel. Its proximity to the Walkway makes it easy to plan as a before- or after-walk stop, and cyclists on the Empire State Trail can treat it as a route-side break rather than a separate destination. Details such as hours, events, seating arrangements, and takeout policies should be checked directly with the brewery before visiting, especially if you are building a day around a trail ride or group meet-up.

Tucked just a mile from the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson Ale Works is a vital community hub in Highland, NY, serving up small-batch craft brews alongside serious comfort food. This brewery is the perfect refueling stop for hikers and cyclists on the Empire State Trail, offering everything from diverse beer styles and hard seltzers to gourmet burgers and their famous beer cheese pretzel. It’s where satisfying taps meet a chill, welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in the Mid-Hudson Valley.

Website available

17 Milton Ave, Highland, New York, 12528-1409

Phone: (845) 834-2630

Website: http://www.hudsonaleworks.com

Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5:00 - 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 - 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 - 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 - 9:00 PM