What’s The Longest River In NY? There’s Actually 2 Answers

New York's tallest mountain is Mount Marcy. Our deepest body of water is Seneca Lake (and what's hiding at the bottom is fascinating). But what's the longest river? Surprisingly, the answer isn't as straightforward as you'd think.

Hudson River Pride

Hudson Valley residents have a certain affinity (and even pride) for the Hudson River. It helped build New York City by transporting literal tons of raw materials downstream to construct everything from buildings to bridges. But is it the longest river in the state? Well...

The Longest River in New York

Yes, it is. Also, it's not (how's that for a straight answer?). For the trivia-obsessed (or semantic-loving) among us, the answer is actually a little more complicated. It all depends on what you mean by the longest river in the state.

The Hudson River is 301 Miles Long

The easy answer is that the Hudson River is the longest river entirely located in New York State. It begins in the Adirondack mountains and ends as it meets the Atlantic Ocean in New York Harbor 301 miles later. The longest river starting in New York, however, is a completely different answer.

The St. Lawrence River is the Longest River that Starts in New York

More than twice the length of the Hudson, the St. Lawrence River is the longest river that at least partially flows in New York. The St. Lawrence originates in Lake Ontario in New York State before winding its way across the border to Canada, ending over 740 miles later in Quebec.

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The Hudson River is also host to some amazing (and creepy) sights. Check out the possibly haunted abandoned state hospital below, and keep scrolling to see an amazing frozen water rescue right on the banks of the Hudson.