You’re driving through Garrison, New York, and suddenly the asphalt just... quits. If you aren't looking for it, you might think you took a wrong turn into someone’s long driveway or a logging trail. But no. This is the Old Albany Post Road. It’s bumpy. It’s unpaved. It’s basically a six-mile-long time machine that somehow survived the relentless sprawl of the Hudson Valley.
Most people speed up and down Route 9 without realizing they are parallel to one of the oldest surviving unpaved roads in the entire United States. It's weird, right? In a state that loves to pave over everything, this stretch remains a dirt track. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but it doesn't feel like a museum. It feels like 1776.
The Road That George Washington Actually Used
Back in the day—we’re talking late 1600s—the British needed a way to get mail from New York City to Albany. They didn't have much to work with, so they largely followed an existing trail used by the Wappinger people. By 1703, the Public Highway Act officially established it as a post road.
If you walk it today, you’re stepping exactly where Revolutionary War soldiers marched. It wasn't just a convenience; it was a lifeline. Benjamin Franklin, as the Deputy Postmaster General, actually traveled this route to survey it. Legend says he marked the milestones himself, though most of those original stones are long gone or sitting in local museums now.
It’s narrow. Really narrow. When you see how tight the passes are through the Hudson Highlands, you start to understand why moving an army in the 18th century was such a logistical nightmare.
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Why is it still dirt?
That’s the question everyone asks. Honestly, it’s mostly thanks to the people living in Philipstown who fought like hell to keep it that way. In the mid-20th century, there was a massive push to modernize and pave everything. But a group of locals realized that once you pour asphalt, the history evaporates.
The Old Albany Post Road remains unpaved for about 6.6 miles. This isn't because the town is lazy. It’s a deliberate choice. The dirt, the overhanging trees, and the ancient stone walls create a "canopy road" effect that regulates temperature and preserves the local ecosystem.
Driving it today requires a bit of patience. Your suspension will hate you. You’ll probably have to pull over into a ditch to let a car coming the other way pass. But that’s the point. It forces you to slow down to a pace that people a hundred years ago would actually recognize.
Exploring the Landmarks Along the Path
If you’re going to visit, don't just drive through at 20 mph. You’ll miss the details.
- Bird & Bottle Inn: This place is a staple. It’s been an inn since 1761 (originally Warren’s Tavern). It was a major stop for stagecoaches. Imagine being stuck on a bouncy wooden carriage for ten hours and finally seeing this place. You’d want a drink too.
- The Stone Walls: Look closely at the walls lining the road. Many of these were built by hand using dry-stone techniques—no mortar, just gravity and skill. Some of them date back over two centuries.
- Philipstown Post Road Historic District: This isn't just one spot; it’s the whole vibe. The houses tucked behind the trees aren't McMansions. They are colonial-era structures and 19th-century farmhouses that haven't changed their footprint in generations.
The Environmental Angle
Interestingly, keeping the road unpaved is better for the Hudson River watershed. Asphalt creates runoff. Dirt and gravel allow rainwater to soak back into the ground. It’s a rare instance where historic preservation and "going green" actually want the same thing.
Scientists and historians often clash, but here, they’re buddies. The road serves as a corridor for local wildlife, including some rare amphibians that would get crushed on a high-speed highway. It’s a little slice of the "Wild East" nestled between suburban developments.
Common Misconceptions About the Route
A lot of people think the entire road from NYC to Albany is like this. Definitely not. Most of the original Post Road became Route 9 or Route 9A. If you tried to find the "Old" version in Yonkers or Poughkeepsie, you’d just find a Starbucks and a strip mall. This Garrison stretch is a freak occurrence—a "relic landscape" that survived because it was just rugged enough to be annoying to developers but beautiful enough to be protected by locals.
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Another myth? That it’s "undriveable" without a 4x4. You don't need a Jeep, but I wouldn't take a lowered sports car on it either. In the spring, the "mud season" is real. The frost heaves turn the ground into a bit of a swamp. If you go then, expect to get your car dirty. Very dirty.
How to Experience Old Albany Post Road Properly
If you want to do this right, start at the intersection of Route 9 and Travis Corners Road. Head south.
- Kill the radio. Seriously. The sound of tires on gravel and the wind through the trees is the whole soundtrack.
- Watch for the milestones. While many are replicas or moved, looking for the markers is a fun game. They tell you how many miles you are from NYC.
- Stop at the Bird & Bottle. Even if you aren't staying the night, just seeing the exterior gives you a sense of scale.
- Hike the nearby trails. The road connects to several trailheads in the Hudson Highlands State Park. You can park (where legal!) and loop the road into a longer trek.
The Old Albany Post Road is more than just a commute. It’s a reminder that progress doesn't always have to mean paving things over. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to leave the ground exactly as it was.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the weather: Avoid the day after a massive rainstorm unless you have high clearance and don't mind sliding around.
- Respect the residents: People actually live here. It’s a public road, but their front yards are historical sites. Don't trespass.
- Bring a map: Cell service in the Highlands can be spotty. Download an offline map of the Garrison/Philipstown area before you lose those bars.
- Visit the Putnam History Museum: Located nearby in Cold Spring, they have incredible archives on how this road shaped the entire county.
Go find a Milestone. See if you can spot the differences in the stone wall styles. Just don't expect to get anywhere in a hurry. That’s the whole beauty of it.