Information
Landmark: Walkway Over the HudsonCity: Hudson
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson, USA New York, North America
Overview
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a stunning footbridge stretching across the Hudson River, linking Poughkeepsie to Highland, where the wind often carries the scent of the water below.Spanning about 1.28 miles (2.06 kilometers) across the river, it holds the record as the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, with views that seem to go on forever.Built in 1889 as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, it carried freight and passenger trains across the river, iron wheels rattling over its wooden ties.The bridge carried trains for decades, but in 1974 its tracks fell silent when rail traffic stopped.In the early 2000s, the state and local community turned the bridge into a pedestrian walkway, opening it up as a scenic corridor where you could stroll and hear the river rush below.In 2009, it opened to the public as the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, with crisp autumn air swirling over the river below.Stretching 1.28 miles, the bridge treats you to sweeping views of the Hudson River, the rugged Catskill Mountains rising in the west, and the rolling green expanse of the Hudson Valley.Rising roughly 212 feet over the river, it offers a clear, sweeping view of the water glinting below.The walkway stretches wide and smooth, welcoming walkers, runners, cyclists, and anyone using a wheelchair.You’ll find benches to rest on, signs that share the bridge’s history and details about the surrounding wildlife, and warm lighting to guide you safely after dark.All year long, the park comes alive with community gatherings-charity walks along shady paths, brisk morning runs, festive seasonal celebrations, and hands-on educational programs.It links into a web of trails on both sides of the Hudson, from the Dutchess Rail Trail to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, and serves as a vital bridge for outdoor adventures across the region.You’ll find the visitor entrances in Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York-one near the old brick station, the other by the riverfront park.We’re open every day, from the first blush of sunrise until the last light fades at sunset.Admission’s free-just walk in off the street.Accessibility: Easy to navigate for wheelchairs and strollers, with smooth, level paths throughout.The Walkway Over the Hudson combines history and fresh air, giving visitors a safe, scenic path with sweeping views of the river and rolling hills beyond.If you love nature, enjoy a bit of history, or just want an unforgettable walk or bike ride through New York’s Hudson Valley-where the river glints in the afternoon sun-you won’t want to miss it.
