Learn More About Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, commonly referred to as the Walkway, is a linear park that opened in October 2009. The park stretches for 1.28 miles (2.06 km) over the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland in New York state. It is built on the former Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, which was originally constructed in 1889 and served as a railroad bridge until 1974. It is now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
The Walkway has become a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. It provides stunning views of the Hudson River Valley, as well as the Catskill and Berkshire Mountains. It is also a popular spot for fishing, bird watching, and photography. In addition, the Walkway is part of the Empire State Trail, which is a multi-use trail that will eventually stretch from New York City to Canada.
History
The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was originally built in 1889 by the Poughkeepsie Bridge Company. The bridge was designed by John A. Roebling, who also designed the Brooklyn Bridge. Construction of the bridge began in 1886 and took three years to complete. It was originally used as a railroad bridge to transport freight and passengers between Poughkeepsie and Highland.
The bridge operated for nearly 100 years before it was closed in 1974. The bridge fell into disrepair and was eventually condemned by the state of New York. In 1992, a group of citizens formed the Walkway Over the Hudson organization with the goal of transforming the old railroad bridge into a pedestrian walkway.
After years of fundraising and renovations, the Walkway reopened to the public in October 2009. It has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York state. In 2019, the Walkway was named one of the “Seven Wonders of the Hudson Valley” by The Poughkeepsie Journal.
How to Visit
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. There is no charge to use the Walkway, but there is a suggested donation of $5 per person.
The best way to access the Walkway is from one of the two visitor centers: the Poughkeepsie waterfront on the east side of the Hudson River or the Highland Landing on the west side. Both visitor centers have restrooms, water fountains, and picnic areas. They also offer free parking for cars and bicycles.
There are several different ways to enjoy the Walkway. The most popular way is to walk or run the length of the bridge, which takes about an hour. For a longer adventure, you can start at one end of the Walkway and hike the nearby Dutchess Rail Trail or the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.
If you’re looking for a shorter trip, you can take a stroll across the bridge and then return to your starting point. Or, you can explore one of the many parks and trails along the Hudson River. There are also several restaurants and cafes located near the Walkway, which makes it a great place to stop for a bite to eat.
No matter how you choose to experience the Walkway, you’re sure to have a memorable time.
Information provided by First Call Restoration.
Are you looking for a fun and educational activity for your children? If so, consider the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum.
