Walkway Over The Hudson:
New York
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Description:
Built in 1888 to link New York and New England to the coal beds of Pennsylvania and the West, the steel-truss Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was the longest bridge in the world for a spell, stretching 6,767 feet (approximately 1.25 miles) over the Hudson River. A 1974 blaze, blamed on sparks from a passing train, damaged only 700 feet of the span's wooden decking. Repair, however, was too pricey for the bankrupt railroad company that owned the structure, and tearing it down would have been far more expensive. Instead they permanently halted railroad operations over it.

Today the bridge is the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The bridge deck is 212 feet above the Hudson River and provides spectacular views both upstream and down. Expanding 24 feet over land to 35 feet over the water, the deck used to fit a pair of railroad tracks. Now it sees a steady flow of walkers, joggers, skaters and bicyclists who drink in this new view, which opened to the public in late 2009.

It will one day be a linchpin in a 27-mile corridor of rail-trails and riverfront parks already built or planned in Ulster and Dutchess counties. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail's final mile in Highland connects to the bridge's east end. In Poughkeepsie, the Dutchess Rail Trail Park will eventually connect to the bridge at Parker Avenue, pending funding for purchase of the right-of-way and subsequent construction.

Walkway Over the Hudson started with a group of like-minded locals. In 1992 they formed an advocacy organization devoted to converting the bridge into a public walkway. About 15 years later, they had funding in place and the state was on board to manage and maintain the park. Construction was a considerable undertaking. The entire structure, including underwater piers, had to be assessed for stability. Existing railroad structures, such as walkways, ties and railings, were demolished to make way for the new deck's pre-cast concrete panels. Additional metal and foundation repairs were required to support the weight of the crane that would place the panels. Worker safety was a primary concern. Anyone working within 6 feet of the edge was required to wear a harness and lifeline. Select workers with climbing skills were identified as emergency responders in case of a problem.

No skateboards or motorized vehicles are allowed, except for motorized wheelchairs. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Restrooms are available at each end of the bridge. Benches and shaded areas are in the works. Lights have been installed for night-time events (the bridge can be reserved for events) and food vendors cater to hungry bridge users. In addition, a 20-story elevator is in the works, along with a staircase on the Poughkeepsie side. Friends of the nonprofit organization that oversees such projects are also pursuing funds for a visitor center. Visit their website (www.walkway.org) for more information.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the trailhead in Poughkeepsie from I-84, take the Taconic State Parkway north. Exit on State Route 55 west toward Poughkeepsie. Turn right onto Garden Street. Turn left onto Parker Avenue. Parking for the walkway is on the right.

To reach the trailhead in Lloyd from I-87, take the exit for State Route 299 east. Turn right onto US Route 9W south through the village of Highland. Turn left onto Haviland Road. Parking is on the right.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
Hours of Operation
7:00 a.m. - sunset, year-round, weather permitting.

For information about inclement weather closings, contact New York State Parks at 845-834-2867. This information is also posted online at www.facebook.com/walkwayoverthehudson or www.twitter.com/wothshp.

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Reviews: [4 trail ratings]
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Simply Spectacular (and crowded!)
By HykyrJoe in June, 2010
Deb and I visited on 6/5/10 and found the bridge wonderful and packed! An obvious victim of it's own sucess (or excess?) the bridge was packed with tourists from buses, idling along Haviland Road on the west side. Cars and trucks filled lots on both sides of the bridge. Spot-a-pots and privy type toliets service the masses... there were many vendors on both sides offering many food and drink choices in what was almost a canival affar..... the veterans were having a drive of some sort... t-shirts and funnel cakes were for sale..well , it was chaotic at best....

the bridge was a wonderful walk.. the views spectacular.. the breeze cool... think sunscreen and hats if you venture onward on a hot day as there is no shade out there save for some trees on the east side and west side approaches..

watch for bikers which are permitted among the walking masses... folks who are really wary of heights should probably pass on this one...

placards along the rails of the bridge tell of it's revival and life and Poughkeepsie's history .. a new stairway is being built on the east side to the surface street below in Poughkeepsie..

I can't believe this will remain 'free" for long... but I'll keep my fingers crossed...

And lastly... definitely go on a off hour before or after the tourist buses....
great
By krissy in January, 2010
we are so lucky to have the longest pedestrian-only bridge in the world right in our own backyard, even in the winter they cleared the snow/ice amazingly well, great walk/run/jog/ride if you can get out, parking has gotten better and more organized, wish it had more vendors haha
Walkway Grand Opening Celebration
By aylward in November, 2009
The Walkway Over The Hudson is a great gift that gives more people the opportunity to view the Hudson River and its scenic shorelines. This region of the USA is a real treasure. Not only does the Walkway preserve a marvel of 19th century engineering and construction, but also encourages everyone who visits it and gazes from it to preserve the Hudson River and the beautiful valley through which it flows.

I was a volunteer photographer for the weekend Grand Opening. I have put a collection of photos on my website for all to enjoy. Please visit www.GreatOutdoorImages.com and click on "Travel & People" to view them. ( or copy/paste this link http://www.photoshelter.com/c/greatoutdoorimages/gallery/Travel-People/G0000AnT8.QUasdU/?_bqH=eJwLMXeryA3OqHK2CPGO9CzXrfI3Cq.KKDaPNPG1MjQ2tjI0MLCyco_3dLF1NwACx7wQC73A0MTilFC1AJComrtnvLujj49rUCQ2RQBEBxun&_bqO=0 )

There are photos of the Friday night lantern lighting and fireworks, followed by the Saturday opening ceremony with Pete Seeger, the parade including all the surrounding towns, and the night circus.

John Aylward
www.GreatOutdoorImages.com
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Washington St. (Poughkeepsie) to Haviland Rd. (Highland) Start of Hudson Valley Rail Trail
Counties: Dutchess, Ulster
Trail Length: 1.25 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Concrete
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6153230

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Guidebook: Learn more about other New York rail-trails in RTC's New York Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: January 2010
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