Hudson Valley On The Water: Walkway Over The Hudson

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Walkway high above the Hudson River offers a scenic stroll in the park; the glass elevator, on the other hand, isn't a relaxing ride for those with even a little fear of heights.

The Walkway Over the Hudson is among the most scenic views in a region with no shortage of scenic vistas. The walkway connects to both downtown and waterfront Poughkeepsie retail and dining districts as well as a larger trail network on the other side of the river.

At 1.28 miles long and 212 feet above the Hudson River, the walking trail on a disused railroad trestle is the world’s longest pedestrian bridge over water. The remarkable tourist attraction is perfectly located to make the destination a day trip from nearly everywhere in the Hudson Valley and a convenient stop for recreational boaters.

When the bridge opened in 1889 as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, it was at the time the longest bridge in the world. The railroad bridge was idled following a fire in 1974 that was likely started by a spark from a train’s brakes.

Perhaps more important than the bridge’s historic significance, is the fact that the narrow park makes for a remarkably pleasant and not especially strenuous hike.

The bridge was rebuilt and opened again in October 2009 as the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. Part of the reconstruction project included the installation of a 21-story glass elevator to connect the park to the waterfront area near the train station.

Some of us, however, would very much prefer to take the “long way” to access the trail, up the hill and closer to downtown rather than ever setting foot in the elevator again so long as we live.