Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
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Park Overview:
This is a 1.28-mile linear park over the Hudson River connecting Ulster and Dutchess Counties in the Mid-Hudson region. It links to rail trails on both sides of the river.
Park Description:
This renovated 19th-century railroad bridge is now a pedestrian and bike path over the Hudson River. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
In 1992 Walkway Over the Hudson, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, started the effort to renovate the bridge that had deteriorated after a 1974 fire suspended rail service. It became a state park when finally opened in October 2009.
Trails Overview:
Besides breathtaking views of the Hudson River and its landscape, the bridge connects to 27 miles of rail trails and riverfront parks already built or planned in Ulster and Dutchess Counties. A nearly 4-mile loop hike that includes the Mid-Hudson Bridge is possible. A connector trail also leads to Franny Reese State Park on the west side of the river. Click to view hike descriptions that start from either the east shore or west shore of the Hudson River.
- The park is open from 7:00a.m. to sunset with no access 30 minutes prior to sunset.
Alert: Walkway may be closed during inclement weather
If inclement weather makes the Park unsafe for visitors, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park (and the Elevator leading to the Park) will be closed until conditions improve. For current information, go to www.walkway.org.
Park Acreage:
Not availableMunicipality:
Highland [Ulster County], PoughkeepsieThis is a 1.28-mile linear park over the Hudson River connecting Ulster and Dutchess Counties in the Mid-Hudson region. It links to rail trails on both sides of the river.
This renovated 19th-century railroad bridge is now a pedestrian and bike path over the Hudson River. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
In 1992 Walkway Over the Hudson, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, started the effort to renovate the bridge that had...
Park Acreage:
Not availableMunicipality:
Highland [Ulster County], PoughkeepsieContact Information
Web Link:
OPRHP-NYS ParksPhone:
(845) 454-9649Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
By train: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is located just 4 blocks north of the Metro-North and Amtrak station in Poughkeepsie.
Driving Directions:
From the South/East: Take the Taconic State Parkway north to the Route 55/Poughkeepsie exit. Take Route 55 west towards Poughkeepsie. Stay on Route 55/44 through the City of Poughkeepsie, and take a right onto Columbus Drive (just past Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and City Hall). Columbus Drive becomes Washington Street. Continue on Washington Street to right on Parker Avenue. Park entrance is on the left. Free parking is available in a large dirt field; a fee is charged at the paved parking area.
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Poughkeepsie Entrance: 61 Parker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, GPS Coordinates 41.711799, -73.926435
From the South/West: Take Route 9W North. Just past the exit for the Mid-Hudson Bridge, take a right onto Haviland Road. Park entrance is on the left just beyond the Hudson Valley Rail Trail parking area. A small paid parking area is at the trail head (for about a dozen cars); parking on the north side of Haviland Road is free. There is also a large, free parking area at the Hudson Valley Rail Trail entrance.
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Highland Entrance: 87 Haviland Road, Highland, NY 12528, GPS Coordinates 41.710477, -73.955038
From the North: Take the New York State Thruway (I-87) south to Exit 18, Poughkeepsie/New Paltz. Take right onto Route 299. Follow Route 299 east to Route 9W south. Make a left onto Haviland Road. Park entrance is on the left.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is located just 4 blocks north of the Metro-North and Amtrak station in Poughkeepsie.
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