About
The Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, spanning 1.2 miles a full 212 feet above the Hudson River. Located in the city of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, and a quick walk from the Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station. A non-profit organization with the name Walkway Over the Hudson converted the abandoned Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad bridge into the park. A fire left the railroad bridge abandoned in 1974. Walkway Over the Hudson formed a partnership with private corporations, other non-profit groups, the federal government, and the State of New York. This partnership opened the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in October of 2009 to hikers, cyclists, and runners.
Things to Do
There is a constant supply of entertainment atop the Walkway Over the Hudson. The non-profit organization dedicated to the Walkway’s success sponsors frequent events. You can catch a flick by the river at Movie Nights Under the Walkway, or attend any number of the Walkway festivals and concerts. Traditions like the First Day Hike every New Year’s Day create a strong community around the Walkway Over the Hudson. For the more competitive visitor, the Walkway Marathon Race Series is in its second year. Nearly 4,000 runners compete in 5Ks, half-marathons, and/or full marathons, all while enjoying the scenic Hudson River Valley. During any visit, you can enjoy the massive glass elevator, a new addition to the Walkway. In the Autumn months, the Walkway Over the Hudson is the perfect spot to enjoy the colorful Fall foliage that the region is known for. There are also events held throughout the year, including Springfest, a spring-time makers fair, the return of the free summer concerts, Walkway at Night, special history talks, and Walktoberfest, a fall-time makers fair full of food trucks, handmade goods, wine samples, and more. View a full schedule of events on the Walkway’s official website.
The Greater Walkway Experience
Digital resources are available to enhance the experiences of guests on the Walkway. “Talkway Over the Hudson”, a cell phone audio tour, guides walkers through 21 informational stops. The online audio tour “Walkway Past, Present, and Future” offers details on historical sites, influential people, and local species in English, Spanish, Italian, and Mandarin. The “Greater Walkway Experience” is a colorful interactive map of the areas the Walkway Over the Hudson connects to. These “Discover Zones” include Little Italy, the Historic Union Street Neighborhood, City Downtown, the Southside Historic District, and the Poughkeepsie Waterfront on the Dutchess side. The Ulster side features the Highland Hamlet and the Highland Landing. A 4.4-mile route called the “loop trail” winds through both Poughkeepsie and Lloyd and over the Walkway and the Mid-Hudson bridge. The Walkway Over the Hudson also attaches to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Dutchess County Rail Trail.
Learn more about the Greater Walkway Experience through New York by Rail. Click here to read about a day trip to the Walkway and how to best enjoy all it has to offer. If you’re looking for more to do in Poughkeepsie after your walk, check out our overnight itinerary.
