Walkway Over the Hudson

The Walkway Over the Hudson New York State Park is a must-visit destination, both for its historic significance and its stunning views.

The Walkway is part of the Empire State Trail, connecting Highland and Poughkeepsie. Originally built in 1889 as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, it was once a vital link used extensively by trains crossing the Hudson River.

In 1974 a fire forced the closure of the bridge, and it was left untouched and unused for years. It was repaired, preserved, and reopened in 2009 as the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, stretching 1.28 miles across the Hudson. The bridge is 212 feet above the river, making it a great vantage point for photos or simply enjoying the view.

Visitors walking across the bridge enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, including the Catskill Mountains to the northwest and Shawangunk Ridge to the southwest.

The walkway also features an accessible elevator to Upper Landing Park beneath the bridge. Upper Landing Park spans 2.7 acres and is bordered by the Fall Kill Creek in addition to the Hudson River.

In the late 1600s Dutch settlers built a mill along Fall Kill Creek, where a dock was eventually constructed in the mid 1700’s. The site became Poughkeepsie’s northernmost river landing, and a key site for trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Walkway Over the Hudson also connects the Dutchess Rail Trail and Hudson Valley Rail Trail, making it ideal for biking and longer hikes. The Walkway and its associated trails are also included the 750+ mile Empire State Trail, making it popular with long distance cyclists and hikers using the trail network to traverse the state.