On October 3, 2009 Governor David A. Paterson opened the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park as a legacy project of the Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial. The park provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world.
The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network. For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.
After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an oprhaned relic. This brand new park was made possible due to the unwavering commitment of the community, who, through a non-profit organization called Walkway Over the Hudson, forged a public private partnership involving the State of New York, the federal government, neighboring municipalities, private corporations and other not for profit groups. The amazing result of this wonderful partnership is a brand new state park, now open for all to enjoy.
The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour.
Reminder: The park closes as sunset. Please visit http://www.sunrisesunset.com to plan your trip.
Please note: there are two entrances to the park, one on either side of the Hudson River each with their own unique approach:
East side of the River (Dutchess County) 61 Parker Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12528
Directions:
By train: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is located just 4 blocks north of the Metro North and Amtrak station in Poughkeepsie.
By car: take Route 9 to Route 9G north (Marist Drive). Bear right onto Washington Street. Proceed on Washington Street for 0.5 miles. Turn left on Route 9G/Parker Avenue. Walkway's parking lot is on the left side.
West side of the River (Ulster County) 87 Haviland Rd. Highland, NY 12601
Directions:
Located just north of the Mid-Hudson Bridge Take NY 218/Route 9W to Haviland Road. Handicapped parking (permit only) is provided in a small parking lot (on left, approx. 0.5 miles). All other parking is along the north side Haviland Road.