Things to do: Walkway Over the Hudson - Poughkeepsie Railway Bridge Walk - Info Directions - Hudson river walking bridge

If you are in the Mid-Hudson Valley area and looking for a place to take a nice walk, jog or bike ride, you should head to the Walkway Over the Hudson.

On Saturday, October 3, 2009 the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park was officially opened as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the Hudson River. Since the opening ceremony the Walkway Over the Hudson has been a destination for both residents and visitors to the Hudson Valley. If you are in the Mid Hudson Valley area you should plan a day to walk across the Walkway Over the Hudson.

The Walkway Over the Hudson spans the Hudson River and connects the rail trails on both sides of the river from Poughkeepsie, NY to Highland, NY.

The walkway is very wide providing enough room for both Pedestrians and Bicyclist to enjoy the bridge. On a nice day you will see many people walking, jogging, biking and even rollerblading across the walkway. The walkway is pet friendly and many people bring their dogs for the walk.

The Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge was in operation from 1889 until 1974 when a fire took the bridge out of commission. For three decades the bridge remained unused and began to fall in disrepair until through private and public funding the bridge was converted into a walkway.

World's Longest Bridge

At 6,767 feet long and 212 feet high, the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge was and still is an amazing engineering feat. At one time the railroad bridge was the longest bridge in the world. Since being converted to a walkway the bridge has gained a new title as the world's longest pedestrian bridge.

Any nice day in the Spring, Summer or Fall is a great time to talk a walk across the Walkway Over the Hudson.

By far, my favorite time to go to the Walkway Over the Hudson is at the end of a warm day in the Autumn. I think this is the best time to go walking or jogging without overheating your self or freezing. Plus you get the added visual enjoyment from the Fall colors of the trees and the sunset on your way back.

The park is open year-round, but I would not recommend going in the winter or any days with inclement weather. Although you will have the walkway all to your self on these days. It might have something to do with how windy it gets standing on a bridge over the middle of the river. You may also want to avoid extremely hot and sunny days as these can be equally unpleasant.

If you are planing a trip across the Walkway Over the Hudson you will want to make sure to bring the following with you.

• Water- There are spots at the beginning of the walkway to get a drink or snack, but nothing in the middle of the bridge.
• Comfortable Shoes - The bridge is over 1.28 mile long, so the road trip is over 2 and a half miles.
• Hat (optional) - If it is a sunny day you will want to bring a hat with you. Just make sure that it fits tightly
• Windbreaker - You probably don't need one in the summer, but even on a warm spring or fall day you may still need one on the Walkway as it is much cooler over the river.
• Camera (optional) - The Hudson River and Valley is very picturesque. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the entire Walkway Over the Hudson.
• A Friend (a must) - Whether it's your best friend or your dog you will want to bring someone along with you to share the experience with you.

The Mid Hudson Bridge is just a short distance down the river from the Walkway Over the Hudson. If you look South while on the Walkway you will see this beautiful suspension bridge which connects Poughkeepsie and Highland, NY.

The Mid Hudson Bridge also known as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Bridge is another Landmark of the Hudson Valley. This bridge stands majesticaly in the Hudson River with two Huge American flags hanging down from both of its large towers.

At night the Mid Hudson Bridge is light up with a number of colored lights all across the suspension ropes. The color of these lights are changed regularly with special light patterns for holidays and other special days.