The Longest Elevated Pedestrian Walkway In The World Is Here In New York And It’s An Unforgettable Adventure
By Christy Articola|Published November 15, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
Do you know that the world’s longest elevated pedestrian walkway is right here in New York? It is! Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a restored railroad bridge that spans the Hudson River and visitors can walk across it for exercise and incredible views. This bridge is 1.28 miles long and is 212 feet above the river at its highest point. You’ll love experiencing the Hudson River in this way. Read on to learn more about this historic bridge and its long and interesting history.
The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was built in 1886.
This bridge was built to connect the town of Highland on the western shore of the Hudson River with Poughkeepsie on the eastern shore. From Poughkeepsie, trains could travel to New York City or to anywhere in New England. Westbound trains departing Poughkeepsie could access the rest of the country from New England and New York City.
Until 1924, it was the only bridge crossing the Hudson between New York City and Albany.
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This bridge remained open to railroad transit until 1974 when there was a fire that made it unsafe for trains. Today, it's the world's oldest remaining steel cantilever bridge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
After the fire, this bridge was abandoned for decades. However, the people of Poughkeepsie decided that something should be done with it. A group of volunteers formed to restore the bridge for pedestrian use.
Thanks to donations from a variety of sources, the group succeeded. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park opened with great fanfare on October 3, 2009. Today, over half a million people visit it each year.
There are parking spaces and restrooms on both ends of the bridge, and the bridge is wheelchair accessible. There's even a glass elevator on the Poughkeepsie side. The beginning of the bridge on both ends is over land.
Most of the bridge, though, is over the river. The views from it are incredible at any time of the year. The walkway is open from 7 a.m. to dusk every day. Sometimes, it's also open in the evening for special events.
Pets and bicycles are allowed on the walkway. Visitors can learn more about the bridge and the walkway by scanning QR codes along the way for a mobile web tour.
Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is well worth a visit. It's a great way to experience the Hudson River, learn about history, take in some great views, and get some exercise. Plan a trip to it today!
It’s wonderful to see this bridge restored for the people! Now, it will have many more decades or even centuries of use. Walking across this walkway is a wonderful experience that all New Yorkers and New York visitors should try. You’ll love it!
