Thursday, November 8, 2012

Walkway Over the Hudson River


A few weeks before Hurricane Sandy sadly devastated many coastal areas of New York and New Jersey, I had taken a trip upstate New York to see the beautiful autumn foliage that was at its season's peak.  You can read my prior post about my visit to the beautiful town of Rhinebeck, NY on this link.  After leaving Rhinebeck, my friends and I decided we wanted to take a scenic walk over the Hudson River.


We drove to the town of Poughkeepsie, NY, which is on the eastern side of the Hudson and one of the portals to the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park.  The park is a linear walkway spanning the Hudson River. At 212 feet tall and 1.28 miles long, it is the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The park is managed and maintained by NYS Parks – Taconic Region. Walkway State Park officially opened to the public on Saturday, October 3, 2009.


The Walkway’s 1.28-mile long path provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists and people with disabilities--dogs are also welcomed! The walkway park has two entrances, one on each side of the Hudson River in the towns of Poughkeepsie and the town of Highland, NY.  It is open from 7 AM until sunset, weather permitting.


The views of the shoreline from the walkway are spectacular, as well as...


...the Hudson River which is 212 feet below.


The Walkway Over the Hudson began as the former Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge on Jan. 1, 1889. At the time it was the longest bridge in the world and the first of any bridge to span the Hudson. It became a key transportation hub linking western raw materials to eastern industrial centers until the fire in 1974 ended its use and it was left abandoned.  The 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 who raised the funds to turn this abandoned railway bridge into a beautiful walkway park for all to enjoy.



More about the original bridge can be read on these informational placards that were located at the western entrance.  This photo collage, as well as all photos in this post, can be enlarged for better viewing by clicking on them once, and then again when they open alone. Click on your back arrow to return to the post


A view of the Mid Hudson Bridge from the walkway.


As we walked the sun was moving in and out behind the clouds and kept changing the light on the shorelines. At the time the autumn trees almost glowed with color and...


..the Hudson River turned pale shades of iridescent blue.


Just beautiful!

In the distance we could see the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. What a wonderful view its students must have!


As we approached the western section of the walkway the trees looked so spectacular, I took many, many, photos.



The trees formed Nature's patchwork quilt.



The Walkway Over the Hudson is truly a magnificent way to see and enjoy the beauty of the Hudson Valley of upstate New York in any season, but especially in autumn.


Please remember those affected by Hurricane Sandy and consider making a donation to the American Red Cross.
T

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65 comments:

Claudia said...

That's one impressive bridge! Hard to believe that all this color was available to us 2 weeks ago, The cycle of life. Avidly watching then results and re-building in the aftermath of Sandy. Love to all.

The Gathering Place said...

Once again your photos are stunning! What a beautiful spot to appreciate fall's splendor!

Barbara F. said...

Good for you, Pat, getting to take in New York State before you leave. Your photos are wonderful, great color on those trees. xo

Linda said...

Absolutely beautiful Pat! The colors are amazing and your photography and info is awesome as ever!! Take care!

ellen b. said...

I'm just scrolling with my mouth open in awe of all these wonderful fall color shots! Wowzers. I'm glad you were able to make this trip.

Kris said...

Those pictures are some of the prettiest I have ever seen of the Fall colors! Amazing!!!!!!
xo Kris

eileeninmd said...

Pat, what a beautiful place to visit in the fall. The trees are gorgeous. Love the views of the river. The walkway sounds like a great place to visit, thanks for sharing your trip. Have a great weekend!

Lynn said...

Wow, that truly is an amazing view! The colors are beautiful:@)

Old Kitty said...

Lovely Pat!! I never thought the acronym CIA could mean something else!! Culinary Institute of America! What a glorious autumnal setting. Beautiful.

Take care
x

Tracy said...

WOW...What an experience! And look at all that autumn color! I miss all that color... We don't as richly varied autumns here. Thank you for sharing about this great trip, Pat :o) ((HUGS))

Tanna said...

Just spectacular, Pat!! Spectacular!! blessings to all affected by Sandy... tanna

From the Kitchen said...

Breathtaking! We talk of getting to that area in the fall but, so far, haven't. I think I'll move that trip further up on the list. I had no idea the C.I.A. had just a wonderful location.

Best,
Bonnie

Pamela Gordon said...

Wow. that is such beautiful scenery! Spectacular views and colours. That is one bridge I'd love to walk across. We have a similar railway bridge converted to a walking trail in the city but it is low and short compared to yours. Have a great day!

Karen Harris said...

What beautiful scenery! My husband is an avid walker and would love to take this walk. We'll have to add this to our long "to do" list. So glad you weathered the storm.

pam said...

WOW....all that color seems unreal. We planted 7 maples when we built our home. I know a lot of people around here do other species as maples are slower growing but good glory....look what we could have. I LOVE the colors of Fall! Hope you have a good weekend Pat!

Amanda Jones said...

Simply breathtaking!

Jeanne said...

I'm glad you stopped by today Pat. the color in your photos knock my socks off. Really beautiful with the river as well. Our color is not that brilliant at all. We are too far south to get color like this. However, we do have pretty color because of the mountains. Just not fabulous.

The bridge is beautiful and a wonderful walk to see the beauty of mother nature.

You are in my thoughts along with all the people who suffered and are still suffering from Sandy and then another bad storm. How sad for everyone. My prayers go out to all every day. We did donate to the cause but nothing can help the tragedy of losing ones home.

I hope you are rallying from the storm and getting your home ready to sell again.

From my heart... Love, Jeanne

podso said...

Pat this is about the best fall foliage I've seen this year. Just breathtaking. Both of my colleges were along the Hudson so I loved seeing this. Hope you did OK in the second storm.

Susie said...

Pat, You take the best photos and give the history...you always make me wish I were there. xo, Susie

Unknown said...

How gorgeous Pat. I have never walked over that bridge. The colors are magnificent

Wishing you the best.

Karen

Chatty Crone said...

The trees that form the quilt work are gorgeous - it looks like there are some purple there - are there? sandie

Chatty Crone said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LV said...

Great outstanding photos of this gorgeous fall area. You did an excellent jbs on capturing so much beauty.

Nellie said...

What gorgeous colors! Your pictures are amazing! Continuing to send thoughts and prayers to all those affected by Sandy.

Sarah said...

Oh, the color! New England at its best. Thanks for sharing, Pat.........Sarah

My name is Riet said...

OH WOW Pat, what stunning photo's of that beautiful bridge and all around it. Those fall colored trees , indeed like patchwork made. I never saw the blue ones before between the red and yellows. Fabulous.What a wonderful day you must have had.
Have a good weekend Pat.

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Nature can be so beautiful and giving. The colors of autumn on the Hudson are breathtaking.

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful color. I can see that the views are wonderful as well...although I might be uncomfortable crossing that bridge.

Marie Arden said...

Just fabulous what colors and I can almost feel the crisp fall air. I hope everyone is recovering from Sandy. Prayers are with those you were caught in her path.

Anonymous said...

Wow. . .such gorgeousness as far as the eye can see!! I loved your photos and informative text, Pat!!!

Still keeping those who were so devastated by H. Sandy, and the recent storm, in my prayers. I pray those without heat get it fixed soon. I can't imagine the hardships they have been suffering.

Keep safe and have a good weekend.

L, Dana

Anonymous said...

Wow - these shots are SPECTACULAR!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

What gorgeous color your still have in New York! The views from the walkway are glorious.

Sonia said...

I have always wanted to visit the area in the fall! Your pictures remind me that I need to schedule a trip! Gorgeous colors and photographs!
Miss Bloomers

The Tablescaper said...

Such glorious views. It's one of my favorite parts of New York, so over looked.

So happy to have Seasonal Sundays up and running again - and to have you be a part of it!

- The Tablescaper

Marleen said...

Great series of photo's.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The Autumn colors are so dramatic this year and the bridge is amazing. I'm so glad you take lots of photos to share! I'm still praying for everyone in your part of the country! Hugs, Diane

Lorrie said...

Such stunning scenery to be seen from the bridge. The colours are amazing. And the setting of the Culinary Institute must contribute to better cooking, don't you think?
I've never been in your part of the country but you sure make me want to visit.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Gorgeous autumn colour to be seen from the bridge.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

The scenery and colors are just breathtakingly gorgeous! This is one of the prettiest shots of fall color I've seen this year!

Mary said...

Wow, gorgeous! I'm going to have to put that on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us, Pat! xoxo

Louis la Vache said...

Fantastic post!

«Louis» thanks you for your contribution to Sunday Bridges!

Marie said...

Quelle merveille ! Wonderful photos, thank you for sharing.

SmilingSally said...

You sure captured the beautiful fall trees, Pat. Thanks for sharing.

Happy Blue Monday.

Fashion Momma said...

Wonderful photos.

My Blues are here and here.

Maggie said...

Stunning shots of the trees and the Hudson River, just breathtaking. In 2006 the Quimper Intl Club meeting was held in White Plains, NY, and they arranged a dinner at the CIA in Hyde Park for our members, it was a memorable event. Thanks for reminding me of that wonderful visit.

Susan Anderson said...

Breathtaking views and color. Thanks so much for sharing these, Pat!

=)

genie said...

What a wonderful treat for the eyes. The trees are absolutely out of this world in their beauty. I just love the idea that the people of the region pulled together to turn the old railway bridge into a walking bridge across the Hudson. Gorgeous vistas...genie

genie said...

What a wonderful treat for the eyes. The trees are absolutely out of this world in their beauty. I just love the idea that the people of the region pulled together to turn the old railway bridge into a walking bridge across the Hudson. Gorgeous vistas...genie

sandy said...

These photos are amazing! I've not seen such beautiful Fall colors from such a panoramic view as this!
Have a great week!

Sandy ;)

GailO said...

You must have been there at the absolute peak of autumn color! Beautiful photos of a gorgeous place Pat!

Lisa @ Grandmas Briefs said...

So beautiful - the bridge, the water, the trees. And, as always, the history and details are so enjoyable and much appreciated.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Wow, that is one of the most remarkable things I've never heard about. I've always wanted to visit upstate NY and now I have a destination.

Truly spectacular bridge and scenery is wonderful.

Great post. One reason I love blogging is discoveries like this.

Joyful said...

FANTASTIC! I love Fall colours and they do not get any better than on the Eastern coast.

Fun60 said...

What spectacular photos. I would love to walk over that bridge especially in Autumn. Maybe one day.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Absolutely glorious looking scenes from your area. I have a friend who has a son that graduated from that Culinary Institute a few years ago. They had told us of how lovely it was up there, and it most certainly is. Happy Week~

Barb said...

I have a young friend who graduated from that Culinary Institute. It's hard to beat the colors of fall in the NE!

Janet said...

As beautiful as these colors are in pictures, I'm sure they are even more gorgeous in person!

Holly Myers said...

Wow! How could you not take many pictures. It's beautiful!

Gayle said...

Oh my...simply incredible!! (I'm visiting from Outdoor Wednesday)

Unknown said...

The colors are breathtaking! Nothing short of a painting:) Talking about being there at the right time!

Frostbite and Sunburn said...

Stunning shots and a beautiful location. I dread to think what that storm may have done along there. thanks for sharing.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

Pat - What spectacular scenery and fabulous photos. I'm putting this on my list of places to visit next fall when colors are at their peak.

carol l mckenna said...

Excellent photography of beautiful area and gorgeous river ~ Nature is such a gift ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Jeanne said...

Hi Pat we have been n every state in the US but I have never seen the Hudson river. Your photos and the history was so interesting to read. I would love to walk that bridge. The color is fabulous. What a lovely trip.

I hope your packing is coming along.

I feel so sorry for the people who have suffered so much because of sandy. It's not over yet. Andrew took over two years to get cleaned up in So. Florida. I am still praying.

Don't work too hard.
Love, Jeanne

Annesphamily said...

Such wonderful shots! Your photos are always so exquisite. The views are just gorgeous and I am so happy you we able to experience it all.