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.

Photo Source: Wikipedia

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.

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