Walkway Over The Hudson – Poughkeepsie, NY
November 3, 2009
November 3, 2009
| Walkway Over The Hudson www.walkway.org Poughkeepsie New York |
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Hudson Valley Food Blog
Last month the Walkway Over the Hudson officially opened as a New York State
Historic Park. The walkway which spans across the Hudson River from
Poughkeepsie on the east to Highlands on the western shore started as an idea back
in 1992. Throughout those 17 years many doubted the necessity of such a project.
On Sunday I made my first visit to the Walkway and based on the crowd it’s hard to
imagine that anyone ever questioned the concept.
The project consisted of converting the 121 year old railway bridge into pedestrian
walkway. Back in 1888 when the bridge first opened it was the longest bridge in
the world. The railway bridge has been out of commission since a fire in 1974
severely damaged the tracks. Today it’s now the longest elevated pedestrian
walkway in the world. The world status isn’t really what matters, the view of the
Hudson River is what attracted my wife and I, plus all the other people on this
Sunday afternoon.
Historic Park. The walkway which spans across the Hudson River from
Poughkeepsie on the east to Highlands on the western shore started as an idea back
in 1992. Throughout those 17 years many doubted the necessity of such a project.
On Sunday I made my first visit to the Walkway and based on the crowd it’s hard to
imagine that anyone ever questioned the concept.
The project consisted of converting the 121 year old railway bridge into pedestrian
walkway. Back in 1888 when the bridge first opened it was the longest bridge in
the world. The railway bridge has been out of commission since a fire in 1974
severely damaged the tracks. Today it’s now the longest elevated pedestrian
walkway in the world. The world status isn’t really what matters, the view of the
Hudson River is what attracted my wife and I, plus all the other people on this
Sunday afternoon.
The walkway starts out with a tree covered path bathed in the light shining through yellow and red leaves. As you enter the first elevated portion
the path ascends over the neighborhoods of Poughkeepsie. From this vantage point I noticed for the first time the many church steeples that dot the
small city skyline. The walkway itself is about 10-15 feet wide. Right away the views of the Hudson are breathtaking. The Hudson Highlands are
visible to the far south and looking up towards the north you can see the river as it begins to narrow. The view is a one of a kind. Unlike other
bridges over the Hudson this walkway has no car traffic. You are left with a peaceful place to take in the view without the noise and smell of car
exhaust. On the Highlands side the walkway connects to the rail trail system creating a great bike route.
the path ascends over the neighborhoods of Poughkeepsie. From this vantage point I noticed for the first time the many church steeples that dot the
small city skyline. The walkway itself is about 10-15 feet wide. Right away the views of the Hudson are breathtaking. The Hudson Highlands are
visible to the far south and looking up towards the north you can see the river as it begins to narrow. The view is a one of a kind. Unlike other
bridges over the Hudson this walkway has no car traffic. You are left with a peaceful place to take in the view without the noise and smell of car
exhaust. On the Highlands side the walkway connects to the rail trail system creating a great bike route.
Another impact of the Walkway the I’m sure we’ll see in the short term in economic development. The main parking lot, which is free was packed.
However we were able to get a spot as people were coming and going. However adjacent private lots were already charging $5 to park. With all
these people I’m sure we’ll see some restaurants pop up as well. It looked to me that two were already under construction right beneath us as we
made our way over the streets below.
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a valued asset to the area and I think really allows us to appreciate the natural beauty of the area that can be
taken for granted all too easily. If you haven’t checked it out yet I encourage you to do so before the winter arrives.
However we were able to get a spot as people were coming and going. However adjacent private lots were already charging $5 to park. With all
these people I’m sure we’ll see some restaurants pop up as well. It looked to me that two were already under construction right beneath us as we
made our way over the streets below.
The Walkway Over the Hudson is a valued asset to the area and I think really allows us to appreciate the natural beauty of the area that can be
taken for granted all too easily. If you haven’t checked it out yet I encourage you to do so before the winter arrives.
