Walkway Over the Hudson
Cross a former rail bridge for an unusually high, uninterrupted river panorama.
Artwork inspired by Jervis McEntee
Walkway Over the Hudson gives the old Poughkeepsie–Highland Railroad Bridge a second life as a public pedestrian and cycling route. The deck runs about 1.28 miles, 212 feet above the river, with broad views of the Hudson corridor and nearby bridges. Signs explain its railroad years and reuse; expect an exposed crossing.
Enter from Highland's welcome-center side or Poughkeepsie's Parker Avenue gate; the bridge itself has no midspan exit. It usually opens at 7 a.m. and closes near sunset, with weather-related closures possible. Walking is free, but the east-side state lot charges for parking. The waterfront elevator operates seasonally and can close in wind or storms, so do not depend on it without checking status.
- Bridge
- 1.28 miles
- Height
- 212 feet over river
- Entry
- Free
Quick guide
- Choose a bank
- Highland and Poughkeepsie have different parking and transit options.
- Plan the return
- An out-and-back crossing doubles the bridge distance.
Know before you go
- Read the railway story
- The bridge predates its park conversion by more than a century.
- Cross the center span
- Views widen directly over the river.
- Consider a loop
- Nearby paths can turn a crossing into a longer outing.
- Check wind
- Weather and elevator status affect the day.
Good to know
The map place page is the bridge; the displayed address is the west-side visitor access.
Notice these
- Hudson panorama
- railway trusses
- two-bank access