Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

In October 2009, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park opened as a legacy project of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial. The park provides access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The bridge deck stands 212 feet above the river's surface and is 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long, making it the longest, elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. 

The Poughkeepsie-Highland  Railroad Bridge was built in the late 19th century to link New York and New England to an extensive, nationwide railway network.  For decades, it was a major rail corridor for both freight and passengers.

After a fire in 1974, the bridge was abandoned and sat for decades as an orphaned relic.  The 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.  The amazing result of this partnership is Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, one of the Hudson Valley's top attractions.  

New! Ride the glass elevator up to the park or down to the Poughkeepsie waterfront. Along the way, be treated to great views of the surrounding scenery and the structure of the bridge. The elevator is located at Upper Landing Park, a short walk from the Poughkeepsie Train Station. Call (845) 834-3641 to check the operating schedule of the elevator. The address for Upper Landing Park is 83 N. Water Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. Although there is no vehicular parking at Upper Landing, parking can be found in the surrounding area. Visit http://upperlanding.org/parking/ for details.

Please Note: The Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park waterfront elevator undergoes regularly scheduled maintenance and may be taken out of service periodically. The Walkway itself remains open during any elevator scheduled maintenance. Although leashed pets are allowed on the Walkway, only service animals are permitted on the elevator. Bicycles can be brought on the elevator.

The park offers interpretive signs and a Talkway Over the Walkway cell phone tour. There is also an audio tour available online in English, Spanish and Mandarin at https://walkway.org/walkway-audio-tours.

Elevate your expectations! The Walkway Marathon Race Series returns for its second year on Sunday, June 12th. Join 3,500 runners in the 5K, half- or full-marathon, all while marveling at the beauty of the Walkway and the Hudson Valley. Space is limited, so register today at www.walkwaymarathon.org.  

Reminders:

• Check the Hours of Operation tab to find opening and closing times.
  
• The Golden Park Pass does not apply at this park.

There are access points to the park on both sides of the Hudson River: 

East side of the River (Dutchess County) 61 Parker Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Directions:
By train: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is located just 4 blocks north of the Metro North and Amtrak station in Poughkeepsie. If the elevator is open, exit the station via the Water Street exit and walk north for five minutes to Upper Landing Park, on the left. Otherwise, take a 15-minute walk to Washington Street to climb the staircase up to the bridge.

By car: take Route 9 to Route 9G north (Marist Drive). Bear right onto Washington Street. Proceed on Washington Street for 0.5 miles. Turn left on Route 9G/Parker Avenue. Walkway's parking lot is on the left side.

West side of the River (Ulster County) 87 Haviland Rd. Highland, NY 12528

Directions:
Located just north of the Mid-Hudson Bridge Take Route 9W to Haviland Road. Accessible parking (permit only) is provided in a small parking lot (on left, approx. 0.5 miles). All other parking is along the north side of Haviland Road.

Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near this historic park!

• Dutchess County Rail Trail-continuing on from the Walkway and through the parking lot, it is located on the east side of the Hudson River
• Hudson Valley Rail Trail-continuing on from the Walkway and past the Park Office, it is located on the west side of the Hudson River
• Mid-Hudson Children's Museum-located in Poughkeepsie, the museum boasts hands-on exhibits and interesting programs for the whole family. The museum is located at 75 N. Water Street in Poughkeepsie, next to Upper Landing Park and the Walkway elevator. 

Household pets only on the Walkway; must be on a leash not more than 6 feet long. Only service animals are permitted on the elevator.