Hudson Valley Rail Trail and Walkway Over the Hudson

There are convenient parking areas available on both sides of the Hudson River. For the Highland side, you can find parking near the entrance to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail from Lloyd to the river. On the Poughkeepsie side, parking is available for the Walkway Over the Hudson, which connects directly to the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail.

Yes, both the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson are dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

The trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while autumn offers spectacular fall foliage. The Walkway Over the Hudson is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset and is regularly plowed in winter, making it a viable option even in colder months. For fewer crowds, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in the morning.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. It is a public pedestrian park designed for accessibility and enjoyment by all.

Both trails offer a smooth, flat, and paved surface, making them ideal for jogging. The Walkway Over the Hudson is entirely flat, and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail maintains a remarkably gentle grade throughout most of its length, with many sections having a 0% incline. This makes them suitable for all skill levels and also wheelchair accessible.

You'll experience diverse scenery. The Walkway Over the Hudson provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Hudson Highlands, and the distant Catskill Mountains. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail winds through lush hardwood forests, crosses Black Creek, passes under stone-arch bridges, and features historical elements like antique trailside cabooses and railroad memorabilia.

Yes, this route is a vital segment of the expansive 750-mile Empire State Trail. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail seamlessly connects with the Walkway Over the Hudson, which then links to the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail on the eastern bank of the river. It also covers 100% of the Hudson Valley Greenway Trail (Poughkeepsie to New Paltz).

Absolutely! The flat, paved surfaces and gentle grades of both the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson make them highly suitable for beginners, families with children, and people of all ages and abilities. It's a very accessible and enjoyable experience.

Yes, both trails offer practical amenities for visitors. You'll find restrooms and picnic areas conveniently located along the route, particularly at spots like Tony Williams Park on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and at access points for the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Both trails follow the paths of former railroad lines, offering a tangible connection to the region's rich industrial heritage. The Walkway Over the Hudson, originally known as the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, was an engineering marvel upon its completion in 1888 and is now the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge.

Yes, you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the towns of Highland and Poughkeepsie, which are easily accessible from the trailheads. Many establishments are just a short walk or drive away, perfect for refueling after your jog.