Walkway Over Hudson Washington Street Stairs, Poughkeepsie

About Walkway Over Hudson Washington Street Stairs

Walkway Over Hudson Washington Street Stairs in Poughkeepsie connects visitors to the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland. Visitors walk, run, bike, or skate across 1.28 miles of smooth concrete surface lined with chest-high safety railings, standing 212 feet above the water. The bridge offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the Hudson River and surrounding Hudson Valley scenery. Originally opened as a railroad bridge in 1889, it operated as a rail line until a fire in 1974 ended service. A grassroots community campaign led to its reopening as a pedestrian park in 2009. An elevator assists those with mobility challenges, and trained Walkway Ambassadors lead guided group tours sharing the bridge's construction history and Hudson River ecology. The attraction suits walkers, cyclists, runners, and families seeking scenic outdoor recreation in Poughkeepsie, New York.