Walkway over the Hudson

One of the reasons I love writing this blog is that it gives me just another reason to explore the Hudson Valley. As a newcomer to the area, I love discovering the treasures that the area has to offer...

(c) Hudson Valley Green 

Yesterday, as a pre-birthday celebration, Mr. HVG and I visited the Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park. As the world's longest pedestrian bridge, the Walkway is an old rail bridge converted to a developed trail that rises 212 feet above the Hudson River. Originally constructed in 1888, the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge served as a main connection for freight trains over the Hudson River. The rail bridge experienced a devastating fire in 1974 which ended its service. In 2009, the Walkway over the Hudson opened to the public.

Measuring in at 1.28 miles, the bridge connects Poughkeepsie to Highland and offers amazing views of the Hudson River, surrounding highlands, and the Mid-Hudson Bridge. As we walked over the Hudson, I thought "wow, this would be a great place to take some wedding photos.".

(c) Hudson Valley Green

If you are looking for a unique and beautiful location for wedding photos, this is a place for you to check out. A few things to take note of.....

• The Poughkeepsie approach to the river is a bit of a walk. The Highland approach is shorter and is more conducive for getting family members and the bridal party out to prime photo-taking locations on the bridge. 
• Although the bridge is paved, I would suggest wearing flip flops or the equivalent to save your tootsies from unwanted pain....unless your bridal shoes and your bridal parties shoes are birkenstocks, then no shoe wardrobe change necessary. 
• While many wedding photo locations charge a substantial fee, the Walkway over the Hudson charges only a $5 parking fee. Not too shabby.
• Conditions can be a bit windy so your hairstyle and veil might get that wind-blown look, whether you like it or not. 

(c) Hudson Valley Green

Even if you are not looking for a location for wedding photos, the Walkway definitely deserves a visit. Beginning on May 20th, the Poughkeepsie Farmers Market will relocate to the Walkway. I have a thing for farmers markets, so you can be sure that I'll be there this spring to check it out!

Happy Planning,

Lizzie