(Below is a re-post, originally published here on  November 17th 2013 only to be lost in cyberspace 2 months later.) 

Recently, a friend and I walked across the 1.28-mile (2.06 km) Poughkeepsie (NY) Bridge; built in 1889 as the first railroad crossing over the Hudson River south of Albany. A magnificent and immensely important structure for its time, its use was abandoned almost 40 years ago. Through “adaptive re-use” it was re-opened to the public in 2009 as a historic state park, now attracting 750,000 visitors a year.

As seen in this Google view, the “Walkway on the Hudson State Historic Park,” is a mile or so north of the “Mid-Hudson” automobile suspension bridge, connecting the town of Highlands with the city of Poughkeepsie since 1930.

The bridge is about 65 miles north of New York City. (Map from Wikipedia)

Railroad tracks have been replaced by a wide, pleasant pedestrian walkway, accommodating people, children, babies, cats, dogs, bikes …….

Built and re-strengthened as the weight of the freight trains increased, the structure is another testament to 18th century engineering. However… underneath, it certainly shows it’s legacy.

The scenery from its deck is awesome, especially in the fall.

The view to the North

As seen from the eastern end, the spectacular Hudson is winding north, with the Catskill Mountains in the distance.

Historic plaques, information boards, and even smart-phone connectivity to points of interest via apps, are available across the span.

Please click or finger stretch the images for full resolution, and comments are always welcomed. Thanks

Original Comments:

From Maggie: “Lovely photos that make me want to plan a weekend jaunt. I think this would be just as perfect as the trees peek spring green, not just peak in the fall. You captured the autumns colors at their apex.”

M: “Thanks Maggie. We hit it right as besides the folliage, it was just a nice day. Wind and cold can be brutal up there. M”

From Sherri: “Wow, amazing views M! Beautiful autumn colours but so high up, I think I would not like that part as I don’t like heights one bit! Very interesting post about this longest footbridge in the world!

I know this is so late but I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award, here is the link: http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/2013/11/13/first-frost-melts-in-the-heat-of-dragons-loyalty-award/

I haven’t been on my laptop for a few days so it’s taken me a while to get round to everyone, sorry about that! Don’t worry if you ‘do’ awards but I just wanted to thank you for being so supportive of my blog and reading my posts. It means a great deal to me.

Have a great day :-)”

M: “Thanks for the comment Sherri, and also for the nomination. By choice I don’t follow thru with the process, but that doesn’t diminish my sincere appreciation. Your writing is an inspiration, not only for its quality, but content. It’s a pleasure to follow your passion. ”

Sherri: “Ahh, many thanks M, that’s so kind. I knew you didn’t do awards, it’s fine, but I couldn’t not nominate you as I do so much enjoy reading your blog too :-)”