As Dutchess residents my family was really excited to make the trip on the Dutchess County Rail Trail from Hopewell Junction to the Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. The trek is 13 miles and by bike it’s a breeze. Our family is fairly active, we walk, jog and cycle, so a two-hour trip was not daunting. Before we left the trailhead we visited the small museum inside the renovated Hopewell depot train station. The museum features many old photos and information on the area and for local history buffs it is a must-see.
It was a cool spring day and the trail was busy with joggers, strollers and cyclists. The trail is also a good place for skateboards and roller blades. The trail is beautifully appointed with a wide path for wheeled vehicles plus a joint-saving sand and gravel track for runners and pets. Because I like to keep track of my progress, I was glad that there were mile markers placed at intervals along the trail. There are also plenty of benches for just sitting and enjoying nature. The Hopewell end of the trail traverses a lot of wooded areas and wetlands.
Our 13- and 15-year-old usually sped on ahead and waited for us at one of the numerous rest stops to catch up. One of the nicest features of the trail is that the designers built bridges over the busy roadways that the trail intersects. We often paused on the bridges just to watch the traffic zip below us. For those going at a more leisurely pace, the trail does pass by some restaurants, pizza shops and delis for a little added incentive to get to the next break in the trail. There are also two wonderful restaurants at each end of the trail, Daddy O’s in Hopewell Junction and Lola’s at the Poughkeepsie end.
A Bridge (Not) Too Far
For the last several years my family has been very excited at the prospect that the rail trail and the walkway would be joined. Last year this became a reality, when the two were finally connected.
On the day of our trip we had arranged to meet another family and their kids at the walkway. We also had the foresight to drive one vehicle to the walkway parking lot ahead of time to avoid the two-hour bike ride back to Hopewell. This would allow us to stay at the walkway longer for a nice leisurely visit with our friends.
When we arrived at the walkway we were greeted by a throng of people and music blasting over a portable sound system. We happened to have arrived during an event to raise AIDS awareness. As a premiere public venue, the walkway is used for many events and as a frequent visitor I find that there is usually a festive atmosphere on the walkway. It’s a gathering place for families, casual strollers and folks seeking to go on extended bike hikes with minimal exposure to traffic and the added bonus of incredible scenic views.
From the small concession stands at each end of the walkway bridge to the informative signs placed on the bridge describing local flora and fauna, the Walkway Over the Hudson offers numerous distractions for the casual stroller. Our friends are new to the Hudson Valley and they were interested to learn of the walkway’s previous use as a railroad bridge. Today the walkway holds the record of being the longest footbridge in the world. The span offers some incredible views of the river and the city of Poughkeepsie. Of course, the views can change in spectacular ways depending on the time of day and the season. The spring, summer and fall are obviously the best seasons to go for a jaunt and the walkway and the rail trail are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset.
R.G. Berry is a frequent contributor to Westchester Family.
When You Go…
William R. Steinhaus Dutchess County Rail Trail
Admission: Free
Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset
See website for parking information and access locations: traillink.com/trail/william-r-steinhaus-dutchess-county-rail-trail.aspx
Walkway Over the Hudson
87 Haviland Road (West Entrance/Park Office)
Highland, N.Y.
845-834-2867
nysparks.com/parks/178
Admission: Free
Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset
