Walkway Over the Hudson – Upper Landing Park loop from Poughkeepsie

If you're looking for a truly unique touring cycling experience with incredible views and a dose of history, the Walkway Over the Hudson – Upper Landing Park loop from Poughkeepsie is definitely worth your time. This difficult 51.3-mile (82.6 km) route, with 2741 feet (835 metres) of elevation gain, will take you about 5 hours and 13 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for cyclists who appreciate panoramic vistas and don't mind some challenging inclines mixed with long, flat stretches, making it one of the more rewarding Walkway Over the Hudson Poughkeepsie cycling routes.

What to expect on Walkway Over the Hudson – Upper Landing Park loop from Poughkeepsie

This route offers a journey through varied terrain and stunning scenery. You'll start with the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson itself, a flat, paved surface that provides an eagle's-eye view 212 feet above the Hudson River. From this vantage point, you'll take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Catskill Mountains to the north, and the Hudson Highlands to the south. While the bridge portion is easy, the broader loop includes sections like the Walkway Waterfront Trail with a steep on-road hill, contributing to the overall difficult rating and significant Walkway Over the Hudson cycling elevation gain. You'll also enjoy the generally flat and wide William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail on the east side and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the west, which winds through hardwood forests and over Black Creek, showcasing diverse Upper Landing Park scenic views and other Walkway Over the Hudson points of interest.

Planning your visit

The Walkway Over the Hudson and its connected trails are open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset, weather permitting. You'll find welcome centers with restrooms and seasonal vendors for food and drinks. For convenient access to the Walkway from the Poughkeepsie waterfront, a 21-story glass-enclosed elevator connects to Upper Landing Park. Parking is available in Poughkeepsie, but arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to secure a spot for your Walkway Over the Hudson Poughkeepsie parking for cyclists. The best time to cycle Walkway Over the Hudson is often during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage.

Trail details

• Distance: 51.3 miles (82.6 km)
• Elevation gain: 2741 feet (835 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 5 hours and 13 minutes