Several years ago, the amazing Walkway Over the Hudson was unveiled and since then it has become a wonderful local resource as well as a significant tourist destination. The Walkway is the tallest and longest pedestrian bridge in the world and it's well worth a visit whenever you find yourself in the area. It was not until this fall, however, that the two preexisting rail trails on either side of the river were completely and permanently linked together to form a full 18-mile linear park that connects Dutchess and Ulster Counties.
I decided to mark this auspicious occasion with an end-to-end ride with a short break in the middle to enjoy some hot coffee and a seasonal treat. The Dutchess Rail Trail begins at the old Hopewell Junction train station so this is where I began my east-west journey after dropping my daughter off at a local high school to take her SAT II exams. The air was crisp and the skies were blue with a few colorful leaves still hanging onto the trees along the way.
The completion of this linear park required a few bridges and the purchase of a few miles of land from CSX. The next stage planned to enhance the bicycle infrastructure in the area involves building a massive elevator to connect the Walkway with the Metro North train station in Poughkeepsie 220 feet below. After crossing the Walkway, I found a nearby Dunkin Donuts and after enjoying a coffee and a pumpkin donut, I rejoined the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and rode the 10 miles to the trail's end in Highland. Rejoining local roads, I was home in no time.
Location: Highland, NY
Venue: Dunkin' Donuts
Coffee: Regular
Carbs: Pumpkin donut
Mileage: 30
Stunning, beautiful photos! The hudson valley has come a long way since I grew up there! I can't wait to get down there to ride...
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hard not to take a good picture on a day like today. There are some great things happening around here. The Walkway is one of them. It's been an amazing engine of positive change to watch. When that elevator goes in, folks will be able to come up to ride directly from NYC by train and will run into zero sketchy riding to do it. As you know, once you're at the Walkway, the whole Hudson Valley and Catskills region is right there. Come on down for a ride any time.
DeleteWonderful! I must get up to speed with Coffeeneuring. Many great opportunities seem to come from this.
ReplyDeleteThat ride looks wonderful and car free. Completely peaceful. Makes me want to visit someday
ReplyDelete@Swarm_Catcher - yes, you should and @Georgie - you really must. Thanks for commenting
ReplyDelete