Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, a pedestrian thoroughfare that stretches 212 feet above the Hudson River, invites biking, strolling, walking, and horizon gazing.

The site was created from the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, an engineering marvel that, when it opened in 1888, was the longest railroad bridge in the world. The structure was severely damaged by a fire in 1974 and fell into disuse. Thanks to the efforts of the Walkway Over the Hudson nonprofit organization, the bridge reopened in 2009 and returned to the record books as the world’s longest elevated pedestrian park.

Start your hike on the Highland side and cross the walkway heading east, or on the Poughkeepsie side and head west. As you walk across, you will experience picturesque views of a river that played a central role in the westward expansion and economic development of the United States. The walkway features signs along the way detailing the site’s history, as well as information about the Hudson itself. The walkway is also suitable for bikes and strollers.

If you continue heading west from the Highland side, the walkway can be part of a longer hike along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. On the eastern side, it connects to the Dutchess Rail Trail. Another option is to integrate the walkway into a roughly 3.5-mile loop that, from the Poughkeepsie side, leads from Parker Avenue to Verrazano Boulevard and continues west along Rinaldi Boulevard and Gerald Drive to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge. After crossing that bridge, follow Haviland Road back up to the western, or Highland, side of the walkway. Remember: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.

Several paths for biking and hiking are near the walkway. Visit walkway.org for details.

Restaurants and shops are in the city of Poughkeepsie and the town of Lloyd.