My next stop was the Walkway over the Hudson, a former railroad bridge now a pedestrian bridge across the Hudson River.

The bridge runs between Highland and Poughkeepsie. When built in 1889, it claimed to be the longest bridge in the world. It provided the furthest south crossing of the Hudson River for freight trains.

It served both passenger and freight trains, and even trolley cars until 1974 when a section of the ties burned. It remained abandoned until it was refurbished and reopened as the longest footbridge in the world in 2009.

This was another "must see" suggestion from my brother. I rather like high places. From the days I was in High School stringing lights for a prom by climbing around in the gymnasium trusses. I was on the roof of the original World Trade Center. On the 103rd floor of the Empire State Building. (Yes there is a 103rd floor, with an outdoor walkway around the mooring mast.)

I should clarify that at my age now, I like being at the top of high places, but much prefer when there is a mechanical means to get up there. This Walkway does not require any climbing, just walking, about a mile and a quarter across. There is an elevator down to the streets of Poughkeepsie, but I stayed on the bridge and walked back to my car in Highland, as dusk was approaching. I'll leave touring Poughkeepsie to another trip.