We'll start our adventure at Rossi's Deli in Poughkeepsie. If you haven't already packed a lunch for your hike you won't be disappointed with a sandwich at Rossi's
Why Rosticceria Rossi & Sons is the Most Raved About Deli in Poughkeepsie
Our hike starts a block down the street. You will have to navigate traffic coming from Route 9 as it turns into the Mid-Hudson Bridge. You will be welcomed by President and Mrs. Roosevelt as you make your way onto the bridge.
Wonderful views of the Poughkeepsie area await you as you traverse the bridge. The fog produced by the incoming warm front gave us surreal views in every direction. To the north you will see the second bridge of our hike, the old Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge.
You will enjoy the percussion beats of Joseph Bertolozzi's original compositions at each of the bridges two towers. At the listening kiosks you can pick and listen to your favorites. After shaking the bridge with your dance moves, you can continue to listen on 95.3 FM.
When you reach the end of the bridge bear right and you will see signs for Fannie Reese State Park. Your path will take you down a steep staircase and under the west bridge abutment. Under the bridge you can pick up a trail map of the park. Follow the yellow trail. After the flat bridge walk, the uphill walk will get your blood flowing.
You will pass a blue trail to a scenic lookout on the right. We'll stop here on our return. In a short distance you will see a white trail come in on your left. Continue past the white trail and the ruins of a large estate building. We'll return on this trail. Continue climbing until you see a second white trail on your left. Follow this uphill on what appears to be the remains of an old bridle path.
The white trail will eventually level out taking you on a pleasant wood walk through emerging small saplings. The trail eventually loops around and will bring you back to the estate ruins. Along the way you will notice many stone walls and occasional views of the river. Stop at the ruins, but heed the no admittance signs. Cedar Glens was built by a wealthy Dentist who developed an early anesthetic.
Return down hill to the bridge, but make sure to take the short detour to scenic viewpoint on the blue trail. The unusual view of both bridges is worth the small effort.
At the top of the staircase bear right onto Haviland Road. Remember the service of our Vietnam War dead at the Johnson-Iorio Memorial on the right. Follow the road up a mellow grade until you come to the entrance of the western access to the Walkway over the Hudson. A new visitor center with outdoor seating and bathrooms is a good place to rest and have a lunch. Early film footage of the bridge is played on a large screen giving you a glimpse of how things used to be. Occasionally vendors will be selling food or "Bridge Swag".
After a well earned break it's time to enjoy the amazing views from the Walkway over the Hudson. What began as a grassroots effort has turned into the most visited State Park in New York. Completed in January of 1889, the bridge was a major link for the New Haven Railroad. A suspicious fire ended it's use as a railroad bridge in 1974. Today thousands of people enjoy views of the Hudson Valley from its concrete walkway. Informative signs tell the story of the bridge and the local environment.
Look back at the Mid-Hudson Bridge and Fannie Reese Park, you've traveled over 5 miles. Occasionally the bridge elevator is in operation and is well worth taking a ride down to the waterfront.
Exit the walkway down a staircase taking you to Washington Street. Go left about a half block and then follow Verazzano Blvd. down hill into "Little Italy". Make a right on Mt. Carmel Place and stop at La Deliziosa Italian bakery. Indulge yourself in one of their pastries, you've earned it!
Return to your car by following Mill Street and then taking a right on Clove. You've hiked 6.24 miles, crossed two major bridges, explored 19th century ruins and gained 744 feet in elevation. Not bad for a "Urban Hike".
