New Bridge Path Over The Hudson: What You Need To Know
Whether your interest is hiking, biking, running or walking, you’ll want to experience New York State’s newest and longest 3.6 mile bridge path over the Hudson River.
Photo buffs won’t be disappointed either. The expansive views of the river and mountains along its banks on both sides of the bridge are breathtaking.
Located only 25 miles from New York City, the new path is likely to attract city denizens, residents of Westchester and Rockland Counties, and others living in the tri-state region. The new, close-to-home outdoor venue is perfect for those of us eager to ease out of our pandemic cocoons for a bit of exercise and fresh air. Motorists on the bridge from more remote areas will just gaze with envy.
“The new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bride is an iconic gateway to the Hudson Valley and a statewide landmark that celebrates the spirit of New York,” said current New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bridge path that took place on June 15, 2020, which would have been his father’s 88th birthday. (Mario M. Cuomo was a three-term governor of New York from 1983 to 1994.)
Features of the bridge path over the Hudson
The 12-foot-wide path on the westbound span of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge stretches from Tarrytown (Westchester County) to South Nyack (Rockland County).
It features six overlooks (belvederes) with themes related to the history and culture of New York State. With protection from the wind, these observation spots offer places to rest, sit and use Wi-Fi.
The surface of the path has an overlay that’s been painted bright blue, one chosen to be easier on the feet. The shared path for pedestrians and cyclists is separated from traffic by a concrete barrier.
Landings at both ends of the path, Westchester Landing and Rockland Landing, offer parking, restrooms, water fountains, bicycle repair stations and other amenities along with connections to other local bicycle and pedestrian paths.
Public art is on display on or near both of the landings. These include a 4,000-square-foot mural and sculptures incorporating remnant steel salvaged from the decommissioned Tappan Zee Bridge (that 65-year old bridge was demolished).
Developed in partnership with Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT) and TravelStorys with funding from the Thruway Authority, free audio tours are available for download for pedestrians and cyclists. The mobile tours include stories about the bridge construction and local history. Travelers will be able to safely access the stories hands-free on their mobile devices while walking or cycling the path.
Download the TravelStorys app from Google Play or the app store to listen to the self-guided path tours. After you complete the download, search using the bridge name. You should see both the self-guided biking and walking tours and you can download them to your phone to listen to on the path or off-site.
IF YOU GO
When is the bridge path across the Hudson open?
The path is open from 6am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
The path may be temporarily closed due to inclement weather, maintenance or security. Check for updates on the bridge’s new website, mariomcuomobridge.ny.gov or on Twitter @GMMCB.
How do I get to the bridge path?
The path can be accessed at Westchester Landing, 333 South Broadway in Tarrytown (Westchester County) or Rockland Landing, 1200 Route 9W in South Nyack (Rockland County).
Westchester Landing
Rockland Landing
Is parking available?
Parking is available on both ends of the path, at Westchester Landing (30 spots Monday to Friday, and 130 spots on weekends and weekdays after 4pm; 57 spots are available at Rockland Landing. There is a 4-hour time limit.
What about public transportation?
Westchester Landing is less than one mile from the Metro-North Tarrytown Station (on the Hudson Line), an estimated 18-minute walk.
Hudson Link, sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation, offers free shuttle service from large commuter parking lots in Rockland and Westchester to the path’s landings. Check the Hudson link website for hours, locations, a map and other details.
How much time does it take to cross the bridge path over the Hudson?
The walk over the length of the span is estimated to take 80 minutes each way; cyclists should plan on a 20-minutes in each direction.
Is it safe for pedestrians and cyclists to use the same path?
There is a 15-mph speed limit for all cyclists, who are cautioned to yield to pedestrians. While there is a concrete barrier between the shared path and the vehicles on the bridge, there is no divider between pedestrians and cyclists other than the painted lane markings. One first-person report complains that the shared path is tighter than it seems because it has walls on both sides.
Can I use an e-bike?
A new law in NYS permits the use of Class 1 and Class bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes) on the path for persons 16 years and older.
Is the bridge path safe?
State Police will patrol the path and a dedicated security team will actively monitor the entire bridge 24/7, 365 days a year. Blue light phones along the path are available if someone needs emergency assistance.
The NYS Thruway Authority notes that it is normal to feel some vibrations as you cross the bridge.
What about COVID-19 precautions?
All visitors are asked to wear face coverings and stay at least six feet away from other people. There are physical and digital sign reminders along the path.
How should I dress?
Wind, rain, sun and temperatures are more intense over the water so dress accordingly. Don’t forget to wear your mask!
Are food and beverages available?
As part of a pilot program, three food trucks—Anthi’s Greek Specialties, Westchester Burger Company and Graziella’s Italian Kitchen—will be at both the Westchester and Rockland Landings on a rotating basis from 11am to 8pm.
At Westchester Landing, Double-Barrel Roasters will be on-site for coffee service, specialty drinks and scooped ices from 8am to 9pm. Locally sourced ice cream from The Blue Pig will be available from 2pm to 9pm.
At the Rockland Landing, Teagevity will offer organic tea and cold-brewed coffee from 9am to dusk, Thursdays to Sundays.
Are restrooms available?
Restrooms can be found at the Welcome Centers at both landings (not on the span).
What other rules should I know about?
No pets, no fishing, no skateboards, no smoking and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the bridge.
All photos courtesy New York State Thruway Authority
See my article on the bridge opening on Forbes.com/
Save to Pinterest!
I recently heard something about this bridge path over the Hudson, so was pleased to read about it here in detail. Sounds like a good adventure for walkers.
There is another walk over the Hudson River that is farther north. The Walkway Over The Hudson (https://walkway.org/) goes between Poughkeepsie and Highland, New York. At 1.28 miles long, it is considered the world’s longest elevated pedestrian.
The path on the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is almost three times as long but is shared with motor vehicles.