I've done Cold Spring and Breakneck more times than I can count, so I'm trying to map out a less crowded car-free Saturday: Metro-North to Poughkeepsie, walk over the Walkway Over the Hudson, then do a loop through Frannie Reese State Park on the Highland side and maybe come back over the Mid-Hudson Bridge sidewalk for variety.

From what I can tell, the station to the Washington Street staircase up to the Walkway is about a mile, and once you cross, the Frannie Reese trailhead isn't far from the west approach. The park has a couple of marked loops, but the maps I've seen online are not great. I'm especially curious about: 1) whether the trail from the Walkway down to the river is obvious right now or still covered in leaves/mud; 2) if there's a safe pedestrian route from Frannie Reese over to the Mid-Hudson Bridge walkway without walking on Route 9W's shoulder; 3) where people stop for food on the Poughkeepsie side that isn't a full sit-down meal.

I'm comfortable with 8-10 miles, but a friend wants to tag along and she's more of a 5-6 mile person. Is there a shorter loop that still gets river views without doing the steepest section? The last time I was up there was before the new entrance work near the old railroad bridge, so I don't know what's changed. If anyone has done this recently, I'd appreciate current conditions. Also, does the Poughkeepsie station still have that weird long ramp to the platform, or did they open a stair/elevator on the north end?

Wait, this is doable without a car?? I've only ever driven up to Poughkeepsie once and it took forever. How long is the train ride from Grand Central? I'm a beginner hiker but can do 5 miles if it's not too steep. Following this thread because this sounds like a perfect Sunday.

Yep, it's doable, but know what you're getting into. The walk from Poughkeepsie station to the Walkway is not hard, just a little grimy under the overpass then a ramp. Once you're up, you're on the old rail bridge and the views are stupid good on a clear day. Frannie Reese has some steep, rocky spots, especially the section that drops down toward the river. After a rain it's slick. If your friend is a 5-6 mile person, stick to the upper loop and don't do the full shoreline scramble. The Mid-Hudson Bridge walkway is cool but the approach from the Highland side is a little weird; you have to cross a road near the bridge, not terrible but not signed great.

Thanks, Flatbush_F. That matches my memory of 9W being the weak link. To answer bronx_newbie: it's usually just under/around two hours from Grand Central on a Hudson Line local, and Poughkeepsie is the last stop so you can't miss it. The train is fine, but check the weekend schedule because some runs have a long dwell at Croton-Harmon and some skip it. The station ramp is still there I think, but there is an elevator; when it's out, it's a long walk up the ramp from the platform.

For the loop: if your friend wants shorter, I'd do station -> Washington St entrance -> Walkway -> west side upper loop in Frannie Reese -> back over the Walkway. That keeps you away from 9W entirely and you still get the bridge views twice. Save the Mid-Hudson Bridge for a second trip when everyone is up for a longer road walk.

Food: I rarely find anything fast on the Poughkeepsie waterfront. I usually bring a sandwich and eat at the little seating area on the west side near the old train station. Coffee near the station is hit or miss on weekends.

Okay cool, that shorter loop sounds exactly right for us. So when you come off the Walkway on the west side, is the Frannie Reese trailhead right there or do you have to walk down that road? Also, is there a bathroom anywhere? My friend will ask, ha.

There are porta-potties near the Walkway entrances sometimes, but don't count on it. The Frannie Reese trailhead is maybe a five minute walk from the west end of the bridge, past the little park area and the road. You'll see a gate and a kiosk. It's not hidden but it's easy to miss if you're staring at your phone. There's a deli over in Highland but it's a detour; by the time you get there you might as well be on the trail.

One more caveat: the west side of the Walkway can be windy even when Poughkeepsie feels calm. Last time I went in October I had a light jacket on the train and was freezing on the bridge. Bring a windbreaker and a hat if you're going this time of year. The trail itself is sheltered in parts, but the first open stretch after the kiosk gets muddy, not just wet — the kind that pulls your sneaker off if you're not laced tight.

Also, the last northbound train on Sunday is earlier than people think for a day trip. Not as early as some Hudson Line stops, but don't linger too long in Highland if you're doing the long loop. I usually aim to be back on the Poughkeepsie side by late afternoon, then I can kill time at a bench by the river if I'm early.

Just did the short loop yesterday and it was great! We got off the train around 10, walked up to the bridge, did the upper loop and crossed back. My friend only got nervous on one downhill part but it was fine. The leaves were wet and my sneakers were muddy but no falls. The train back was packed but we got seats. Thanks for the tip about the wind, it was definitely cold on the bridge.

Glad it worked out. That upper loop is the right call for a first trip. If you go back in spring, try the shoreline section when it's dried out; you get a totally different view looking up at the bridge.

Unrelated but since we're on the subject of old NYC building quirks, someone should pin that thread about the steam valve: Bedroom radiator is either off or full blast — is there a trick to the steam valve? Bedroom radiator is either off or full blast — is there a trick to the steam valve? I still think about it every time my radiator hisses. Anyway, back to weekend hikes.

Good report, bronx_newbie. The packed train is normal now, especially with leaf-peepers. One trick: if you're coming back on the Poughkeepsie side, wait at the south end of the platform near the elevator; it's usually less crowded than the stairs and you can get a seat before the mob from the ramp arrives. Not a guarantee, but I've done it enough times to notice a pattern.

For anyone reading later: don't attempt this loop in deep snow. The west side trails aren't maintained for winter hiking and the ramp down to the river can ice over. Late spring through late fall is the window. If you want another car-free option with a town to walk around afterward, Cold Spring is still the easiest, but this one is quieter and the bridge is the main event.