What does it take to build a bridge across the widest section of the magnificent Hudson River? More than two million pounds of all-American steel was used to build the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, along with enough concrete to build a sidewalk from New York to Key West, Florida. Hop on your bike and join us on a bike ride along the new shared path across the Hudson River.
Take in the views and learn about the rich history of the Hudson Valley. The path covers three-point-six miles and is the longest of its kind in the nation. Six scenic overlooks are situated along the way, each with a unique theme and design developed in concert with the community. Learn about the region's unique geology, explore the area's shipping and sailing heritage and discover the local connection to the arts. Along the pathway, there's public art to explore, spectacular views and kiosks with more information.
This tour is presented by the New York State Thruway Authority and Historic Hudson River Towns.
Sample Stories
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Rockland Landing
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Thank you for visiting the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. You are now approaching the path's Rockland Landing and the end of this biking tour.
Located less than a half a mile from downtown Nyack, the path's Rockland Landing features a Welcome Center, public art and an interactive kiosk to learn more about local attractions and restaurants. Restrooms are in the Welcome Center.
Need to refill your water bottle? Water fountains are outside the Welcome Center. Bike racks can also be found throughout the landing, including one designed by Brooklyn artist David Greenberg.
You've seen pieces of art at various points along and near the path. All were created by New York artists through a partnership between the New York State Thruway Authority, ArtsWestchester and the Arts Council of Rockland.
There's a great piece at this landing created by Brooklyn artist Fitzhugh Karol. The sculpture at this landing incorporates steel from both the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and its predecessor, the Tappan Zee. The piece--entitled "Approach"-- visually anchors the beginning of the path in Rockland County, evoking a sense of uplift, progress, and momentum.
We hope you enjoyed your experience. To find out more about the region please stop by the Welcome Center where you'll find an interactive kiosk to learn more about local restaurants and attractions.
For detailed information about the bridge and the path, please visit mariocuomobridge.ny.gov.
This tour was sponsored by the New York State Thruway Authority and Historic Hudson River Towns.
Painters Point
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You're approaching the Painters Point overlook, dedicated to the artists whose work celebrated the beauty of America's greatest resource: its wilderness.
In the 1820s, well before the advent of photography, a group of New York artists moved away from painting portraits, and instead chose to explore the Hudson River Valley as subject matter. Thomas Cole, a 24-year-old immigrant from England, pioneered this artistic movement as he journeyed along the Hudson and into the Catskill Mountains. Between 1825 and 1875, dozens of artists followed suit and began creating remarkable paintings of the Palisades, the Catskills, and the Hudson in all its moods, seasons and colors.
Critics derisively referred to this collective as the "Hudson River School" yet their dramatic landscapes began to attract attention and inspired American and European audiences to explore this area for themselves.
If you have time, park your bike and take a moment to linger at the overlook. Its bronze and wood canopy frames not only the river and Hook Mountain in the distance, but also those who choose to take the stage. The Hudson has inspired painters, poets, singers and other artists for hundreds of years. Let it be your muse, too, as you stand on the prow to take in or reflect the beauty that surrounds you.
