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
For more content, click the "Explore this Tour Remotely" button below.
River Crossing
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You're approaching the River Crossing overlook, meaning you're approximately halfway to the other side of the bridge. If you'd like to dismount here, look for slots in the bench to park your bike.
People have been crossing the Hudson River for centuries, starting with Native Americans.
A regular ferry connection between Nyack and Tarrytown was established in eighteen thirty-four. During the next hundred years, while ferry service continued, plentiful road and rail connections to New York City helped Westchester County grow into a sizeable commuter suburb, while Rockland remained relatively isolated.
After the Second World War, increased automobile use led to a consensus that a new bridge was needed north of Manhattan. Opened in 1955, the Tappan Zee was the first permanent bridge in the U.S. to be supported in part by giant buoyant caissons. These eight airtight floating concrete boxes accommodated the rise and fall of the tide while providing stable foundational support. This innovative solution ultimately earned the Tappan Zee Bridge a place in the National Register of Historic Places.
But by two thousand-eleven, the Tappan Zee was nearing the end of its useful service life. Work began on its state-of-the-art successor in twenty-thirteen.
The canopies of this overlook were inspired by the lattice construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and the openings in the benches mimic the access openings used to install the thousands of rivets holding the lattice pieces together. These two structures "shake hands" near the midpoint of the river, celebrating the connectivity between the Nyacks and Tarrytown.
Rockland Outlook
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You are approaching the Rockland Landing of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge shared use path.
If you'd like to take a break before reaching the Landing, once you pass under the bridge, to your right you'll see a 14-foot steel fish leaping out of the Hudson.
Created by Brooklyn artist Wendy Klemperer, this sculpture celebrates the majestic Atlantic Sturgeon that is part of the region's history and lore as well as New York State's on-going population recovery efforts of this endangered species.
Take a moment to get the lay of the land and learn more about the Hudson River. Lean your bike on the posts designed by New York City artist David Greenberg.
If you'd rather keep going, access to the shared use path is just over a half a mile away. Follow the blue signs!
