hamilton fish bridge

This bridge is one of many across the beautiful Hudson River. This is a popular crossing, being one of the main routes across. One should expect there to be traffic on this bridge, heavy during peak hours.

It is a nice walk across the bridge. Some scenic pictures can be taken. Right now they are replacing the roadbed on the bridge, so if you like to see what bridge construction looks like, it is here in spades....Ron

Travel with caution, bridge getting a new surface.Under repair right now for about 2 years. Slow going. Disliked the holdups, but can not avoid.

First off, locals refer to this as the "Newburgh-Beacon Bridge"! Nobody I know, including the New York State Bridge Authority and Department of Transportation, calls it the "Hamilton Fish Bridge". If you are from out of town and ask, "how do I get to the Hamilton Fish Bridge?” more likely than not that person will have no idea what you are talking about. Okay, now that we are past that.....Pro: - The bridge spans over one of the most scenic parts of the Hudson River. In my opinion it is a BETTER view than "Walkway Over the Hudson" in Poughkeepsie. You can view a glimpse of West Point Military Academy at the southern most part. The sight of the river gently fading in between the majestic mountains is inspiring. If you look south towards the center left, you can see Pollepel Island (also known as Bannerman's Island) and the ruins of Bannerman's Castle on it. To your left (or if you are walking east) you will see the spires and steeples of the City of Beacon. Along the shore you will see the Metro North Beacon Station and the MTA/AMTRACK Hudson line tracks. If you look right (or walk west), then you will see the City of Newburgh. Along the shore you can see a mixture of high income condos and the remnants of heavy industry and ports. You will also notice the CSX freight tracks. If you decide to walk round trip along the entire span, I guarantee that you will see trains and vessels travelling north and south along the Hudson (unless the river is frozen over, of course....and even then you might see a Coast Guard cutter!). It is not uncommon to see both military and civilian aircraft making their approach to Stewart Airport and you will get more than your share of automobile blasting by. If you decide to travel weekdays during the day, you might spy the Newburgh-Beacon ferry.- The walk, itself, is long, but it's straight, flat, and even. I find duration is my only obstacle. - Plenty of attention is paid to the maintenance of the walkway and bridge. I've never felt unsafe on it.- Wind: The Hudson River valley is a huge wind tunnel that keeps your body temperature down and feels great on a hot day.- Price: Free to walkers, runners, joggers, and bicyclists!Con: - Visibility limited: The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge is actually two bridges (twin bridges). . You only have a 180 degree visibility. The northern (westbound bridge) completely blocks the view north from the walkway of the eastbound span. This contrast drastically from the "Walkway Over the Hudson" which enjoys a 360 degree view. - Noise: Bring your mp3 player and headphones! Constant traffic and construction are so loud that you might have to turn the volume up higher than usual.- No food.- No Bathrooms.- Parking out of the way.- Shakiness: When heavy traffic or a tractor trailer blasts by, you can feel the walkway shake or slightly rise then fall.- Wind: What helps you in the summer can be defeating in the winter.- Price: If you are driving, there is a one-way toll of $1.50 for noncommuters.I highly recommend to anybody visiting or living in the Hudson Valley to take a walk over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge at least once. Be sure to go on a comfortable, clear, and sunny day and bring your camera and/or smart phone!

3 miles roundtrip, and it's a big hill. Lot's of wind the whole way, but beautiful views. Noisy, though!

Picturesque views while walking, running or riding a bike. It is very soothing to be near the water. Walkway shakes a little during high traffic. No dogs allowed.

Yes there is a walkway with nice views, however, you're better off driving up to The Walkway Over the Hudson where it's closed to traffic and has beautiful views and it is quiet.

roadways being paved...thank goodness...up here potholes are a plenty. What a view!! also has a walkway if you dare..

Nice bridge with even nicer views of the Hudson River. Whether on the Newburgh (Orange County) or Beacon (Dutchess County), nice walkway to travel between the two counties. Usually never crowded and at $1.50, its the cheapest way to cross the Hudson........

I cross this bridge pretty often. Although, I don't believe it's called the Hamilton Fish Bridge--it's the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge; Hamilton Fish was the engineer. It offers a pretty nice view of Storm King, Pollepel Island (where Bannerman's Castle is), and Breakneck Ridge to the south (but not much to the north). Worth a traverse.

Tolls are the lowest north of NYC when compared to the outrageous tolls of the Tappan Zee and George Washington bridges and other tunnels closer to NYC. Traveling from northern NY State or OHIO and PA this bridge costs $1.25. Because this is a heavily traveled bridge accidents do happen. Checking traffic reports within an hour of approaching the bridge can help with making alternative plans. Alternative Hudson River crossing include the Bear Mt Bridge to the south and the Mid-Hudson bridge to the north; both costing the same $1.25. Snow is a particular problem. In the past couple of years the approach road, I84, was not well plowed in a timely manner and traffic became trapped for hours.

parking and walkway at both ends. great views of hudson valley and catskill mountains. stay away at rush hour <grin!>

I'll always have negative feelings about this bridge since my childhood home was demolished in the early '60's because it was in the way of the highway (Rt. 84) approaching the site of the yet-to-be-built bridge. But beyond that, it's just a better and quicker way of crossing the river than by ferry, which is the way we did it when I was young.

The bridge is just that a bridge. There is absolutely nothing special about it other that the fact that it needs alot of work just like all the other NY bridges.

well maintained with a nice walkway and a parking area there are great views of the Hudson.