VOLKSSPORT CLUB AT WEST POINT (AVA 0505) 2015 CLUB INFORMATION

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1 President Position Vice President Treasurer Secretary Newsletter Editor Web Site Developer 2015 Club Officers Incumbent Nancy Patrick Joan Kimmel Andrew Schmidt Betty Green Betty Green Mike Green Membership Information Membership support permits the club to provide quality events. Membership is $10 annually for family or single memberships. Membership supports the club to provide the walks, traditional events, website, and ongoing information about club activities. To join, contact us at: or by US Mail at P.O. Box 30, West Point, NY Jan 2015 VOLKSSPORT CLUB AT WEST POINT (AVA 0505) 2015 CLUB INFORMATION Volkssport Club at West Point P O Box 30 West Point, New York Hosting twelve Year Round or Seasonal non-competitive walking events. All walkers are welcome to join and/or participate (no military affiliation required)! vcwpava@gmail.com Visit us on Facebook!

2 Table of Contents Information concerning Volkssporting and our walks 3-4 Walks The Beacon Walk 5 The Central Valley Walk 6 The Cold Spring Walk 7 The Cornwall Walk 8 The Fort Montgomery Seasonal Walk 9 The Highland Falls Walk 10 The Highland (Walkway Over the Hudson) Walk 11 The Hyde Park Walk 12 The New Paltz Walk 13 The Nyack Walk 14 The Rhinebeck Walk 15 The West Point Walk Incentive Reward Book The Volkssport Club at West Point (VCWP) has AVA approval for an incentive (reward) book program. Completion of the reward book will earn a reward. Reward books are free. Completion of the book encourages VCWP members to support the local Year Round Event (YRE) and Seasonal Event (SE) walks. You do not have to be a VCWP member to complete the program. Eligibility: Complete all 12 VCWP - YRE / SE walks. Only one stamp per YRE / SE will be accepted. Imprint event stamp on numbered lines and hand write the name and date of the walk on the location line. Any walks completed in 2015 before the book was available may be hand-written. Stamped entries preferred. Books will be available at most club meetings. If you would like the book before the meeting you can send a SASE (envelope at least X 5.5 ) to: Betty Green 22 Dogwood Drive Central Valley, NY or 2) Print out the PDF located at _2sided.pdf, Print two sided or tape together and cut in half. (Will make two books.) To receive the 2015 award, submit completed book with all 12 events noted or stamped no later than Jan 31, 2016 to Betty at the address above

3 AVA Year Round Events Vs. Special Programs Beacon Animal Safari, Bakeries, Boardwalks, Celebrating Golden Cinemas, Diners, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Trekking with Trees, Works Project Admin., You'll Never Walk Alone Central Valley Bakeries, Diners, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, You'll Never Walk Alone Cold Spring Bakeries, Boardwalks, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, National Register Historic Places, Trekking with Trees, You'll Never Walk Alone Cornwall Celebrating Golden Cinemas, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, National Register Historic Places, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, You'll Never Walk Alone Fort Montgomery Amphitheaters, Animal Safari, Honoring Our Flag, Lakes and Reservoirs, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, Works Project Admin., You'll Never Walk Alone Highland Falls Amphitheaters, Animal Safari, Cities In Song, Diners, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, Water Towers, You'll Never Walk Alone Hyde Park Amphitheaters, Bakeries, Celebrating Golden Cinemas, Diners, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, Works Project Admin., Water Towers, You'll Never Walk Alone Highland WOTH Alternative Capitals, Celebrating Golden Cinemas, Cities In Song, Diners, Fraternal Organizations, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Works Project Admin., You'll Never Walk Alone Nyack Bakeries, Cities In Song, Fraternal Organizations, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Trekking with Trees, You'll Never Walk Alone New Paltz Bakeries, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Main Street, National Register Historic Places, Trekking with Trees, You'll Never Walk Alone Rhinebeck Bakeries, Celebrating Golden Cinemas, Diners, Fraternal Organizations, Food for Thought, Honoring Our Flag, Murals, National Register Historic Places, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, Works Project Admin., You'll Never Walk Alone West Point Amphitheaters, Animal Safari, Cities In Song, Honoring Our Flag, Lakes and Reservoirs, Main Street, National Register Historic Places, Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Trekking with Trees, Water Towers, You'll Never Walk Alone WELCOME: These events are open to everyone (you do not need to be associated with the military or West Point). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. WHAT IS THE AMERICAN VOLKSSPORT ASSOCIATION (AVA)? The AVA ( is dedicated to promoting the benefits of health and physical fitness by sponsoring through its affiliate clubs, non-competitive sports events in safe, stress-free environments. The AVA is a non-profit, tax-exempt (as is our club), national organization and is a member of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV). Visit SANCTIONING: The AVA sanctions these events. The events count toward IVV achievement awards. DISTANCE CREDIT FOR SAME EVENTS: Many of our events have two routes with both a long (10K+) or short (5K+) distance. Though you have a choice of either distance per event, only one event credit per day is allowed regardless of which route(s) you do. Thus, if you choose to do both routes, for that day you receive distance credit for both, but only one event credit. Additional information on events and stamping can be found in the AVA Policy manual online at PROCEDURE: Each participant must receive a start/event card and sign a waiver at the start. The event card must be turned in at the finish, whether or not you complete the walk or receive credit for the event. If no one from the Club is at the finish point, please mail the start card, with any money owed, to the Volkssport Club at West Point (address below). Please identify which Year Round Event that you walked if it is not already on the start card. FEES AND AWARDS: Registration for the IVV/AVA event stamp is $3.00 for each event and gives the participant credit in event and distance IVV/AVA books. The stamp for each year-round or seasonal event may be entered in the event book and in the distance book. If you are not walking for credit and are choosing to walk for free, donations are appreciated. NO money should be left in the boxes at the start/finish points! Mail all monies for walks, cards, patches, donations, or supplies to: Volkssport Club at West Point P.O. Box 30 West Point, NY

4 CONDITIONS: These walks are open regardless of weather conditions. Severe weather may force closure of some routes. Walk during daylight hours only! Check ahead for the start point hours. No littering along the trails. Pets are welcomed if on a leash, but not within buildings. Please clean up after your pet. DISCLAIMER: The Volkssport Club at West Point cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items, accidents, or injury at any time. Every reasonable effort will be made to make these events safe and enjoyable. By registering for these events, the participant agrees to the conditions set forth herein. All participants must sign the log sheet and/or start cards containing the disclaimer form. A responsible adult must sign for a minor, including infants. RATINGS: The following trail rating system is used to indicate the degree of difficulty of a trail for the AVA sanctioned walk. Part 1 INCLINE 1. Very small hills or very little stair climbing. 2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. 3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. 4. Lots of significant hills or stair climbing. Part 2 - TERRAIN A. Almost entirely on pavement. B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles. C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky/rooted paths or soft sand.) D. A significant part of the route is on very difficult terrain. 5. Many steep hills. E. The majority of the route is on very difficult terrain AVA Special Programs Vs. Year Round Events Alternative Capitals Highland WOTH Amphitheaters Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, West Point Animal Safari Beacon, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, West Point Bakeries Beacon, Central Valley, Cold Spring, Hyde Park, Nyack, New Paltz, Rhinebeck Boardwalks Beacon, Cold Spring Celebrating Golden Cinemas Beacon, Cornwall, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Rhinebeck Cities In Song Highland Falls, Highland WOTH, Nyack, West Point Diners Beacon, Central Valley, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Rhinebeck Fraternal Organizations Beacon, Central Valley, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Nyack, Rhinebeck Food for Thought Beacon, Central Valley, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, New Paltz, Rhinebeck Honoring Our Flag Beacon, Central Valley, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Nyack, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, West Point Lakes and Reservoirs Fort Montgomery, West Point Main Street Beacon, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Nyack, New Paltz, West Point Murals Beacon, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Nyack, Rhinebeck National Register Historic Places Beacon, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Nyack, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, West Point Strolling Somewhere Over the Rainbow Central Valley, Cornwall, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, West Point Trekking with Trees Beacon, Central Valley, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Nyack, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, West Point Works Project Admin. Beacon, Fort Montgomery, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Rhinebeck Water Towers Highland Falls, Hyde Park, West Point You'll Never Walk Alone Beacon, Central Valley, Cold Spring, Cornwall, Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, Hyde Park, Highland WOTH, Nyack, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, West Point (Jan 2015 AVA trail rating revision)

5 West Point Y and 11 km, Rated 2B Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers Beacon Y and 10 km, Rated 2A Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers This walk is consistently one of the highest rated AVAsanctioned walks in the United States! Start/Finish: The West Point Visitors Center, Parking is available at the Center. The Visitors Center is currently open from 9 AM - 4:45 PM; closed major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). Call ahead to ensure they re open! Bring Government-issued (eg: drivers license) photo id for all walkers! The West Point Visitors Center serves as the starting point for both West Point and Highland Falls year round events. Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish, and along the trails. The trail: The trail goes through residential areas of the US Military Academy, the main academic areas, the National Cemetery (long route only), by historical monuments and athletic facilities. Spectacular views of the Hudson River. There is a steep hill on the 11 km walk. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From the South: Palisades Interstate Parkway to Route 6 (East) and North to Bear Mountain Traffic Circle. Take 9W north and follow signs to West Point Visitors Center. Start/Finish: Yankee Clipper Diner, 397 Main Street Beacon, NY AM dusk, walk only during daylight hours. Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish, and along the trail. The trail: Walk by many historic buildings, antique shops, restaurants, specialty shops, & scenic views from Hudson riverfront. Route passes Beacon Falls & trail head at base of Mt Beacon. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From Exit 11 of I-84. Take Route 9D South to Main St. Turn left on Main St. (East, away from Hudson River) for 1/2 mile to Yankee Clipper Diner on right, just before corner of Main St and Teller Ave. Parking is available behind diner accessible via Teller Ave then right on Henry St. Yankee Clipper Diner From the North: NY State Thruway to Exit 17, Newburgh. I-84 East to Exit 10S. 9W South. Follow signs to the West Point Visitors Center. From the East or West: I-84 to exit 10S. Take 9W South and follow signs to the West Point Visitors Center. West Point Visitors Center

6 Central Valley, NY - Y and 10 km, Rated 3A Not suitable for wheelchairs and strollers due to hills Rhinebeck, NY - Y and 10 km, Rated 1A Suitable for wheelchairs Start/Finish: The Bright Star Diner, 220 Route 32, Central Valley, NY 10917, Ph: Daily 6 AM - dusk (Please only walk during daylight hours.) Parking is available near the rear of the diner. Water & Restrooms: Available at the start/finish. The trail: A 10 km walk through village neighborhoods of Central Valley, NY that also includes a complete circuit of the outdoor paved walks of the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (WCPO) passing by more than 200 brand name outlet stores, an indoor food court, and numerous rest rooms. The remainder of the walk is located on sidewalks and village streets with the exception of about 300m of gravel path. Scenic views of Harriman State Park mountains. Suitable for strollers; not for wheelchairs, primarily due to some larger hills. A shorter 5 km walk is also available that does not include the WPCO circuit. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From Interstate I-87: Take I-87 Exit 16 towards NYS Rte. 17 West. After passing through the tolls keep right and take the first exit on the right towards Central Valley, Rte 32. Once you are on the exit ramp avoid taking the far right ramp into Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, instead bear left then turn right at traffic signal onto Rt 32 North. Go straight through the next 2 traffic signals then drive 3/4 mile to the Bright Star Diner on the right. Please park near the rear of the diner. From the NYS Rte. 17: On Route 17 traveling East, take Exit 131 and turn left at the traffic signal onto NYS Rte. 32 North towards Central Valley. Go straight through the next 3 traffic signals then drive 3/4 mile to the Bright Star Diner on the right. Please park near the rear of the diner Bright Star Diner Start/Finish: The Delamater House Inn and Conference Center, 25 Garden Street (off of West Market Street), Rhinebeck, NY. The Start Point and parking are in hotel office in the rear of the complex at the end of Garden Street (not in the actual Delamater House or Beekman Arms Inn buildings) / AM - Noon (call for possible afternoon hours). Water & Restrooms: Available at the start/finish and along the route. Refreshments are also available at many establishments located in the main part of town. The Beekman Arms Colonial Tap Room and An American Place Country Restaurant are open daily for fine meals. Walkers are encouraged to carry water during warm weather. The trail: The trail is on sidewalks in the picturesque village of Rhinebeck. Throughout the village you will see a collection of varying architectural styles from late 18th through the early 20th century. Rhinebeck's charm is not only found in the architectural detailing of its buildings, but also in its streetscapes, with large shade trees, blue stone walks, hitching posts, carriage stepping stones, well houses, period fences, barns, carriage houses, and outhouses. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: US Route 9 in Rhinebeck to West Market Street to Garden Street to the end. The walk box is in the office, in the back of the property, not in the standalone Delamater building that is on Montgomery Street (US Route 9). Parking is available on streets or in city lots. Delamater House Inn and Conference Center

7 Nyack - A Walk in the Villages of Nyack, NY Y and 10 km, Rated 2B Cold Spring, NY - Y and 10 km, Rated 2B Not suitable for wheelchairs due to hills Start/Finish: Nyack Hospital (visitor entrance), 160 North Midland Avenue, Nyack, NY. Dawn to dusk. Enter the hospital s visitor entrance, located on the South side (Sickle Ave side) of the building that is accessible from Midland Ave. The walk box is located on the top of the visitor information desk next to the wall on the left. There are many entrances into the hospital building complex. Do NOT go to either of the emergency entrances nor to the out patient entrances on Midland Ave or 5th Ave. Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish, and along the trail. The trail: Stroll Nyack's tree-lined streets and admire the Victorian architectural treasures around every corner. Get lost in time viewing majestic Hudson River as it rolls past this lovely village. Nyack has unique shops and galleries, featuring antiques and crafts, as well as many fine restaurants. Walk features good views of Hudson River and Tappan Zee Bridge, and goes by homes of painter Edward Hopper and actress Helen Hayes. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From NY State Thruway (I-87/I-287) to Exit 11, Nyack. Then... FROM THE NORTH - At the traffic light, turn left onto Route 59 East. Proceed ahead under overpass to first traffic light (corner of Route 9W). Turn left onto Route 9W North. Proceed through traffic light. Hospital entrance is on right side, approximately one block ahead. FROM SOUTH - Follow through the stop sign, and proceed one block further to traffic light. Turn left onto Route 9W North. Proceed one block. Hospital entrance is on right. Nyack Hospital Start/Finish: The Cold Spring Depot Restaurant, 1 Depot Square, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Ph: :30 AM - dusk (Please only walk during daylight hours.) Parking on Village Streets. Water & Restrooms: Available at the start/finish. The trail: The trail goes through both the villages of Cold Spring and Nelsonville. You ll walk by many 19th century historic buildings, antique shops, boutiques, with spectacular views of the Hudson River. You ll also enjoy walking through the West Point Foundry, established in 1818 to supply the U.S. government with artillery; the ironworks employed hundreds of workers who produced some of America's first steam engines, locomotives and ironclad ships, as well as pipes for New York City's water system and Parrott guns, cannon credited with winning the Civil War. Cold Spring Depot Restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, Ph: , Please walk in daylight hours only. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From the corner of Rte 9D and Main street in the village of Cold Spring, follow Main St downhill to bottom of the hill (at the railroad tracks) turn right on Depot Square. Cold Spring Depot Restaurant

8 Cornwall, NY Y0252 5km, Rated 1B 10 km, Rated 3B Not suitable for wheelchairs Start/Finish: Registration is at DeCicco's Family Market, 21 Quaker Avenue, Cornwall, NY Open 8am-7pm; Call DeCicco s for store hours: No walking before dawn or after dusk. The Walk Box is on a ledge in the front window of DeCicco's. After registering at DeCicco's, the walk starts about 1 mile away at a city park with ample, free parking. Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish. Restrooms are also available at the checkpoint, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum when open ( ) and seasonally at the walk start parking (Riverlight Park). Water should be carried for this walk. The trail: The trail goes through the villages of Cornwall and Cornwall-On- Hudson, residential neighborhoods, by a golf course and the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum s Wildlife Education Center. Spectacular views of the Hudson River. There are some steep hills on the 10 km trail, thus the 3B rating. PETS: Leashed pets are permitted, but not allowed in buildings. It is suggested that you bring water for your pets. DIRECTIONS: {lat: , lng: } 21 Quaker Avenue, Cornwall, NY From I-84, Exit 10S. Take 9W South 6.7 mi; take exit ramp to Quaker Ave/ County Rd 107. Right on Quaker Ave for 0.4 mi. DeCicco Family Market is in the shopping plaza on right. From I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 16. Take Rt 32 North for 8.5 mi to Quaker Ave/County Rd 107. Right on Quaker Ave for 1 mi. DeCicco Family Market is in the shopping plaza on right. DeCicco s Family Market New Paltz, NY Y and 10 km, Rated 2B Start/Finish: The Bakery, 13 North Front St, New Paltz, NY Nyack; 7 AM - 7pm (walk in daylight hours only) Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish. The trail: The trail consists of paved roads, sidewalks, and a dirt rail trail. There is a 5k and a 10k trail, and there are some hills. It is rough for strollers and is not suitable for wheelchairs. The trail will take you: 1. through downtown New Paltz, past many interesting shops and eateries; 2. down the oldest street in America where you will see six original stone houses that were built by New Paltz s first European settlers, the French Huguenots; 3. through the SUNY New Paltz campus; 4. through quaint residential areas; 5. You will also have many opportunities to view the Shawangunk Mountains, where the sport of mountain climbing is practiced by climbers from all over the world. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 18. Turn left off exit. Stay on Rt 299/Main St for about 1 mi. Turn right on N. Front St. The Bakery is just past Church St on left. PARKING: Metered parking on N. Front St & around downtown. Free public parking is available on Huguenot St. Go straight down N Front St through light. Turn left at fork; parking up on right. Parking is also available at the Park & Ride on N Chestnut St. Go to light down N Front St. Turn right at light. Park and Ride is across from Stewarts on left. Distance from parking lots not included in walk. We appreciate the hospitality of The Bakery

9 Hyde Park, NY - Y and 13 km, Rated 3C Not suitable for wheelchairs due to hills Start/Finish: The Eveready Diner, 540 Albany Post Road (US Route 9), Hyde Park NY 12538, Walk only during daylight hours. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Parking is available at the back of the diner parking lot. Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish and at Visitor facilities (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) both at the FDR Library and Vanderbilt site. The trail: Explore Hyde Park as you go from the Franklin D. Roosevelt home, museum and library to the Vanderbilt Mansion on a trail through the woods and return by village streets. Includes wonderful views of the beautiful Hudson River. (There is an alternative trail if you prefer not to go through the woods.) The Eveready Diner was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives : DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From the South: NY State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 18, New Paltz. Turn right onto 299 East, and then right onto 9W South. Take the Mid-Hudson (FDR) Bridge to Poughkeepsie, and take Route 9 North to Hyde Park. The Eveready Diner is on the right hand side of Route 9. (Albany Post Road) in Hyde Park (about 5 miles from the Bridge.) From the North: NY State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19, Kingston. Take Route 209 East to Route 199 East and cross the Kingston- Rhinecliff Bridge. Turn right onto Route 9G South, and then right onto Route 9 South to Hyde Park. The Eveready Diner will be on the left side of Route 9 (Albany Post Road) in Hyde Park (about 19 miles from the bridge.) From the East or West: I-84 to Exit 13 (north), Poughkeepsie. Take Route 9 North for approximately 16 miles. The Eveready Diner will be on the right hand side of Route 9 (Albany Post Road) in the village of Hyde Park Fort Montgomery, NY - Y and 10 km, Rated 3C April 12--October 31 (Seasonal Walk) Not suitable for wheelchairs due to hills Start/Finish: The Fort Montgomery State Historic Site Visitor Center, 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY 10922, : Wed - Sun 10 am - 1 pm. Call ahead to ensure they re open! (Please walk during daylight hours.) Water & Restrooms: Available at the start/finish. The trail: Visit Ft Montgomery Historic Battle Site of the American Revolution, then walk to Ft Clinton, within Trailside Museum and Zoo in Bear Mountain State Park, and walk around park. Visitor Center at Battle Site is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9am-5pm. Ft's grounds are open daily. Trailside Museum and Zoo area are opened from 10AM to 4PM daily. Pets NOT allowed in Trailside Zoo area. Trailside Zoo area must NOT be entered prior to 10 AM, even if gates are open, for zookeeper safety. Gates between Ft Montgomery and Ft Clinton are open from 10AM to 4PM daily. Please consider donating $1 to zoo for its upkeep. Area at Battle Site is on gravel paths. There are two trails to get from Ft Montgomery to Ft Clinton. Using paved roads, the trail is fairly easy, through the woods, the trail is more difficult and hiking boots and walking stick are recommended. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From the Bear Mountain traffic circle at the intersection of Rte 6, 9W and the end of the Palisades Parkway, next to the Bear Mountain Bridge take 9W North for.3 miles to the Visitor Center is on the right. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site Visitor Center Eveready Diner - 9 -

10 Highland Falls, NY Y km Rated 2A Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers Highland, NY (Walkway Over the Hudson) Y0797 5, 8, and 12 km, Rated 2A Not suitable for wheelchairs due to hills Start/Finish: The West Point Visitors Center, Parking is available at the Center. The Visitors Center is currently open from 9 AM - 4:45 PM; closed major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). Call ahead to ensure they re open! Bring Government-issued (eg: drivers license) photo id for all walkers! The West Point Visitors Center serves as the starting point for both West Point and Highland Falls year round events. Water and Restrooms: Available at the Start/Finish, and along the trail. The trail: The trail goes through the village, around Roe Lake, and through part of West Point. There are magnificent views of the Hudson River. Current security conditions or special events may require changes to the normal route. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: From the South: Palisades Interstate Parkway to Route 6 (East) and North to Bear Mountain Traffic Circle. Take 9W north and follow signs to West Point Visitors Center. From the North: NY State Thruway to Exit 17, Newburgh. I-84 East to Exit 10S. 9W South. Follow signs to the West Point Visitors Center. From the East or West: I-84 to exit 10S. Take 9W South and follow signs to the West Point Visitors Center. Warning: Do not confuse this walk with the Highland (Walkway Over the Hudson) walk also in this booklet. Highland Falls, NY (this walk) is a village in the Town of Highlands directly south of West Point. Highland (Walkway Over the Hudson), NY (the other walk, page 11) is a hamlet in the Town of Lloyd directly across the Hudson River west of Poughkeepsie West Point Visitors Center This walk is along the Walkway Over the Hudson, the highest and tallest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. It is a NY State Historic Park. Start/Finish: The Gateway Diner, 3579 Rt. 9W, Highland, NY ( ). Dawn to Dusk. Parking at the rear of the diner. Water & Restrooms: Available at the start/finish and at the State Park. The trail: Stroll across Walkway over the Hudson - the world's tallest and longest elevated pedestrian bridge standing 212 feet above the Hudson River, and 6,678 feet (1.28 miles) long. The Walkway bridge was originally built in 1888 and, at the time, was the longest railway bridge in the world. The walk will travel across the Walkway west to east to Poughkeepsie. The 5 and 8 km trails return back to the Starting Point via the same route. The 12 km trail travels through Poughkeepsie city streets finally crossing the Mid-Hudson (FDR) bridge (different bridge from the Walkway) back to the starting point at the Gateway Diner in Highland. DIRECTIONS {lat: , lng: }: Route 9W is on the West Side of the Hudson River in Ulster County, across the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie and US Route 9. Warning: Do not confuse this walk with the Highland Falls YRE (Y1145) also in this booklet. Highland, NY (this walk) is a hamlet in the Town of Lloyd directly across the Hudson River west of Poughkeepsie. Highland Falls, NY (the other walk, page 10) is a village (in the Town of Highlands) directly south of West Point. The Gateway Diner