I Put My Walking Shoes on and My Fear of Heights Aside: Can You WALK the George Washington Bridge?
Let's be honest, the George Washington Bridge is a stunner. Towering over the Hudson River, it's a majestic giant connecting the bustling streets of New York City with the leafy suburbs of New Jersey. But have you ever looked up at that web of steel and thought, "Man, I wonder if you could just walk across that thing?"
Well, my friend, buckle up because your question is about to be answered, and let me tell you, the answer is both thrilling and slightly terrifying (depending on how well you cope with heights, that is).
Can I Walk Across The George Washington Bridge |
Lace Up Your Walking Boots, It's Pedestrian-Friendly!
Yes, you absolutely can walk across the George Washington Bridge! Those brave souls (or maybe slightly crazy ones, no judgement here) can embark on a scenic stroll across the upper level along a designated pedestrian walkway. It's free (unlike that time you tried to sneak into a museum with a trench coat and fake glasses), and the views? Absolutely epic. Imagine bragging rights of casually mentioning, "Oh yeah, just took a leisurely walk across the George Washington Bridge this morning, NBD."
But wait, hold your horses (or should I say, untie your shoelaces?), there are a few things to keep in mind:
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- Northbound Only, Baby! Currently, only the north walkway is open to pedestrians and cyclists. The south side is undergoing some construction, so you'll have to wait a bit for that scenic walk facing the New Jersey Palisades.
- Time for a Walkabout? The walkway is open from 6:00 am to 11:59 pm, so you can choose a sunrise stroll or a moonlit meander across the bridge.
- Sharing is Caring (Especially When There's a Height Drop): The walkway is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, so be courteous and keep an eye out for fellow trekkers (and bikers!).
Conquering Your Fear of Heights (or Embracing the Thrill)
Let's face it, the George Washington Bridge isn't exactly a walk in the park (well, technically it is, but you get the idea). If you're not a huge fan of heights, this might feel more like a walk on a tightrope over a bottomless pit. But hey, if you can overcome that initial wobble in the knees, the sense of accomplishment (and the killer Instagram pics) will be totally worth it.
Pro Tip: If heights really aren't your thing, but you still want to experience the bridge, you can always take a bus across. The views are pretty darn good from there too, and with a roof overhead, you can pretend you're some kind of undercover bridge inspector.
Frequently Asked Walker Queries:
How long does it take to walk across the bridge?
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A leisurely stroll takes about 20 minutes, but hey, you can always make it a power walk and impress everyone with your fitness.
Is there anything to eat or drink on the bridge?
Nope, this is a BYOB (bring your own beverage) and BYOS (bring your own snacks) kind of situation.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and since the weather can change quickly up there, dressing in layers is always a good idea.
Can I bring my dog?
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Sorry, Fido. This walk is for humans only (unless your dog is a service animal, then by all means, bring your furry friend along!).
Is there a bathroom on the bridge?
There are no bathroom facilities on the walkway, so make sure to plan accordingly!