Mario Cuomo Bridge Path (Tappan Zee Bridge Path)

While I much prefer to explore in forests and other natural settings, I’m not opposed to the occasional bit of urban exploration and have found the pedestrian crossings on some bridges rewarding for their unique viewpoints.  A bridge crossing that has been on my to do list for a while, but that I never managed to find time for until recently was the Mario Cuomo Bridge Path that crosses over the Hudson River.  The trail runs about 3.6 miles which, if you run the full length out and back, makes for run of just over 7 miles. 

The path did offer up some great views of the Hudson River at each of the multiple observation decks that you pass as you travel down the path.  Moreover, I really appreciated how they had separate lanes for pedestrian and bicycle traffic as on other bridges, like the George Washington Bridge, I’ve often found myself needing to play a real-life game of Frogger with oncoming cyclists.  The path and facilities at each end were also well maintained and parking ample enough. 

I don’t regret the experience of running the trail but, despite all the positives, this is not a trail I see myself repeating with any kind of frequency. When I run I like the solitude and quietness of nature and being in close proximity to a major interstate highway made for a noisy 7 miles.