Walking Across the George Washington Bridge

 After meeting with my friend Joe at the Palisades, I was to walk across the George Washington Bridge (GWB) from New Jersey to Manhattan.  I know that the GWB is about a mile long so it won't be too long a walk.  The challenge is finding the exact location where I can get on the GWB Pedestrian and Cyclist sidewalk in Fort Lee, NJ.  Here is the official directions from the Port Authority of NY and NJ on where to cross the bridge:   GWB Pedestrian & Bicycle Information

However, reading something and actually know where to go are two different things.  Below is the map of the NJ side of GWB.

Shown in red letters, near the letter A is the approximate location where the pedestrian and cyclist sidewalk starts on the bridge.  It's difficult to find but once you are there you can tell right away that it is a sidewalk leading to the bridge.  Below is a picture of what it looks like:

Entrance to Pedestrian Sidewalk on the NJ side

After asking a couple of people in the Fort Lee Historic Park we took a chance and turn right after exiting the park.  That is Hudson Terrace.  About a block after exiting, Joe saw the sidewalk.  I got out of the car and as I was approaching the sidewalk I saw another pedestrian approaching from the other direction.  I asked him if this is the pedestrian sidewalk on the GWB bridge.  He said yes.  So, here I am walking on the south side of the bridge.

I met many pedestrians and a few cyclists coming from the NY side.  Being a week day it was not very crowded.  Some were joggers, a few construction workers, and some cyclists.  The view south of the Hudson River and Manhattan was amazing.  Below are some pictures of my walk.

About 50m from the start

Still on the NJ side

Looking south at the Hudson River on the NJ side

Getting to the middle of the Bridge

Looking south at the Hudson River

Protected from vehicle traffic by metal barrier

Getting near to NY side

Help for suicidal pedestrians

Hudson River from Manhattan side

Starting the descent to the ramp

Ramp on the NY side

Overhead view of entrance on NY side

Gate into the ramp going up to the Bridge on NY side

If you don't stop it should take about 15-20 minutes to cross the bridge.  However, I spent time taking photos and admiring the view.  While you are walking, heavy traffic is going through the middle part of the bridge.  There is a metal barrier protecting pedestrians and cyclists.  It is almost impossible to be hit by a vehicle because the barrier is about 3 ft high.  At the NY end you see a ramp curving down.  Then you come to a lockable gate and you are now at street level.

Sign pointing to the bridge on NY side

Rules for using the bridge

Street Level

First street after coming down to street level

Cabrini Blvd is the first street

GWB Mall, where the buses and subway stops

The first street you encounter after coming down to the NY side is Cabrini Blvd.  Three blocks away is Broadway Avenue, where the GWB Market is located.  Here is where you take the bus and subway back to other parts of Manhattan.  Below is the map showing the area around the NY end of the GWB:

Interestingly, there is a lighthouse at the bottom of the GWB on the NY side.  It's called the Little Red Lighthouse.  Here are some pictures that I took in October 2018.