GWB, GW bridge or George as its called by the locals, is a double-decked suspension bridge spanning the Hudson River. Its western end rest on the shores of Washington Heights in Manhattan and its eastern end on the cliffs of Palisades, New Jersey. A marvel of engineering during its time, today it is the busiest bridge in the world.
GWB Tower Lighting Schedule: Turns on from dusk to midnight.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Flag Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- September 11
- Columbus Day
- October 28 ( Anniversary of Bridge Opening)
- Veterans Day
GWB is also home to the world's largest free flying flag and flown on the same days the bridge is lit.
The south side walking path is open from 6 a.m. till midnight, and north side is close.
The pedestrians south side access from NYC is from Fort Washington Avenue entrance of the Bus Station, proceed to the corner of West 178th street, make a right, continuing two blocks to Cabrini Boulevard, and proceed approximately 100 feet. Entrance to the sidewalk will be on your left.
Bicyclists should proceed south on Fort Washington Avenue to west 177th street, turn right and proceed for two blocks to Cabrini Boulevard. Make a right turn and proceed on Cabrini Boulevard for one block. Make a left turn onto the sidewalk and proceed approximately 100 feet. The ramp will be on your left.
The New Jersey entrances to the south sidewalk is located on Hudson Terrace in Fort Lee. Take the intersection of Lemoine Avenue and Bruce Reynolds Boulevard (Bridge Plaza South). Proceed east on Bruce Reynolds Boulevard (toward the bridge). Hudson Terrace is the cross street at the "T" intersection at the end of Bruce Reynolds Boulevard. Cross Hudson Terrace at this intersection, make a left and proceed north. Go about two blocks, and you will find the entrance ramp to the south sidewalk on your right (before the overpass that leads to the bridge).
FORT WASHINGTON PARK
NYC side brings you to Fort Washington Park, known as the namesake of a Revolutionary War structure built for the rebels and seized by the British. An ideal lookout spot over the Hudson River and Palisades.
The park offers spectacular views of New Jersey Palisades and GWB. Its 160 acre cliffs, meadows and wooded area is an athletes playground, with basketball, tennis, 5 volleyball, 4 handball courts, baseball fields, a children's playground and waterfront access points.
It has ramps and stairs connecting to Henry Hudson Parkway and Dyckman Street walking and bike path.
Barbecuing area is located in the north of West 158th Street by the Hudson River.
- Little Red Lighthouse, 1880 from Sandy Hook New Jersey is located beneath GWB at Fort Washington Park. Also know as Jeffrey's Hook, this 40 foot high structure hasn't been used for a long time. It is one of the few surviving lighthouses in NYC and serves as a reminder of the past.
The Coast Guard wanted to auction the lighthouse, but the public prevented them from doing so, prompted by the Children's book "The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge" authored by Hildegarde Swift and Lynd Ward in 1942. In the book the Little Red Lighthouse was happy up until the Gray Bridge was built over it, but he later learned that he still has an important job to do and there is still a place for an old lighthouse. The readers gave money and wrote letters to prevent it from being auctioned.
The Little Red Lighthouse is now owned by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City.
DYCKMAN STREET BOAT MARINA - The Dyckman Street Marina in Fort Washington Park is named after the Dyckman family the original Dutch settlers of Manhattan island that owned most of the land in the immediate area. The Dyckman built a farmhouse in Kingsbridge Road which is now Broadway and 204th street. This farmhouse now serves as a Museum detailing the lives of these early settlers.
Ross Dock Picnic Area
New Jersey end of the bridge brings you to Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee, just north of GWB bridge. It is a riverfront large picnic area for hikers, bikers, and anyone who would like to go for barbecue. The trails goes all the way to Fort Lee Historic Park to the south (pass the Hazard's Ramp) and to the north goes to Englewood and Alpine Picnic Area and steeply ascends to the northern New York-New Jersey state line.
At the end of the Park is Hazard's Ramp located directly beneath GWB. Registered trailers, boats, jet skis can use this ramp in the warm weather months for a $10 (jet ski) to $20 (boat) fee.
Visit Secrets to an Amazing Life for more photos.