Explore/New York/Cross the Hudson River Skywalk

Cross the Hudson River Skywalk

Hudson / Catskill, New York

Activity

Walking / Bridge & Art History

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

6 mi round trip

Elevation gain

~450 ft

Duration

~2.5–3.5 hrs

Route

Out & back / bridge crossing

The adventure

Walk from Frederic Church's Olana to Thomas Cole's home, crossing the Hudson on the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and physically connecting the landscapes of two defining Hudson River School painters.

What you'll do

Start at Olana State Historic Site visitor parking system, then follow the route about 6 miles round trip. walk from Olana to Thomas Cole Site and return

Expect roughly 450 ft of climbing along the way.

What you're looking at

Catskill Escarpment and Hudson River are visible from the walkway

The story of the place

Route links the homes of Hudson River School painters Frederic Church and Thomas Cole

Once you're there

Park using Olana's signed visitor parking system. Leave the property on the designated Skywalk route toward Route 9G and follow Hudson River Skywalk signage to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

Use only the protected pedestrian walkway to cross the river. On the Catskill side, continue on the signed pedestrian route to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site on Spring Street.

Reaching the Cole site is your turnaround. Retrace the same public route across the bridge and back to Olana.

Don't miss

Stop at one of the bridge overlooks and face the Catskill Escarpment. You're standing inside the same Hudson Valley geography that became the raw material for an entire American art movement.

Good to know

Hours: pedestrian bridge/route daylight use; plan for dawn-to-dusk access
Admission: outdoor walking route free
Restrooms: do not rely on bridge restrooms; use endpoint facilities when open
Bridge: exposed to sun, wind and weather
Distance: limited shade on portions of the six-mile outing
Road connections: route includes roadside/paved pedestrian segments
Dogs: unknown.
TWO LANDMARKS. SIX MILES.: The official Hudson River Skywalk is a six-mile out-and-back connecting Olana and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site.
THE BRIDGE IS THE CENTERPIECE: The route crosses the Hudson on the pedestrian walkway of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.
ART-HISTORY SCENERY: The bridge walkway opens broad views of the Hudson River and Catskill Escarpment.
KEEP IT OUTDOORS: The walking route is free; you do not need a paid tour at either historic property to finish the outing.
BRING SUN AND WIND PROTECTION: This is not six miles of woodland trail. Expect paved walking, roadside connections and an exposed bridge crossing.
Safety: exposed to sun, wind and weather. limited shade on portions of the six-mile outing. route includes roadside/paved pedestrian segments.
Managed by: Hudson River Skywalk partnership / New York State Bridge Authority corridor.

Please respect the place

Use the designated pedestrian walkway on the Rip Van Winkle Bridge
Stay separated from vehicle lanes
Follow pedestrian signals and roadside route signage
Complete the route during daylight operating hours
Paid house tours at either historic site are not required