The Hudson River Skywalk is a remarkable pedestrian walkway that connects the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Olana State Historic Site, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Hudson Valley. With a total distance of six miles, the Skywalk provides a captivating journey through the footsteps of renowned artists, Thomas Cole and Frederic Church.
What is the Length of the Hudson River Skywalk?
The Hudson River Skywalk is a six-mile out-and-back walkway that spans the Hudson River via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. This means that the total distance to complete the full Skywalk is six miles, as visitors will need to walk the same distance back to their starting point.
How Long Does it Take to Walk the Hudson River Skywalk?
Typically, it takes around 2-3 hours to walk the entire six-mile Hudson River Skywalk, depending on the individual’s pace and the time spent at the various viewing decks and historic sites along the way. The Skywalk offers three stunning viewing decks, providing visitors with panoramic vistas of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains.
| Distance | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
| 6 miles (out-and-back) | 2-3 hours |
How to Get to the Hudson River Skywalk?
Visitors can access the Hudson River Skywalk by car or train. By car, take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to exit 21 (Catskill) and follow the signs to Route 23 East. By train, take Amtrak to the Hudson train station, which is approximately two hours from New York City’s Pennsylvania Station.
Driving Directions
- Take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to exit 21 (Catskill).
- Follow the signs to Route 23 East.
- The Thomas Cole National Historic Site and the Olana State Historic Site, which serve as the starting and ending points of the Hudson River Skywalk, will be clearly marked.
Train Travel
- Take Amtrak to the Hudson train station.
- The Hudson train station is located approximately two hours from New York City’s Pennsylvania Station.
- From the Hudson train station, you can either walk or take local transportation to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site or the Olana State Historic Site.
What to Expect on the Hudson River Skywalk?
The Hudson River Skywalk offers visitors a unique and captivating experience. As they traverse the six-mile walkway, they will be treated to breathtaking views of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains. The Skywalk includes three viewing decks, which provide visitors with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
In addition to the stunning natural scenery, the Skywalk also allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the renowned artists, Thomas Cole and Frederic Church. Both of these artists were instrumental in the development of the Hudson River School of painting, which celebrated the natural beauty of the region.
Rules and Considerations for the Hudson River Skywalk
When visiting the Hudson River Skywalk, there are a few important rules and considerations to keep in mind:
- Masks Required: Due to the narrow width of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, visitors are required to wear masks while on the Skywalk.
- No Pets Allowed: Pets are not permitted on the Hudson River Skywalk.
- Parking: Parking is available at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, which serves as the starting point for the Skywalk.
Conclusion
The Hudson River Skywalk is a truly remarkable and captivating experience for visitors to the Hudson Valley. With its six-mile length and stunning views of the surrounding landscape, the Skywalk offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region and to walk in the footsteps of the renowned artists who helped to shape the Hudson River School of painting. Whether you choose to visit by car or by train, the Hudson River Skywalk is a must-see destination for anyone exploring the wonders of the Hudson Valley.