Hudson River Skywalk

Experience panoramic views from hundreds of feet in the air. Look towards the mountains to see if you can identify the features of Rip Van Winkle sleeping!

Hudson River Skywalk

Experience Hudson River Skywalk’s panoramic views from hundreds of feet in the air! This breathtaking, one-mile long sidewalk of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and scenic pedestrian trail links two historical sites across the Hudson River. The Skywalk, which offers stunning views of the Hudson River, connects the historic homes of Hudson River School painters, Thomas Cole (The Thomas Cole Historic Site) and Frederic Church (Olana State Historic Site). Art exhibitions in partnership with Hudson River Skywalk are frequently held at both the Olana State and Thomas Cole Historic Sites. Also plan ahead for next years annual Hudson River Skywalk festival which is held every year in September.  

Explore America’s first canvas from this picturesque walkway and the Hudson Valley sights that inspired the beginnings of American landscape painting! 

Part of Governor Cuomo’s tourism initiative, the skywalk contains three scenic viewpoints and is free and open to the public all year-round. A pedestrian-friendly roundabout has been built to provide tourists a direct connection from the east end of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to the Olana State Historic Site. The Skywalk is also conveniently located 4 miles from the nearest Amtrak station, making it the perfect destination for a sightseeing trip or even a quick stop along the way! 

The spectacular view from the Hudson River Skywalk | Photo by John Barry

Annual Skywalk Festival

Olana State Historic Site hosts the annual Skywalk Festival during the fall season. A community day and trek along the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, guests can explore The Thomas Cole National Historic Site at one end and the Olana State Historic Site at the other.

Peruse art made by local artists and witness some incredible live paintings the Hudson River acts as the muse for the many creatives gathered at the waterfront park on the West side of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Even take the opportunity to create your own painting,

Live drawing at the Skywalk Arts Festival
Live drawing at the Skywalk Arts Festival | Photo by John Barry

“A lovely way to enjoy the river, with the added plus of the artists’ studios/homes as the bases on either end.”

—Leslie W., Trip Advisor

Take Amtrak to Hudson River Skywalk

Experience Hudson River Skywalk via Amtrak to Hudson Station in Hudson—Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from Hudson Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Hudson office today at: (518) 828-5492.