Directions

The Hudson River Skywalk is a pedestrian walkway that connects Olana State Historic Site and Thomas Cole National Historic Site. The walkway is six miles out and back.

Olana State Historic Site
5720 State Route 9G
Hudson, NY 12534
518-828-0135

Thomas Cole National Historic Site
218 Spring Street
Catskill, NY 12414
518-943-7465

Restrooms at the Rip Van Winkle Bridge are closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We apologize for any inconvenience.

For the safety of all users, masks are required while walking on the bridge, due to the path being less than 6 feet wide.

How to Travel Between Olana State Historic Site and Thomas Cole National Historic Site

From Olana to Thomas Cole: When exiting Olana, make a right onto Route 9G and follow signs to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Cross the Hudson River over The Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Make a left at the first light at the intersection of Route 23 and Spring Street (Route 385). The Thomas Cole Historic Site is immediately on the left. (Use the shared driveway with Temple Israel).

From Thomas Cole to Olana: Make a right onto Spring Street and bear right toward the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Cross the Hudson River and follow signs for Route 9G south. The entrance to Olana is ½ mile on the left.

By Train

Take Amtrak to the Hudson train station, which is two hours from New York City’s Pennsylvania Station. A taxi stand is across the street from the Hudson station. Ask for the Thomas Cole Historic Site, 218 Spring Street, Catskill or Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson. The taxi ride is approximately ten minutes to either location.

By Car From New York City, Albany, Points East or West:

Take NYS Thruway (I-87) to exit 21 (Catskill). Make a left at the traffic light and follow signs for Route 23 East. Continue to the first traffic light. For the Thomas Cole House turn right onto Spring Street (Route 385). The Thomas Cole Historic Site on your immediate left. (Use the shared driveway with Temple Israel).

For Olana State Historic Site continue through the traffic light over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and follow signs for Route 9G south. Olana is ½ mile on the left.

Take the Taconic State Parkway north. Get off at the Hudson/Ancram exit, NYS Route 82. Head west on Route 82 (a right turn off the cloverleaf). In approximately 5 miles, Route 82 joins with NYS Route 23 — continue straight onto Route 23. Go another 5 miles.

For the Thomas Cole House continue over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and make a left at the traffic light onto Spring Street (Route 385). The Thomas Cole Historic Site on your immediate left. (Use the shared driveway with Temple Israel). For Olana State Historic Site at the intersection with the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, turn left onto Route 9G south. Olana is ½ mile on the left. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike to the NYS Thruway (Route 90 West) to exit 2B (Taconic Pkwy.) Take Taconic Parkway South to Route 23 West. Continue on Route 23 West.

For the Thomas Cole House cross the Hudson River over The Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Make a left at the first light at the intersection of Route 23 and Spring Street (Route 385). The Thomas Cole Historic Site is immediately on the left. (Use the shared driveway with Temple Israel).

For Olana State Historic Site at the intersection with the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, turn left onto Route 9G south. Olana is ½ mile on the left.