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Hudson River School Art Trail

Follow in the footsteps of America’s first major art movement on the Hudson River School Art Trail, where visitors can explore the landscapes that inspired Thomas Cole, Frederic Church and other renowned Hudson River School artists.

A dry, rocky riverbed with trees on both sides, overlaid with a painting of a lush, green mountainous valley—blending nature and art much like the scenic vistas admired on Hudson River Cruises.
A vast mountain rises behind an autumn forest, reminiscent of the scenic vistas admired on Hudson River Cruises. A small cabin and figures appear in a clearing, with dramatic clouds overhead and bright, colorful foliage throughout the scene.
Split image: left side shows a dramatic, stormy painting of a forested mountain reminiscent of scenes along the Hudson; right side shows a clear, sunny photo of a similar mountain landscape with a lake, green trees, and blue sky—capturing the breathtaking vistas you might experience on Hudson River Cruises.
A waterfall cascades from a cave’s edge into a rocky stream below, surrounded by autumn trees, with sunlight breaking through clouds in the distant valley—a scene reminiscent of picturesque landscapes often admired on Hudson River Cruises.
About this Attraction
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    Explore the Art Trail

    The Hudson River School Art Trail connects visitors with the mountains, waterfalls, river views and other landscapes that inspired some of America’s most celebrated artists. Visitors can explore historic sites, scenic viewpoints and natural areas, including the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Olana State Historic Site, Kaaterskill Clove and Kaaterskill Falls.

    The Hudson River School artists were known for their dramatic paintings of the American landscape. Today, visitors can experience many of the same places that inspired their work and see how the scenery has remained recognizable over generations.

    At Olana, visitors can explore Frederic Church’s former home and artist-designed landscape, while Kaaterskill Falls offers a scenic hike to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfall famously painted by Thomas Cole.

    A person in a bright jacket stands near a two-tiered waterfall, part of the scenic Hudson River School Art Trail, surrounded by rocky cliffs and colorful autumn trees under a blue sky.

    Plan Your Visit to the Hudson River School Art Trail

    The Art Trail is accessible year-round, though hours vary by individual site. Check the Trail’s website and the website of each destination before visiting.

    A rocky arch frames a sunset sky over a tranquil river, with trees and two small human figures standing by the water’s edge, surrounded by dramatic cliffs—an evocative scene reminiscent of landscapes found along the Hudson River School Art Trail.

    Where is Hudson River School Art Trail?

    The Hudson River School Art Trail spans 20 sites throughout the Hudson Valley, including destinations around Catskill, Hudson and the Catskill Mountains.

    The trail is located in Haines Falls, NY, 12436

    Directions

    Take Amtrak to the Hudson River School Art Trail

    Experience the Hudson River School Art Trail via Amtrak to Hudson, N.Y. The Empire Service provides service to Hudson from destinations including New York City and Albany-Rensselaer, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the Hudson Valley.

    From Hudson Station, visitors can arrange ground transportation to destinations throughout the Art Trail. Sites farther into the Catskill Mountains, including Kaaterskill Clove and Kaaterskill Falls, require additional transportation from the station.

    Travelers arriving from the north can also take Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station and continue south to Hudson.

    Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!

    Tip: Since the Art Trail spans multiple locations, plan transportation between sites in advance.