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The Kaaterskill Clove Experience

Journey to the place that inspired the Hudson River School of Art, to the mountains where the nation's first artistic style took root, to the wilderness that beguiled and the river that made it all possible — explore the Kaaterskill Clove Experience and travel a new path through America's first wilderness.

Travel the Kaaterskill Clove Experience

The Kaaterskill Clove Experience is a mountain ravine of picture-postcard beauty and bound by the gateway communities of Palenville to the east and Haines Falls to the west.

Viewing Listings: 1 - 10 of 17
Dutchman's Landing Park
Theme: Outdoors
Kaaterskill Falls
Theme: Outdoors
Mountain Top Arboretum
Theme: Outdoors
Theme: Visitor Centers
John Burroughs' Woodchuck Lodge
Theme: Arts Culture
Greene County Visitor Center
Theme: Visitor Centers
Olana State Historic Site
Theme: Arts Culture
Hudson River Skywalk
Theme: Attractions
Pratt Rock - "New York's Mount Rushmore"
Theme: Arts Culture
Zadock Pratt Museum
Theme: Arts Culture

About The Kaaterskill Clove Experience

Explore the history of American art in the landscape that inspired it! Discover the Catskills’ scenic beauty and artistic heritage through tailored, self-guided itineraries that will take you from mountain peak to river valley, heritage site to sky walk.

woman at Kaaterskill Clove
kaaterskill falls

Kaaterskill Clove Itineraries

Our tailor-made itineraries* provide the right amount of adventure, discovery and education amid the scenic landscape that inspired generations of painters, poets, writers and photographers.

Begin your journey through the Catskills’ past with one of our four predefined itineraries that take you to new places, and get you off the road and into the mountains to experience the stunning vistas, thundering waterfalls and scenic nature parks – the hallmarks of Greene County.

From the shores of the Hudson River where Thomas Cole unknowingly began his career as the Father of American Art more than 180 years ago, to the mountain steeps of Rip Van Winkle’s marathon nap, travel along scenic byways that crisscross mountains and valleys through America’s First Vacation Land.

Relax at the historic Catskill Point on the Hudson River waterfront for a leisurely lunch, or hike to the base of Kaaterskill Falls for an open-air picnic. Rediscover the power of nature to enchant, and walk in the footsteps of our nation’s cultural mavericks.

Amble around John Burroughs’ summer retreat, view the treasures Frederic Church collected during his travels abroad, and gaze across the landscape that inspired American authors James Fenimore Cooper – whose characters from his novel The Last of the Mohicans can be seen in more than one of Cole’s paintings – and William Cullen Bryant, a lifelong friend of the father of the Hudson River School.

Download our informational PDF to assist in planning your own experience and follow in the footsteps of the past. 


* Be sure to check listings for seasons and hours of operation. 

Family Itinerary

Follow a kid-friendly route to attractions the whole family will enjoy.

Leisure Itinerary

Take your time enjoying these stops on the Kaaterskill Clove Experience. Perfectly suited for everyone!

Adventure Itinerary

This is the perfect route for adventure seekers to take moderate hikes to waterfalls and enjoy spectacular mountain views. You'll build up an appetite so be sure to stop at one of many dining options close by.

Complete Itinerary

Follow the Kaaterskill Clove Experience from start to finish - enjoying shopping, dining and lodging options along the way. You'll need a couple days to complete this route, but the memories you make will be unforgettable!

Some of our favorites

We put together a list of 5 super cool things to check out in the Catskills. Trust us: you don't want to miss these!