Catskill Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Catskill Creek
Country	United States
State	New York
Region	Catskills, Hudson Valley
County	Greene
Towns	Catskill, New York,
Physical characteristics
Main source	Franklinton Vlaie Pond Broome, New York 42°31′15.32″N 74°18′21.56″W / 42.5209222°N 74.3059889°W / 42.5209222; -74.3059889
River mouth	Hudson River at Catskill, New York Catskill, New York 0 ft (0 m) 42°12′29.98″N 73°51′16.03″W / 42.2083278°N 73.8544528°W / 42.2083278; -73.8544528
Basin features
River system	Hudson River
Basin size	394 sq mi (1,020 km2)

Catskill Creek is a 46.0-mile-long (74.0 km) tributary of the Hudson River. This means it is a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. Catskill Creek helps drain the northeastern part of the Catskill Mountains in New York State.

The creek starts at a place called Franklinton Vlaie in Schoharie County. From there, it flows southeast through parts of Albany County and Greene County. Finally, it reaches its end, or "mouth," at the village of Catskill, where it joins the mighty Hudson River.

The name "Catskill Creek" is a bit funny because it actually repeats itself! The word "kill" comes from Dutch and means "creek." So, "Catskill Creek" literally means "Cat's Creek Creek." This is called a tautology, which is when you say the same thing twice using different words.

What is Catskill Creek?

Catskill Creek is an important waterway in New York. It collects water from a large area, known as its drainage basin. This basin covers about 394 sq mi (1,020 km²) of land. The water from rain and snowmelt in this area eventually flows into Catskill Creek.

The creek plays a role in the local environment. It provides a home for different kinds of plants and animals. It also helps shape the landscape as it flows towards the Hudson River.

Where Does Catskill Creek Flow?

The journey of Catskill Creek begins in the Catskill Mountains. These mountains are a part of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. The creek then travels through different types of land.

It passes through rural areas and small towns. Along its path, it collects water from many smaller streams. These smaller streams are called tributaries.

Tributaries of Catskill Creek

Many smaller streams flow into Catskill Creek, adding to its water. These tributaries are like branches of a tree, all leading to the main trunk. Here are some of the streams that join Catskill Creek:

• Lake Creek
• Fox Creek
• Potter Hollow Creek
• Tenmile Creek
  • Eightmile Creek
• Thorpe Creek
  • Cornwallville Creek
  • Fall Creek
• Bowery Creek
• Basic Creek – The name "Basic" might come from an old Native American word. It could mean "valley."
• Platte Kill
• Shingle Kill
• Jan De Bakkers Kill
• Bell Brook
• Potic Creek – This name likely comes from a Native American word. It might describe a waterfall or fast-moving water.
  • Cob Creek
  • Grapeville Creek
    • West Medway Creek
• Lake Brook
• Kaaterskill Creek
  • Beaver Kill
  • Kiskatom Brook – This name comes from a Native American word. It refers to the shagbark hickory tree.
• Hans Vosen Kill