Catskill Park facts for kids

The Catskill Park is a special area in the Catskill Mountains in New York State, United States. It covers a huge amount of land, about 700,000 acres (2,800 km²). This park spreads across four different counties: Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster.

A big part of the park, about 41% of the land, is owned by the state of New York. This land is protected as part of the Forest Preserve. Another 5% of the land within the park is owned by New York City. This land helps protect the city's water supply.

What is the Catskill Park?

The Catskill Park is not like a regular park with fences and gates. It's a mix of public and private land. The state-owned parts are called the Forest Preserve. These areas are kept "forever wild" by the state's constitution. This means they are protected from development and logging.

Why is the Catskill Park important?

The park is important for many reasons. It protects beautiful forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife. It also helps keep the air and water clean. Many people visit the park for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.

Protecting the Environment

The Catskill Park plays a key role in protecting the environment. The forests here help clean the air we breathe. The park's mountains and valleys also collect rainwater, which flows into rivers and reservoirs. This water is a very important source of drinking water for millions of people in New York City.

Home for Wildlife

Many different animals live in the Catskill Park. You might see white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and many kinds of birds. The park's large, wild areas provide a safe home for these creatures. Protecting their habitats helps keep the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Activities in the Catskill Park

The Catskill Park offers many fun things to do for people who love the outdoors. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy fresh air.

Hiking and Camping

There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the park. You can find trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging climbs up mountains like Slide Mountain, the highest peak in the Catskills. Many designated campsites are available for those who want to spend a night or more under the stars.

Fishing and Boating

The park has many clear streams, rivers, and lakes perfect for fishing. Anglers can try to catch trout and other fish. Some lakes, like North-South Lake, allow boating, kayaking, and swimming, offering a refreshing way to enjoy the water during warmer months.

Winter Sports

When winter arrives, the Catskill Park transforms into a snowy playground. Several ski resorts are located within or near the park, offering skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities on the park's trails.

History of the Catskill Park

The idea of protecting the Catskill Mountains began a long time ago. People realized that the forests and water sources needed to be saved for future generations.

Creation of the Forest Preserve

In 1885, the state of New York created the Forest Preserve. This was done to protect the forests in both the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains. The goal was to stop too much logging and make sure the water supply for cities remained clean.

Establishing the Park Boundaries

The Catskill Park's official boundaries were set in 1904. These boundaries are marked by special yellow and brown signs along the roads. These signs let you know when you are entering or leaving the park. The park's unique structure, with both public and private lands inside its boundaries, has been carefully managed over the years to balance conservation with local community needs.

Images for kids

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  Sign at entry to Catskill Park near southern end, along NY 55 near Napanoch.

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  The Ashokan Reservoir as seen from Wittenberg Mountain.

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  North-South Lake in the Catskill Forest Preserve

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  One of the Park's distinctive yellow and brown highway markers, showing the hamlet of Pine Hill