Catskill Park, Protected area in New York State, US
Catskill Park is a protected area spanning four counties in New York State and containing mountains, forests, and water reservoirs. The territory covers more than 280,000 hectares with elevation changes from valleys to peaks above 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
The state government established the park territory in 1885 to secure regional forests and water sources. Later decades brought the development of campgrounds and trails for recreation seekers from nearby cities.
The name Catskill comes from the Dutch word for wildcat creek, which early settlers used for the region. Today visitors use the trails for hiking and camping, while conservation zones protect the forest habitat.
The territory offers more than 300 miles of trails running through forests and across mountain ridges, as well as campgrounds in different zones. Visitors should carry maps as some sections lie far from roads and signage can be limited in places.
Four large reservoirs within the boundaries supply New York City with drinking water that flows directly from the mountains without chemical treatment. The city manages these waters through a network of monitoring stations and protection measures.
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