Catskills

The Catskills, short for the Catskill Mountains, are a highland region in southeastern New York State that forms part of the Appalachian Mountains. The range runs roughly north–south for about 100 miles, lying between the Hudson River to the east and the Delaware River to the west. The core area lies largely within Greene and Ulster counties, with portions in several neighboring counties. The highest peak is Slide Mountain, at 4,180 feet (1,274 meters).

Geologically, the Catskills consist mainly of Devonian-age sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale. They are an eroded plateau that was uplifted during the Acadian orogeny around 400 million years ago and subsequently shaped by erosion into a highland landscape with rounded summits and deep valleys. Waterways and forested slopes characterize the terrain.

Much of the central and southern Catskills is protected as Catskill Park, including state forest preserves and surrounding private lands. The region supports deciduous forests with species such as sugar maple, beech, and oak, and provides habitat for wildlife including black bears and white-tailed deer. The Catskills form part of the New York City water supply system, with watershed lands providing drinking water to millions of residents.

Recreation in the Catskills includes hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. Notable peaks and trails include the Catskill High Peaks and the Devil's Path. The area has a long cultural history as a vacation and resort destination, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, and is associated with the Borscht Belt. Towns such as Woodstock, Phoenicia, Ellenville, and Kingston serve as access points to the region.