Catskill Mountains

Catskill Mountains, low mountain group in south-eastern New York State, forming part of the Appalachian Mountains, near the Hudson River. The highest peak is Slide Mountain, 1,281 m (4,204 ft) above sea level. The region is drained by the headstreams of the Delaware River and has several reservoirs owned by New York City. The Catskills are well wooded and contain many lakes and streams for fishing and swimming. Picturesque features of the area include many deep gorges and waterfalls. The large Catskill Forest Preserve is located here. The summer climate is cool, and the area is noted as a holiday destination. The American writer Washington Irving used the region as the locale of his short story “Rip Van Winkle” (1820). During the 19th century a group of American landscape painters known as the Hudson River School were attracted to the scenic beauty of the Catskills.