Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Ashokan Reservoir Watershed is a crucial protected area located in the Catskill Mountains of New York State, serving as one of New York City's largest and most important water supply reservoirs. Spanning approximately 20,000 acres, the watershed includes the Ashokan Reservoir itself—an engineered lake completed in 1915—and the surrounding forested lands that help maintain water quality by filtering runoff and limiting development. The Catskill forests within the watershed are primarily mixed hardwoods and conifers supporting rich biodiversity, including populations of black bear, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species.
Historically, the creation of the reservoir led to the displacement of several villages, part of a major early 20th-century infrastructure effort to secure clean water for the growing population of New York City. Today, the watershed buffer lands are managed under strict protection to preserve water quality, limiting public access and motorized recreation but allowing for hiking and passive outdoor activities.
The area is particularly appealing to hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking quiet, less trafficked trails, with scenic views of dense forests, streams, and the reservoir itself. The watershed forms part of the larger Catskill Park, offering connections to several popular trail networks. While camping inside the watershed is generally prohibited to protect water purity, nearby Catskill towns provide access and outdoor lodging opportunities.
Notable landmarks include the Ashokan High Point and the Oliverea area, accessible via forest roads and trails. These spots offer panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. The protection and management of the Ashokan Reservoir Watershed are vital for the continued provision of high-quality drinking water to NYC’s millions of residents, while also conserving an important ecological and recreational landscape in the Catskills.
