The Catskills' most celebrated trout stream and paddling run — Esopus Creek flows 30 miles from Slide Mountain (the highest Catskill peak) through the heart of the Catskill Park. The Shandaken Portal releases water from the Schoharie Reservoir into the Esopus, creating a unique portal-enhanced flow that supports legendary fly fishing and fun Class I–III whitewater through hemlock-lined gorges.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.