Cooper Lake

No, direct recreational activities, including hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing on Cooper Lake itself, are strictly prohibited. The lake is a protected drinking water supply for the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster, and its surrounding grounds are owned by the City of Kingston Water Department to ensure water quality. Hikers should look for trails in other designated recreational areas within the broader Catskill Mountains.

While direct access to Cooper Lake is restricted, the surrounding Catskill Mountains offer a wealth of family-friendly outdoor experiences. Families can explore numerous trails suitable for various ages and skill levels in nearby state parks and preserves. Many areas provide opportunities for nature walks, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Ulster County.

Due to its status as a protected drinking water reservoir, direct access to Cooper Lake is restricted, and this includes bringing dogs onto the immediate lake grounds. However, many other trails and parks in the wider Catskill Mountains region are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. Visitors should check specific regulations for nearby recreational areas.

As direct access to Cooper Lake is restricted, there isn't designated public parking for recreational activities at the lake itself. If you plan to explore the broader Catskill Mountains area, you'll find parking available at trailheads and state parks. It's always advisable to research specific trailheads or attractions in the region for their parking facilities and any associated fees or regulations.

No specific permits are required to view Cooper Lake from public roads or to visit the general vicinity. However, as the lake is a protected water supply, direct access to the lake and its immediate surrounding grounds is prohibited. For hiking or other recreational activities in nearby state parks or preserves, standard park entrance fees or permits might apply, so it's best to check with the specific park you plan to visit.

The general vicinity of Cooper Lake and the wider Catskill Mountains are beautiful throughout the year. The spring, summer, and fall months are particularly popular when the forests are vibrant with lush greenery or stunning autumn foliage. While winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on nearby trails, visitors should be prepared for colder conditions and potential snow cover.

While direct access to Cooper Lake for viewpoints is restricted, the lake itself is considered a significant natural feature within the Catskill Mountains. The surrounding region is rich with natural beauty, including numerous mountains, forests, and other water bodies. Many trails in the broader Catskills offer stunning vistas and opportunities to appreciate the landscape.

Wild swimming in Cooper Lake is strictly prohibited because it is a protected drinking water reservoir. For safety and to maintain water quality, no swimming is allowed. If you are looking for swimming opportunities, you would need to find designated swimming areas or public beaches in other lakes or rivers within the wider Catskill Mountains region.

Cooper Lake is situated at an elevation of approximately 337 meters (about 1,106 feet) above sea level. This elevation places it within the scenic Catskill Mountains, contributing to the region's overall topography.

Cooper Lake is located near Lake Hill in the Town of Woodstock, Ulster County, New York. While there are no commercial establishments directly at the lake due to its protected status, the nearby towns of Woodstock and Kingston offer a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants where visitors can find dining options and refreshments.

Cooper Lake is a man-made drinking water reservoir. Prior to its construction over 100 years ago, it was a small pond. The land was purchased and developed into a reservoir, becoming operational in 1899. It now serves as the main water supply for the City of Kingston and the Town of Ulster, storing approximately 1.2 billion US gallons annually and providing an average of 4.6 million US gallons daily.

The water from Cooper Lake is treated at the Edmund T. Cloonan Water Treatment Plant. The treatment process includes chlorination, alum filtration, and lime corrosion control to ensure its safety and quality for consumption. The plant's laboratory also conducts regular bacteriological examinations.