Lake Hill, Catskills

Cooper Lake, formerly known as Shandaken Lake, is located west of Woodstock in the hamlet of Lake Hill. It is the largest natural lake in the Catskills. Holding approximately 1.2 billion gallons of water, the lake serves as the primary source for Kingston’s water supply. During the 19th century the Cooper Lake area was home to a small barrel making industry. The men who built the barrels were called “coopers”, giving the lake its current name.