02/02/2026
Ulster County is in upstate New York, within the Mid-Hudson Valley, on the west side of the Hudson River, about two hours north of New York City.
Covering over 1,100 square miles in total area, Ulster County includes one city—Kingston—and twenty towns, many of which contain villages and hamlets. As of 2024, the county’s population is just under 183,000 people. Kingston is the most populous municipality but is significantly smaller in land area than many of the surrounding towns. (Don’t confuse the City of Kingston with the small Town of Kingston to its northwest.)
Ulster County is a diverse mountainous landscape which includes parts of the Catskills, the Shawangunk Mountains (the Gunks), and the Marlboro Mountains. While these ranges extend across multiple counties, Ulster County contains the highest points in each:
⛰️ Catskills — Slide Mountain (4,185') — Town of Shandaken — Slide Mountain Wilderness
⛰️ Shawangunks — Sam’s Point (2,292') — Town of Wawarsing — Sam’s Point Preserve, Minnewaska State Park
⛰️ Marlboro Mountains — Marlboro Mountain (1,129') — Town of Marlborough - nearby Illinois Mountain in Lloyd is similar in height, and sources vary on which is taller.
In addition to its mountains, Ulster County has many lakes and streams. The Hudson River forms the county’s eastern boundary, while the Wallkill River, Rondout Creek, and Esopus Creek are also prominent. Several lakes and reservoirs are found throughout the county, with the Ashokan Reservoir being the largest. Ulster County is also home to many farms, orchards, and vineyards.