The Esopus Creek: Headwaters to the Hudson will be released on October 12. Covid concerns will limit the initial release to on-line sources, including Vimeo-on-Demand and on DVD available from willowmixedmedia.org and at selected retail outlets. The trailer can be viewed at vimeo.com/435489256
The 73 minute film, Mountain River, follows the Esopus Creek, from its headwaters on Slide Mountain in New York’s Catskill Mountains, to the Ashokan Reservoir, and on to the Hudson River at Saugerties - a fascinating journey of 65 miles.
The story begins with the ancient geologic forces that formed the Catskills and goes on to explore the Native American and colonial settlements along the Esopus. The documentary covers the history of New York City’s Ashokan Reservoir, the development of water-power on the stream, and the innovative beginnings of the American Industrial Revolution along the Esopus in Saugerties.
The film celebrates the Upper Esopus as a world class trout fishery, a recreational resource and a critical source of clean, unfiltered water for millions of New Yorkers. Below the Ashokan Reservoir, the Lower Esopus flows through steep gorges, rich agricultural lands and several towns on its way to the Hudson River.
Mountain River highlights the continuing challenges of climate change and ongoing conservation efforts on the creek, and it reminds us to treat the Esopus with respect.

Mountain River is filled with personal stories and anecdotes and features a lively mix of vintage and contemporary photographs and images. Footage includes interviews with New York City and New York State experts, local historians, and conservationists, as well as on-the-creek fly fishing plus stories from anglers and residents. Extensive aerial footage offers a new perspective on the Esopus, the Ashokan Reservoir and the Hudson River.
Music by Tim Kapeluck, Evan Pritchard, Artie Traum and Jay Ungar.
Mountain River is produced and directed by Glenford filmmaker Tobe Carey, and co-produced by photographer and Catskills Fishing Guide, Mark Loete, of Chichester.
Mountain River is part of Willow Mixed Media’s Catskill Mountains/Hudson Valley history collection including: Deep Water: Building the Catskill Water System, Rails to the Catskills, The Catskill Mountain House and The World Around, Sweet Violets, and The First Artist in America: The Life and Times of John Vanderlyn - Artist.
These films are also available on DVD from willowmixedmedia.org and in select retail outlets.