It is five miles in length. This nice but still fairly small reach of the Esopus varies from about 30 to 40 feet wide and one to three feet deep. Although it is paralleled closely by Rte. 28, it is still fairly brushy and backcasting conditions for the fly fisher are not ideal. When at a normal height, there are charming if small pools stitched together by fast riffles, glides, and plenty of pocket water.
Access is quite good.
You can park near most bridges, at the special fisherman's parking area at Big Indian, and at various pull-offs on Rte. 28 and certain side streets. 28 at several points along the Esopus. Some of these are located between Shandaken and Big Indian. Another is near Peck Hollow.