Get Outdoors
Happy Winter! The new Otsego Octet Challenge is here, complete 8 of the activities by March 19 and earn a free patch, free waterproof sticker, and a listing on the Challenge Roster. Plus, you can earn credit toward the Winter Octet by participating in an outdoor event, (check out the First Day Hikes on Jan. 1), volunteering, and completing a “your choice” outdoor activity. The Winter Octet Challenges have been the most popular–help make this the best one yet! Find out more.
Distinguished by rolling hills and winding country roads, Otsego County is excellent for bicycling. Area cycling masters and backcountry mountain bikers have shared their tips so you can find the best rides on the road or through the woods and river valleys.
Plan your hike today. Through forests, past stone walls, over hills, around lakes, and along streams–the variety of hiking areas in Otsego County is remarkable.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing become possible on many hiking trails when snow conditions are right. Year-round outdoor rambles are at your fingertips–just don’t tread in the ski tracks!
Public access paddling put-ins are scattered around Otsego County. Listings include ideas for where to go and what to look for on the water. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and creeks are available with descriptions of suitability for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
News & Reviews
Geocaching in Otsego County - Who doesn't like to search for treasure? Many have found geocaching as a fun addition to hiking. It especially helps motivate kids on the trail, changing "are we there yet?" to "let's find the geocache!" Thank you to J. Gibson of Worcester, NY, who often goes geocaching with her family and friends, for sharing her… READ MORE
Tom’s Hike Complete for Otsego Outdoors and Bassett Cancer Institute - On June 17, Tom Walsh of Worcester started to hike the Long Path, from Thacher State Park in Albany County to 175th Street in Manhattan. An avid hiker, volunteer and cancer survivor, Walsh is using this 360-mile trek as a personal challenge and to raise funds for Otsego Outdoors and the Bassett Cancer Institute. READ MORE
Why Octet? - Lucky 13! The new Otsego Outdoors Spring Octet Challenge is the 13th challenge offered by Otsego Outdoors. What motivates people to complete an Octet Challenge? “I started doing the Octet hikes to get out and about and explore the county during COVID,” said Andrea Saunders of Schenevus. “I've seen many beautiful trails and explored many… READ MORE
Experience the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway - When people talk of the Oneonta Susquehanna Greenway (OSG), it is often the Silas Lane loop in the west end of Oneonta that comes to mind. Completed in 2006 with the purpose of reconnecting city residents with the river after I-88 was built, this popular trail was merely the first section of a larger vision,… READ MORE
Nature Backpacks at the Library - Library users can now check out Otsego Outdoors Nature Backpacks at local libraries. The Nature Backpacks, which are available at all Otsego County public libraries, contain pocket magnifiers, binoculars, bug boxes, and field guides about wildlife, birds, trees, and wildflowers. “I’m very excited that member libraries in Otsego County have taken advantage of this great… READ MOREPartner Organizations
Otsego Outdoors is a collaborative program that connects Otsego County residents, neighbors and visitors with year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The partner organizations are Otsego 2000, the Otsego County Conservation Association, the Otsego Land Trust and the Butternut Valley Alliance.
