Get Outdoors
The new Otsego Outdoors Winter Octet Challenge features multiple trails to embrace winter and enjoy the outdoors. There’s also a “your choice” activity, so you can get credit for sledding, ice skating, or other winter fun in Otsego County. Why not try a First Day Hike at Glimmerglass State Park or Gilbert Lake State Park? And, a new option, get credit for reporting invasive species. Complete 8 of the activities by March 19 and earn a free patch, free waterproof sticker, and a listing on the Challenge Roster. Here’s the 26 Winter Octet challenge log 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
Ice Skating in Otsego County - For many winter fun means skating. In Otsego County, there are rinks at Glimmerglass State Park, Fortin Park (Oneonta), and Badger Park (Cooperstown). It takes sustained cold temperatures and prepping… READ MORE
Enjoy Winter Festivals - Shake off cabin fever and get outside to enjoy a Winter celebration. Participating in an outdoor event counts toward your Otsego Outdoors Winter Octet Challenge, and is a lot of… READ MORE
Apple Picking and Corn Mazes - Why not combine a hike with apple picking or doing a corn maze, that will get you two activities complete for the Fall Octet, while you make some fun fall… READ MORE
Accessible Boat Launches in Otsego County - Accessible launches are designed to offer a way for people with mobility challenges, people in wheelchairs, and people living with disabilities to more easily enter and exit a boat. Because… READ MORE
Hot Spots for Blueberry Picking - Blueberry picking counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet Challenge. Here's some u-pick blueberry farms in and around Otsego County for you to visit. READ MORE
Goodyear Swamp Boardwalk Reopens - The boardwalk trail at Goodyear Swamp Sanctuary has officially reopened. READ MORE
What Is Community Science? - OCCA's Kendall Jacob on "community science" and its benefits for the environment and community, and how you can get involved. READ MORE
Nature-Themed Summer Camps in and near Otsego County - Check out this list of nature-themed and outdoor-based nature camps in Otsego County. READ MORE
Spring Waterfalls - Spring may mean more muddy trails, but it also means waterfalls are at their peak. At Robert V. Riddell State Park, use the Gersoni road trailhead (just south of I-88… READ MORE
Take a hike after work - Consider an after work or after school hike today. The sun doesn't set until 7:02 pm on March 11, last light is 7:30 pm, and days will continue to get… 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.
