Get Outdoors

We have a new list of hikes and events for the Winter Octet Challenge, which runs from December 21-March 18. Complete eight of the featured activities and earn a free patch and/or vinyl sticker and a listing on the Challenge Roster. A new Octet Challenge is offered each season. Find out more.

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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.

Go! »

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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.

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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!

Go! »

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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.

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News & Reviews

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
Cross country ski tracks Want to try out cross-country skiing or snowshoeing? - Is this the winter you try (or try again) cross-country skiing or snowshoeing? In Otsego County, two local businesses can provide you with rentals. If you want to go further afield, The Rogers Center in Sherburne offers on-site rentals. Where to go? You’ll want snow at least three inches deep. Heidi Hofbauer-Buzzy of Alpine Awards… READ MORE
Help the Hemlocks - For some people, the best thing about winter cold is the disappearance of “bugs.” No more biting flies or mosquitoes, dangling caterpillars or buzzing yellow jackets. The insects that sometimes seem to plague our outdoor activities take a break, giving us a break in turn.  But there’s one insect that becomes more active in winter,… READ MORE
Mixed skate at Badger Park in Cooperstown Ice Skating in Otsego County - For many winter fun means skating. In Otsego County, there are rinks at Glimmerglass State Park, Fortin Park (Oneonta), Badger Park (Cooperstown), and at the Springfield Community Center. It takes sustained cold temperatures and prepping to get the rinks skate-able. We'll keep you posted as they open. 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 MORE
Kick off Fall with a Beer Hike - Sign up today to enjoy the Otsego Outdoors Beer Hike on September 23 at Brewery Ommegang. READ MORE
map of Tom's planned route 218 miles around Otsego County - Hike Complete! Find out about Tom Walsh's 218 mile continuous thru-hike around Otsego County to raise funds for Otsego Outdoors and the Hannah-Lee House. He also used the hike to promote the many green spaces we have here to enjoy in Otsego County. He created the route scouting out roadways and places to camp, and… READ MORE
On the Trail of Art - Excitement is building for this year’s On the Trail of Art. which will be held Saturday, June 10, 11am to 6 pm and Sunday June 11, 9am to 4pm at General Jacob Morris State Forest. Nearly 150 local students will be joined by over 35 professional artists for our third annual “gallery in the forest”.… READ MORE
Tom Walsh at Emmons Pond Bog Tom’s Charity Hike - Tom Walsh will attempt to walk to all 20 state forests in Otsego County as well as 5 Otsego Land Trust conservation areas on a continuous thru-hike that will cover more than 200 miles. He is using the hike to raise funds for and awareness about Otsego Outdoors and the Hannah-Lee House. READ MORE
Trout lily blooming among fallen leaves Catching Trout (Lilies) - I was in Oneonta for a spring chore, getting the snow tires taken off my car, and decided to add in a spring reward, taking a hike at Emmons Pond Bog and looking for spring ephemerals. These native wildflowers bloom in late April/early May as the ground warms but before the trees fully leaf out. READ MORE

Partner 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.

Butternut Valley Alliance logo