Posted: April 17, 2024Why Octet?
“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 places I had no idea existed.”
Lisa Lawrence of Richfield Springs completed her first Octet Challenge this winter. “I recently moved to the area from California and, having only spent the summers in New York before, I was worried about having to be stuck inside all the time due to bad weather. But there is so much beauty to be found here even when it is cold and dreary outside. I have seen rushing creeks, numerous birds, fascinating fungi, and abandoned ruins. I didn’t even know there were so many trails within a short drive from my house, but now I have new favorites that I can’t wait to try again as the seasons change. I am so grateful Otsego Outdoors does this challenge so that I could work towards a goal while improving my mental and physical health, as well as spending time with my dog outside,” says Lawrence.
Many people credit the Octet Challenges for letting them know about new trails and activities. “Some of the trails and areas for this Octet were places we were familiar with. Some we had never been to, and some we didn’t even know about until doing the Octet. The Octet Challenge motivated us to get out and explore some new places in the county,” says Bob Simmons of Edmeston.
Jonathan and Mojedeh Rapp of Oneonta have completed three Winter Octet Challenges. “It gets us out of the house and into the strikingly beautiful countryside of Otsego County,” says Jonathan Rapp.
“My advice to anyone thinking about trying the challenge is to just do it,” said Saunders, who has completed all 13 Octet Challenges. “Choose a trail, bring water, great hiking boots, and let the journey begin! If I can do it, you can too!”
Featured activities for the Spring Octet Challenge include hiking at state forests, state parks, Otsego Land Trust properties, and privately owned land open to the public, such as the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary, and the Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College. By completing eight (an Octet) of the featured activities, participants receive a free patch, waterproof sticker, and a listing on the Otsego Outdoors Challenge Roster.
Participants, called “Octet-ers,” also get credit for attending events, such as the OCCA Earth Fest on April 20 and On the Trail of Art, an annual Butternut Valley Alliance event which will be held June 8-9 at Texas School House State Forest. Check out the events calendar for upcoming bird walks, mushroom walks, trail clean up days, races, and more. “There are a lot of great events coming up, and most are free. It’s a great way to learn something new and connect with others who share your interests,” says Peg Odell, who manages the Otsego Outdoors program at Otsego 2000.