Otsego Outdoors

October Mushroom and Foraging Walk
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Fetterley Forest, 302 Roses Hill Road, Richfield, NY, 13439
Explore the world of wild fungi and plants with OCCA during a special foraging-focused walk on Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. Certified mushroom forager Shane Gardner will be joined by local herbalist and farmer AC Hill for this two-hour guided outing through the woods. Together, they’ll introduce participants to a variety of mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and edible plants that grow in local forests, fields, and even backyards.
You’ll learn how to observe, identify, and understand the roles these species play in natural ecosystems, with plenty of tips for safe and ethical foraging. While harvesting for eating is not part of this program, participants are welcome to gather samples for closer examination during the Q&A session at the end of the walk.
Curious, hands-on learners of all experience levels are welcome. Registration is required—sign up on the OCCA website.

The 11th Annual Arc Otsego Hot Cocoa 5K Run & 1K Walk, Run & Roll 2025
2025-11-02 10:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
When you walk, run or roll the Arc Otsego’s Hot Cocoa 5K or 1K, you are helping make life sweeter for people with developmental disabilities! Proceeds benefit The Arc Otsego’s Helping Hands Fund which assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to seize life’s opportunities and overcome life’s challenges.
You can sign up anytime between now and October 24th at 4pm.
Details: The 5K course will be fully in Neahwa Park! Two laps of the beautiful park will get you to our 5k finish. The Arc are excited to provide a fully in the park course, which provides better safety for runners, walkers, and rollers, and more spectators to cheer you on!
Times and costs are as follows:
1K, 9:30 a.m.
5K, 10:15 a.m.
1K, $15
5K, $25
Children under 5 free (shirt is not available)
Commemorative mugs may also be purchased for $5 each. Please refer to the registration form for more information.
You can also add a membership to The Arc Otsego for $10. This supports advocacy efforts, programs, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will receive a 10% discount at The Otsego ReUse Center and the Main View Gallery and Gift Shop for the year as a thank you for your membership!

Online registration will close Friday, October 24th. After that date please sign up on the day of the race in the park.
Register by 4 p.m. on September 24th to be guaranteed your shirt. Participants selecting youth sizes will receive a short-sleeve race t-shirt. Participants selecting adult sizes will receive long sleeve shirts. Registrations for kids under 5 are free and do not include a shirt.
Registrations after 4pm on September 24th are not guaranteed a shirt, but there will be additional available and The Arc will do their best to meet your needs on a first come, first serve basis for those registering after September 24.
Sponsorship opportunities are available! For more information, visit, contact Faith Tiemann, Chief Marketing Officer, at tiemannf@arcotsego.org
Additional Information:
Early packet pickup will be held at The Arc Otsego, located at 35 Academy Street in Oneonta, on October 29th from 930am to 6pm, and October 30th, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Same-day packet pick up will be held at the Oneonta Outlaws Clubhouse from 7:45 -9:15 a.m. on Sunday. November 2.

Registration will close Friday, October 24, 2025. After this time, you may register day-of in Neahwa Park.

Free Fishing Day in New York State
2025-11-11 | NY
Free fishing days offer residents and non-residents who are 16 and older* to fish without a freshwater fishing license (*Kids under 16 can always fish for free!).
2025 Free Fishing Days Schedule

February 15-16 (President’s Day Weekend)
June 28-29
September 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day)
November 11 (Veterans Day)

These days offer the perfect opportunity to try out fishing for the first time, to get back into the sport, or to take a friend or the whole family along to fish! Even though a license is not needed, all other fishing regulations apply.

The Eagle Guy: A Life with New York’s Majestic Raptors
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Clark Sports Center, 124 Co Rd 52, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for a captivating talk and slideshow with Scott Van Arsdale, retired Fish and Wildlife Technician with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as he shares stories from a career spent working up close with some of our most iconic birds of prey.
Scott will trace the remarkable history of eagles in New York, including the highly successful bald eagle restoration program. He’ll recount firsthand experiences—from climbing into treetop nests to wintertime capture missions involving both bald and golden eagles—and explore current threats to these powerful raptors.
About the Speaker:
A Finger Lakes native and SUNY Cobleskill graduate, Scott served more than 30 years with DEC, much of that time based in Stamford. He is the author of The Eagle Guy, a memoir chronicling his decades of fieldwork. Scott now lives in the Town of Otego.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear from someone who’s spent a lifetime helping eagles soar.
Scott will have his book for sale after the talk.
Register on the OCCA website.

Tree Walk: Revolutions in the Village
2025-11-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Cooperstown, NY
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for a guided tree walk through the Village of Cooperstown during this year’s Glimmerglass Film Days and in partnership with the DEC Community and Urban and Forestry Grant. Led by OCCA’s Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish, this walk invites participants to explore how trees embody Revolutions, not just as symbols of growth, change, and renewal but as living forces shaping the health and resilience of our communities. Meet on Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 pm at the Village Library of Cooperstown.
In a small village like Cooperstown, trees are quiet yet powerful allies. They cool streets and homes, buffer noise, clean the air, and provide beauty and shade that enhance daily life. Their roots help manage stormwater, protecting Otsego Lake, the source of the Susquehanna River, from erosion and pollution. Each tree contributes to the broader ecological revolutions that sustain the watershed and the planet.
As you meander through Cooperstown’s tree-lined streets, you will reflect on how nature’s steady cycles mirror the theme of this year’s Film Days and how even in turbulent times, trees remind us of balance, interconnection, and the possibility of renewal.
This program is free and open to everyone. Register here.

Hike with ADK at Robert V. Riddell State Park
2025-11-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750
All welcome to take a guided hike with members of the Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). Meet at 9:45 am for information and check in, hike begins at 10 am. See susqadk.org/outing-schedule for more details and information on where to meet.
The Chapter offers Tuesday hikes weekly and longer hikes once a month on Saturdays.

Cranksgiving Oneonta
2025-11-22 11:00 - 14:00 | Otsego Bicycles, 74 Water Street, Oneonta, 13820, United States
Come join Otsego Bicycles for the first ever Cranksgiving Oneonta, a food drive on two wheels on Saturday, November 22nd from 11am to 2pm. Part bike ride, part scavenger hunt, Cranksgiving is a fun way to bike around town while gathering donations to support Your Safe Haven food pantry. All you need is a bicycle, a lock, and a bag. The event is free, but you’ll need $10-$20 to purchase food.

You’ll pedal the streets as you search for specific items at various stories around town. Once you’ve collected all the items and arrived at the finish, the food will be donated to the needy. Cranksgiving is a national event that occurs in over 100 cities across the country, now including Oneonta!

This event welcomes everyone: very casual riders as well as cycling enthusiasts. For those looking for a challenge, this event will include an optional “three hill challenge” in addition to the usual stops. And yes, there will be prizes, donated by local businesses.

Aim to arrive at Otsego Bicycles (74 Water Street, Oneonta) at 11am on 11/22 for registration. The ride kicks off 11:30am. See you there! We will have more details to follow in the coming weeks.

Hike with ADK at Wilber Park
2025-11-25 09:30 - 12:00 | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820

Day After Thanksgiving Hike
2025-11-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
Join the Otsego County Conservation Association for their annual Day After Thanksgiving Hike at beautiful Glimmerglass State Park. On this Friday afternoon, trade the shopping crowds for fresh air and fall beauty as you explore the park’s trails and shoreline.
Led by OCCA Assistant Director, Shelby MacLeish, this leisurely hike will focus on tree identification in the fall, discovering what plants and fungi are still growing this time of year, and enjoying the stunning views of Otsego Lake. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, walk off your Thanksgiving feast, and celebrate the season with friends and family.
All are welcome—bring sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and get ready to #OptOutside!

Hike with ADK at Wilber Lake
2025-12-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Wilber Lake, Oneonta Creek Trails, Wilber Lake Rd, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Hike with ADK at Table Rock Trails
2025-12-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Table Rock Trails at Hartwick College, Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820

Hike with ADK at SUNY Oneonta College Camp
2025-12-16 09:30 - 12:00 | SUNY Oneonta College Camp, College Camp Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Hike with ADK at Neahwa Park
2025-12-23 09:30 - 12:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States

Hike with ADK at Neahwa Park Holiday Display
2025-12-23 09:45 - 12:00 | Neahwa Park, Bertus Lauren Drive, Oneonta, NY, 13820, United States
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) offers guided hikes each Tuesday morning. Meet at 9:45 am for announcements and check in, and hike from 10 – noon or so.
Open to the public. They also have monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities. https://susqadk.org/outing-schedule/

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2025-12-30 09:30 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States

First Day Hike at Gilbert Lake State Park
2026-01-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
Celebrate the start of 2026 with a hike!
This is a self-guided hike opportunity with no official hikes scheduled. The trail will be open for hiking, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, dancing, and sledding – any movement encouraged! The most popular trail would be the Lake Trail. The Lake Trail is just over a mile with minor hills. We will also have a path cleared on the road around the lake for easier walking on the pavement with the other half of the road being our groomed skiing path (snow pending). Dress for the weather and bring ice spikes or walking sticks to help in case of ice! Meet at The Briggs Pavilion and the hike has options range between 1 and 3 miles. No registration required.

First Day Hike at Glimmerglass State Park
2026-01-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, United States
After checking in at the park office for swag/giveaways (first come, first served basis), hikers will head towards the beach parking areas. From there, they can hike the Beaver Pond trail which is a 0.5 mile easy walk. We will have a small bonfire near Beaver Pond and some hot cocoa. All the trails will be open if you want to explore your own path! Please bring proper clothing, footwear, hiking poles and your camera! No registration required.

Intro to Snowshoeing at Pine Lake
2026-01-08 16:00 - 18:00, 2026-01-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
The Pine Lake campus of Hartwick College is offering two Intro to Snowshoeing classes, open to the public, on January 8 and January 15, 4-6 pm. Each session costs $5 and includes instruction on techniques, gear, and cold-weather trail safety. Snowshoes and hot chocolate provided. Register in advance
Any questions please contact pinelake@hartwick.edu

Homeschool Nature Walk with OCCA
2026-01-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Parslow Road Conservation Area, 127 Parslow Road, Oaksville, NY, 13337, United States
Bundle up and join us for a cozy winter walk along Oaks Creek at Parslow Road Conservation Area on January 9 at 1 pm. Together we will explore how the creek and surrounding forest change in the colder months, looking for animal tracks in the snow or mud, winter buds on trees and shrubs, and signs of birds and other wildlife that stay active all year long. We will pause often to observe, listen, and ask questions, encouraging children to use all their senses to notice the quiet details of the winter landscape.
This homeschool-friendly program is geared toward school-age children and their families, with activities and discussion adjusted to suit a range of ages. The trail may be snowy, icy, or muddy, so please dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear. Feel free to bring a notebook or nature journal if your child likes to sketch or write about what they discover.
Please register in advance.

Frost Fest at Pine Lake
2026-01-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
The Pine Lake campus of Hartwick College will host the first-ever Frost Fest, free and open to the public. The event will feature open-fire cooking, hot yoga, sound bathing, bread making, challenge education leadership opportunities, snowshoeing, a hot cocoa bar, and much more. Come on by, no RSVP required.

Hike with ADK at Gilbert Lake State Park
2026-01-20 09:45 - 12:00 | Gilbert Lake State Park, 18 CCC Rd, Laurens, NY, 13796, United States
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club leads a guided hike every Tuesday at locations in and near Otsego County. Free and open to the public. See website for details. Meet at 9:45 am to brief talk/sign in, hikes usually last until 11:30 or noon.

Reporting Invasives with iMapInvasives (Zoom meeting)
2026-01-21 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
Learn about some of the common and high priority invasive species in the Otsego County area, the impact they have on our native plants and animals, and how you can help by using the iMapInvasives website and app to report them when you find them.
iMapInvasives is an online, collaborative, GIS-based database and mapping tool that serves as the official invasive species database of New York State.
This program is a collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego Counties Master Gardener and Volunteer program, and will take place on Zoom. Please register at occainfo.org. You will receive a Zoom link and instructions on how to set up a free iMapInvasives account later on.
Reporting invasive species on iMapInvasives counts toward the Otsego Outdoors Winter Octet Challenge!

Wilderness First Aid Course
2026-01-24 08:00 - 2026-01-25 17:00 | Hartwick College Pine Lake Campus, 1894 Charlotte Creek Road, Oneonta, NY, 13820
The Pine Lake campus of Hartwick College is offering a two-day Wilderness First Aid course. Learn essential skills for responding to injuries and emergencies in remote outdoor environments.
The course will be held 8 am to 5 pm on January 24 and January 25.
$350 fee includes certification, textbook, and supplies.
Overnight accommodations are available, contact pinelake@hartwick.edu for details..
Register in advance, space is limited.

Hike with ADK at Riddell State Park
2026-01-27 09:45 - 12:00 | Robert V. Riddell State Park, NY-28, just north of I-88 Exit 17, Davenport, New York, 13750

Hike with ADK at Wilber Park
2026-02-03 09:45 - 12:00 | Wilber Park, Albert Morris Drive, Oneonta, New York, 13820

Cooperstown Winter Carnival
2026-02-05 - 2026-02-08 | Cooperstown, NY
The 58th annual Cooperstown Winter Carnival features a variety of indoor and outdoor activities open to all. Past carnivals have included sledding, geochacing, winter hikes, and more ways to enjoy winter. You can also take part in the Bob Smullens 5K or 10K.
See website for full schedule. www.cooperstownwintercarnival.com

Bob Smullens 5K/10K
2026-02-07 09:30 - 11:30 | Cooper Park/National Baseball Hall of Fame, 25 Main Street, Cooperstown,, NY, 13326, United States
The Smullens 10k/5k is one of, if not the oldest races in our area. The race will return to being an out and back race for this 53rd Anniversary Event.
Day of registration will begin at 9:00am in Cooper Park, next to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. The race will start at 10:00am sharp and awards will be distributed as soon as you cross the finish line.
https://us.mapometer.com/running/route_5420539.html
https://us.mapometer.com/running/route_5420540.html

More info/registration

Trout Unlimited Monthly Meeting
2026-02-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Sixth Ward Athletic Club, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta, NY
Join anglers and learn about local fishing with the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Our presenter will be Dan Stich. Dan is a Professor at SUNY Oneonta. He works with students in their studies of fish and their habitats. His students’ research ranges from sea-run fish to aquatic plants and even oxygen in lakes and rivers. The common thread in all the student projects is using data and statistics to understand how fish and other organisms respond to environmental and human changes. This presentation is open to the public and is free of charge.

Please note new location for meetings at the 6th Ward Athletic Club

Hike with ADK at Fortin Park
2026-02-10 09:45 - 12:00 | Fortin Park, 101 Youngs Road, Oneonta, NY, 13861, United States
