Clark Tower Trails
Beaver Meadow Road, between County Route 52 and Apple Creek Road in Cooperstown, NY
The Clark Tower property features more than 500 acres of woodlands, fields and farmland just outside the Village of Cooperstown. There are multiple trails within the property. One way to get to the Tower on top of the hill is by following the carriage road from Beaver Meadow Road, walk up hill, and you can catch a view of Cooperstown and Otsego Lake across the field. The carriage road turns left for a while, then make a left on a short steep incline. At the top, make another left, this will take you past the tower. Take a look around the fenced in Tower. The shortest route back is (with your back to the tower) take a left. This will take you back to the carriage road.
The Tower was inspired by towers in Ireland and built by F. Ambrose Clark. AllTrails has a longer 3.6 mile hike mapped, or you can explore the trails on your own. The trails are used for hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking. The cross country team of Cooperstown Central School hosts meets here.
Getting There
Trailhead at Clark Tower Trails, off Beaver Meadow Road. Please note there are no signs for the trail.
Trails can be accessed via the gate at Beaver Meadow Road, approximately .3 miles south of the intersection of Beaver Meadow Road and County Route 52 in Cooperstown. Park on the southbound side of the road. Start your hike at the property gate on Beaver Meadow Road (42.681465, -74.913634). The trailhead is next to the Robert F. Clark Field, a large field enclosed with a black fence that hosts the Leatherstocking Sheep Dog Trials in the summer.
Please note that there are no restrooms available.
What Octet-ers are saying:
3/12/24 “Large muddy puddles across trail in spots. Peaceful place to explore. Love the view of Otsego Lake across the field at the top of the carriage road. Took a walk with a friend and her son and we didn’t tell him the tower was there, was fun to see him ‘discover’ the tower.”
1/15/23 “Kid-friendly walk, but watch for dog poop on trail.”
1/8/23 “Hands down my favorite hike. I need to explore some of the other trails there.”
12/28/22 “Hiked a mile, saw one other hiker and the beautiful tower.”
12/8/22 “Snowy fun!”
11/29/22 “Nice walk. Very well maintained.”
11/23/22 “Lots of trails to explore.”
11/9/22 “Unique fun. Need markings on trees.”
10/28/22 “Interesting tower and grave.”
10/15/22 “All time favorite place to hike.”
9/27/22 “Nice wide trails. Lovely woods, unique stone tower.”
