Compton Bridge Conservation Area, Blueway Trail, Oaks Creek
Activities: Paddling, Hiking
Location: 184 County Route 11c, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Difficulty: Easy Hiking, Easy-Moderate Paddling
Distance Hiking: 3-acre park, ¼ mile river frontage, 250-foot trail
Distance Paddling: 5-8+ miles
Fee: No
Strategically positioned at the confluence of Oaks Creek and the Susquehanna River, Compton Bridge Conservation Area is now open for hiking, fishing, canoeing and exploring. It is the first access point south of Otsego Lake in Cooperstown to the 444 mile Susquehanna River and marks the end of Blueway Trail* managed by Otsego Land Trust. This 3-acre parcel may be small, but it offers a quarter of a mile of frontage along the Susquehanna River for fishing and paddling access. Otsego Land Trust completed this public access site in partnership with the Department of New York State Environmental Conservation, Upper Susquehanna Coalition and Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. The site offers parking and a short trail from parking to the launch area.
For Paddlers:
This section of the Oaks Creek is rated as Class 1 water, fast moving water with riffles or small waves and is suitable for canoeing and kayaking. Popular trips include starting in Cooperstown on the Susquehanna and pulling out at Compton (5+ miles), starting at Parslow Road on Oaks Creek and finishing at Compton (8+ miles), starting at Compton and ending at Milford (8+ miles).
*About the Blueway Trail:
Sites along the Blueway Trail of Oaks Creek occur from Canadarago Lake in Richfield Springs to Compton Bridge in Cooperstown. Depending on the water level in the creek you can paddle from Canadarago Lake down Oaks Creek to Compton Bridge. This would be a full day trip. The upper section of Oaks Creek is generally very calm, flat water while the lower half of the creek is more swift and “creek-like.” Be aware that water levels in the lower half may be too low for paddling during a majority of the summer months. Also be aware that this area is known for having a large number of natural hazards such as downed trees.
Other Amenities, Features, and Activities: information kiosk, parking, dogs allowed, fishing
What’s nearby: Council Rock Brewery  Brewery Ommegang
Site Maintained by Otsego Land Trust and New York State Department of Conservation
