Fetterley Forest Conservation Area, Blueway Trail, Canadarago Lake Overlook
Activities: Hiking
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 0.45 – 1.07 miles
Fee: No
Location: 302 Roses Hill Road, Richfield, New York
Trailhead is on a seasonal road, so it is not recommended in snow or after a heavy rain. There is parking by a cell tower on Roses Hill Road just up from the designated parking area and trail head. Park at the cell tower, and walk down Roses Hill Road to access trails. Cell tower location is: 42°48’34.6″N 74°58’45.8″W. With the view of Canadarago Lake, it’s worth the effort!
Located on the high point of Panther Mountain, Fetterley Forest is on the ridge that runs east of Canadarago Lake and Oaks Creek. With panoramic views of Canadarago Lake and Deowongo Island, Fetterley Forest is a working forest, sustainably harvested for generations. Otsego Land Trust maintains ecologically diverse and scenic trails suitable for hiking or snowshoeing and marked by business card sized, blue trail markers on the trees.
Parking is welcome near the kiosk, and once you’ve signed in there, follow the trail markers on the opposite side of the road, near the electricity poles. Directly across from the Fetterley Forest sign, is the beginning of the Overlook Trail which sweeps through the full canopied Fetterley Forest. Once you reach the overlook, enjoy the breathtaking vista of Canadarago Lake and the Otsego Land Trust owned Deowongo Island, also open for day trips, hiking, and picnics.
Access to Fetterley Forest is by a seasonally maintained road which makes winter access very difficult. The best time to visit is June-November. In muddy or snowy conditions, you can park on Roses Hill Road before it becomes a seasonal road and then walk downhill to the trailhead.
Overlook Trail: 0.45 miles
Forest Trail: 0.52 miles
Vernal Pond Loop: 0.10 miles Make sure to visit this in spring!
Combine trails for 1.07-mile loop
FetterleyTrail Map
Other Amenities, Features, and Activities: information kiosk, parking, dogs allowed, vistas, fall foliage, bird watching, views
What Octet-ers are saying:
7/30/24 “Haze and clouds. 1.25 miles. Cool breeze for half the walk, loads of berries and wildflowers. Appreciated the mowed trails.”
5/30/24 “Lots of spring flowers. Heard pileated woodpecker, blue jay, catbird, and robin. Gorgeous views of lake and island.”
5/14/23 “Lots of pitcher plants along the Forest Trail. Heard, then saw two scarlet tanagers. Overlook is beautiful as always. A lovely spring walk.”
7/2/22 “Easy trail for young kids.”
6/30/22 “Always beautiful.”
6/28/22 “Overlook is spectacular.”
6/27/22 “Love this hike and beautiful view of the island I paddled to earlier in the day.”
6/26/22 “Beautiful view of Deowongo Island.”
6/12/22 “Leaves me wanting more.”
Site Maintained by Otsego Land Trust
