Glimmerglass State Park
1527 County Highway 31, Cooperstown, NY
Fee: No fee during fall, winter and early spring. There is a $7 entrance fee per car during swim season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). For information on passes, including the Fourth Grade Free Entry Program and the Golden Passport Pass for people 62 and over, see https://parks.ny.gov/admission/default.aspx
Activities: hiking, mountain biking, paddling, swimming, geocaching, birding, camping, picnicking, playground, winter sports
Glimmerglass State Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors at the north end of Otsego Lake, the “Glimmerglass” of James Fenimore Cooper’s Leatherstocking Tales. The rolling terrain of the park is partially wooded, with various ecosystems, wildlife, and points of historic interest.
Trail map
Sleeping Lion Trail
Sleeping Lion, an uphill wooded trail with views of Otsego Lake, is a multiple use trail marked with orange paint blazes Sleeping Lion Trail climbs moderately steeply, 435 feet, through a hemlock forest and then levels out along the shoulder of the mountain. The trail is suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. Well marked and well worn the trail offers difficult climbs for mountain biking with plenty of rocks and roots. Parts of the trail are wet, even in summer. The descent on the west side of the mountain offers views of Otsego Lake through the trees. The trail comes out on the road just west of Hyde Hall, a National Historic Landmark. Turn left on this road, passing Hyde Hall on the way back to the parking lot.
Other Amenities, Features, and Activities: picnic area, grilling station, fire pit, information kiosk/ranger station, map at trailhead, toilets, parking, camping, vistas, swimming, picnicking, camping, fishing, ice fishing, ice skating, tubing, running, birding, historic landmarks, covered bridge.
Winter Sports
The park now has snowshoe rentals available dawn to dusk, for $5 a day. Check in at the Park office sizes available for kids and adults.
There *may* be ice skating at the West Picnic Shelter, though the park has a staff shortage. For updates on skating, call the Park office at 607/547-8662 or check the Park’s Facebook page.
In 2025, the Park made the hard decision to stop offering winter tubing, there was not enough snow to consistently offer it on weekends.
Cross-country Skiing
The Beaver Pond, Meadow and Covered Bridge trails are all groomed for cross-country skiing (conditions permitting). Hikers welcome, but please do not walk in the cross country ski tracks.
Accessibility
The park has a Hippocampe wheelchair for people to borrow free of charge while at the park. The wheelchair also has a ski attachment for winter use. Call the park office at 607-547-8662 or stop by during office hours to reserve. In 2024, the Park installed an accessible kayak boat launch.
Swimming
Swim beach open Memorial Day to Labor Day There is a concession stand near the beach.
Kayak Rentals
Canoe and Kayak Rentals and Sales offers kayak rentals at Glimmerglass State Park in the summer.
Glimmerglass State Park website
Glimmerglass State Park Facebook Page
Glimmerglass State Park is part of the Central New York Geocache Challenge, a treasure hunt at New York state parks and historic sites.
What Octet-ers are saying:
6/7/25: “I did the covered bridge and Bluebird Trails today. I’ve done the Sleeping Lion Trail already. Two very enjoyable loops, a bit wet but saw many birds and deer along the way.
4/28/25: “Finally–a nice day to get out! Always good.”
7/27/24: “2.7 miles, hiked all of Beaver Pond Trail and parts of Bluebird and Covered Bridge Trails. Fantastic educational markers on Beaver Pond Trail.”
1/8/23 “The Covered Bridge Trail is very kid-friendly. Gorgeous walk.”
1/5/23 “Liked learning about the covered bridge. There were 3 women on horseback on the trail. What a surprise!”
12/28/22 “Did the Beaver pond and Meadow Trails. Parking is far away from the trailhead. Nice hike.”
6/30/22 Did the Beaver Pond Trail and stopped at the Covered Bridge
6/25/22 Wear bug spray!
Other visitors’ experiences:
Donna Morelli wrote an article for the Bay Journal about hiking the Sleeping Lion Trail, things to do around (and on) Otsego Lake, and the impact of the Clark family on conserving the natural beauty of the area.
What’s Nearby:
Hyde Hall Historic Site (located within Glimmerglass State Park)
Sunflower Cafe, 7629A State Highway 80, Springfield Center, NY (seasonal)
Shops and Antique Stores in Springfield Center
Site Maintained by New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
