Robert B. Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center
2316 State Route 80 (entrance on the north side of Owen D. Young Central School)
Van Hornesville, NY
Please note: The School Superintendent has asked that people use the Woodruff Learning
Center on weekends, school holidays, and summer vacation so the school day is not interrupted. The trail is closed to the public 7:30 am to 3:30 pm when school is in session.Â
Head to Herkimer County, just a few miles from the Otsego County border, for this very special place. The nature trail will take you to the gorge of the Otsquago Creek where you’ll see waterfalls, small limestone caves, and some evidence of old mills. A stairway takes you down to the creek at the base of the main falls. Picnic tables available.
Want to know more about the tufa caves? Here is an interesting article from the Altamont Enterprise.
Getting there:
Take the driveway on the north side of Owen D. Young Central School. Head down the hill and bear to the left; it is a short distance to the parking area and entrance by the bridge. Plenty of parking around the community garden.
Find out more:Â https://www.odyoungcsd.org/page/woodruff-outdoor-learning-center
What Octet-ers are Saying:
4/3/23 “Slushy snow on top of ice. Recommend wearing Yaktrax or similar traction on your boots. About five inches or so of snow and ice on trail.”
6/23/22 “Love all the waterfalls, so peaceful!”
7/7/22 “Awesome! Best hike yet!”
8/13/22 “Beautiful walk with lush plants, waterfalls, streams, clearly marked paths, families and dogs enjoying themselves, caves. Truly beautiful.”
10/2/22 “This is a great place for a walk. Some of the small stairs along the path need repair, but the main one to the large waterfall is fine.”
Photo credit: Katie Boardman
