Tom Walsh will attempt to walk to all 20 state forests in Otsego County as well as 5 Otsego Land Trust conservation areas on a continuous thru-hike that will cover more than 200 miles. Starting from his home in Worcester, NY on or about June 1, Walsh plans to hike through all 24 Otsego County towns, all 20 of its state forests, and 5 of the Otsego Land Trust conservation areas.

He is using the hike to raise funds for and awareness about Otsego Outdoors and the Hannah-Lee House. The Hannah-Lee House in Cooperstown serves as a home away from home for patients or family members with a loved one receiving care at Bassett Medical Center, the Bassett Clinic, and the Louis Busch Hager Cancer Center, which houses the Bassett Cancer Institute. Otsego Outdoors connects people with year-round recreational opportunities and offers seasonal Otsego Octet challenges. It is a joint program of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust, Otsego Country Conservation Association, and Butternut Valley Alliance.

“There’s three reasons I do this,” said Walsh, who is 65 years old and a cancer survivor. “One is to raise money, two is to raise awareness about the Hannah-Lee House and Otsego Outdoors, and three is a personal challenge.” He noted that his route calls for him to walk about 12 miles a day for three weeks.  “Hiking 12 miles a day for days in a row will be a challenge,” he said. He said that knowing people have pledged to donate funds for each forest he reaches is a motivating factor. “It helps keep me going, knowing if I reach the next forest, that means more funds go to the Hannah-Lee House and Otsego Outdoors,” he said.

You can support Tom in his quest by pledging a certain amount per forest/conservation area he reaches. There are a total of 25, so if Tom is successful in his goal, a $1 pledge will be a $25 donation, a $5 pledge will be a $125 donation. You can also make a one-time donation.  All funds will be split evenly between the Hannah-Lee House and Otsego Outdoors.

This is Walsh’s fourth charity hike. Last year he hiked to all state parks and state forests in Otsego County and raised funds for the Bassett Cancer Institute and Otsego Outdoors.

What is the Route?

Starting in Worcester, Walsh will walk to Decatur State Forest, Maple Valley State Forest, R. Milton Hick Memorial State Forest, Bear Swamp State Forest, Honey Hill State Forest, Cherry Valley State Forest, Lordsland Preserve, Roseboom State Forest, Compton Bridge Conservation Area, Greenough Road Conservation Area, Parslow Road Conservation Area,  Fetterley Forest Conservation Area, Exeter State Forest, Plainfield State Forest, Basswood Pond State Forest, Hartwick State Forest, Texas Schoolhouse State Forest, Calhoun Creek State Forest, Wagner Farm State Forest, General Jacob Morris State Forest, Arnold Lake State Forest, Milford State Forest, Susquehanna State Forest, Hooker Mountain State Forest, South Hill State Forest, and then back to Worcester.

Meet Tom

Want to find out more? Tom Walsh will be at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, 101 Main Street in Pioneer Alley in Cooperstown, on Saturday, May 27 from 9am to noon. He’ll answer questions about his hike and you can also pledge or donate there if you wish.