Take the Summer Octet Challenge from Otsego Outdoors
The new Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet includes state forests, state parks, local parks, Otsego Land Trust properties, private property open to the public, and the New Lisbon Ride which links Gilbert Lake State Park and Texas Schoolhouse State Forest. By completing eight activities between June 21 and September 21, participants can earn a free embroidered Summer Octet patch and get listed on the Otsego Outdoors Challenge Roster.
“Doing the hikes with my kids was the best. They are gaining a love for nature and adventure, I hope they will keep that love forever.”
“Doing the hikes with my kids was the best. They are gaining a love for nature and adventure, I hope they will keep that love forever,” said Paula Wengert of Burlington Flats, NY, who completed the Spring Octet Challenge with five of her children. “The Otsego Outdoors website made organizing these hikes so much easier.”
Since Otsego Outdoors starting offering Octet Challenges in February 2021, there have been more than 500 Challenge completions, totaling more than 4,000 hikes, paddles, and cycling routes throughout Otsego County. Octet-ers have ranged from young children hiking with parents or grandparents, to an 84-year-old woman who made a point to note her age on her activity log. Some complete the challenge solo or with a dog, others hike or paddle with friends or family members. Hikes range from one to four miles, and participants can choose their own distance when paddling or cycling.
The Summer Octet offers a “Your Choice” option, so people can get credit for swimming, horseback riding, fishing, berry picking, camping, geocaching, or any summertime outdoor activity. People also can get credit for participating in guided hikes and paddles; lake, river and trail clean-ups; and other outdoor events that are listed at otsegooutdoors.org.
A collaborative effort of Otsego 2000, the Otsego Land Trust, and the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA), Otsego Outdoors connects people with year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors throughout Otsego County. A new Octet Challenge is offered each season.
“The Fetterley Forest trail is one of the best short hikes,” according to Greg Farmer, Executive Director at Otsego Land Trust. “It’s a gradual ascent to the overlook where you can gain a clear view of Canadarago Lake and Deowongo Island. If you’re more inclined to an upper body workout, there’s nothing better than renting a canoe or kayak at the Brookwood Point conservation area.”
“The menu of challenges this summer offers many opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors,” said Jeff O’Handley, OCCA’s program director. “In addition to the hikes and bikes and berry picking, we hope some will join us in some of our dirty and wet invasive species activities.”
Destinations new to the Octet Challenge are Bear Swamp State Forest, the Robert V. Woodruff Outdoor Learning Center, Emmons Pond Bog, and New Island. Organizers noted that not all destinations are located within Otsego County, but are all within 10 miles or so of the County. “The Woodruff Center in Van Hornesville has lovely waterfalls, and the Emmons Pond Bog is a great place to hike,” said Peg Odell, program and communications manager at Otsego 2000. “Participants tell us they love to explore new places, so we’ve widened our scope and welcome suggestions for new places and events to include.”
The view from Bear Swamp State Forest is wonderful even on a cloudy day.
On June 20, Tom Walsh completed a 208 mile continuous thru-hike to all 25 state forests and state parks in Otsego County to raise funds for Otsego Outdoors and Bassett Cancer Institute. He also used the hike to promote the many green spaces in Otsego County. “Bear Swamp State Forest is a favorite of Tom’s so we’re glad to add it to the Octet Challenge,” said Odell. “There’s a wonderful view hiking along the Roseboom Forest Access Road.” (He is nearing his fundraising goal, donate today.)
To participate in the Otsego Outdoors Summer Octet, go to www.otsegooutdoors.org for information on the featured trails and an activity log form. The website also lists upcoming trail work days, lake clean-ups, and outdoors events. Anyone with questions about the program can call 607/547-8881 or email outdoors@otsego2000.org.