Great Rides

Otter-ly Accommodating Trails

Otter Creek Horse Trails provide a sweet retreat for the rugged camper or the comfort seeker.
By JILL SCHELLENBERG

Otter Creek Horse Trails

NEW YORK

If You Go:

Jill Schellenberg was the Fall 2013 editorial intern of the Paint Horse Journal. To comment on this article, email feedback@apha.com.
68 JANUARY 2014 PAINT HORSE JOURNAL

COURTESY VISITADIRONDACKS.COM and HORSE CAMPS AT OTTER CREEK HORSE TRAILS

ften overshadowed by the city that carries its name, New York is epitomized by more than just skyscrapers and throngs of people. Upstate New York houses the immense 6 million-acre Adirondack Forest Preserve and its beautiful adjoining Otter Creek Horse Trails. The 65-mile trail system is part of the Tug Hill region, running along the Independence River Wild Forest Unit of the states forest preserve. The trails wind through a diverse area of vegetated ats, wooded areas, sh-stocked lakes and several river tributaries. Trail riders encounter a range of terrain from at sandy roads to forested paths to hilly climbs, making it ideal for any level trail rider. Shallow creek crossings and wooden bridges make up just some of the trails anatomy. Otter Creek features four mounting platformsat the trailhead and at three scenic overlooksallowing riders to dismount and enjoy the expansive views. Riders should keep their eyes peeled for wildlife as the region boasts deer, bear, coyote, fox, snowshoe hare, grouse, wild turkey and many other birds. A forested escape from civilization, Otter Creek is far from uncivilized and has numerous accommodation options. For the die-hard outdoorsman, campers have the option of pitching tents or parking recreational vehicles at the parks campsite or at the privately owned Horse Camps at Otter Creek Horse Trails. For riders looking for the comforts of home, Horse Camps at Otter Creek also offers a variety of cabins to rent, complete with Paint Horse-friendly stabling and hay. I dont think there is a bad season, Horse Camps at Otter Creek Horse Trails Partner Liz Hirschey said. The spring is fun because you can see so much more in the forest before all the leaves mature. Summer is great and not terribly hot given you are in Upstate New York. In the fall you get the foliage, and who doesnt like that? A place where trail riders can go and enjoy the richness of nature, Otter Creek is a getaway from the urban world and a retreat for any variety of equestrian.

Best Times: Open for horses May through October, Otter Creek Horse Trails are best enjoyed from spring until fall. Even at peak summer months, the area temperatures average a comfortable 70 degrees. For fall foliage, late September to mid-October sees climax color change. Note that water at the parks campsite is turned off after Columbus Day and not turned on until mid-May. Trail Amenities and Fees: Like entrance to the park and forest preserve, camping at the trailheads Assembly Area campsite is free. At this exclusively equine, rst-come-rstserved facility, campers will nd a parking area and bathrooms with sinks and toilets, but there are no electricity outlets or showers. For your Paint Horse, amenities include 100 roofed tie stalls, two stud stalls and a portable water system. Horse Camps at Otter Creek offers a variety of other comfortable accommodations for horse and rider for an affordable price. Horse owners should carry a current negative Coggins certicate with them, and out-of-state riders should carry a 30-day health certicate as well. Upon arrival to the Assembly Area, each camping party must complete a self-issuing camping permit. For More Information: To learn more, visit New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8088.html or visit horsecampsatotter creek.com for additional accommodation options.