Re: RC: New York Trails

[Lynn Kinsky <lkinsky@silcom.com>]

>Hi,
>
>I am looking for some information that I know the Ridecampers from New
>York State can give!  Several years ago, I camped at a place called
>Otter Creek in the north of the state.  It had wonderful trails, and
>even supplied standing stalls for those who wanted them.  Great for
>training!
>I have searched for information, but just can't seem to find it.    Does
>anyone know if there is a site for this place?   I did try the NY Horse
>Council, but can't get beyond their book.  Thanks in advance.
>
>Helen McMaster
>Ont. Canada.

The following information is posted at
http://www.horseandmuletrails.com/Ny.htm

>The Otter Creek Horse Trails
>
>Location: Greig & Watson, Lewis County, NY
>Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
>Camping: Free at this time (may change in 1998)
>Trail Miles: 65+
>Maps: Available from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Region
>6, RD 3 Box 22A, Lowville, NY 13367, phone 315-376-3521.
>USGS Quad: Crystal Dale & Brantinham; 7.5'
>Multiple Uses: Camp, Fish, Hike, Horse, Snowmobile, Cross-Country Ski
>Driving Directions: From the NY State Thruway (I-90), take NYS Route 12 to
>Glenfield. Turn right into the hamlet of Glenfield (Main Street). Turn
>east (right again) onto Greig Road. Follow Greig Road to the end. Turn
>left onto Pine Grove Road. Follow Pine Grove Road 1.2 miles and turn right
>(east) onto Chases Lake Road. The entrance to the Trail System,which leads
>directly into the Assembly Area, will be approximately 3.4 miles on the
>right.
>Submitted By: Anne O'Dell
>
>More information from: Jim Ives
>Just got back from riding in Otter Creek State park and thought I would
>give you some details.
>The place is really tailored for the horse people. They have free camping
>with about 100 tie stalls. Picket lines are not allowed. Coggins tests and
>health records are mandatory if you want to stay in the camp ground. All
>of the stalls are under roof and have running water near by and a dump
>station for campers with holding tanks. They have one facility with
>running water (cold) and toilets but no showers. Also have firewood cut
>and stacked for you to use (Free if you can believe it). This is the first
>year for no picket lines and to prevent turning people away they put in a
>large overflow area for additional camping.
>Most of the trails are sand with some gravel. Not much in the way of rough
>terrain. All of the trails are kept in very good condition and marked
>clearly. Blow downs etc. are kept cleared. They also have picinic tables
>and places to tie the horses at some of the scenic areas along the trail.
>You will occasionally run in to some ATV's but they are very considerate
>of the horse people. A camping permit is required if you are staying more
>than 3 nights which I believe they issue after you arrive.
>The park ranger and his staff are very accomodating and really help to get
>you settled in for the stay. With the number of rigs over the weekend
>(full house) I was amazed at how quiet it was by 9 P.M.
>Also on the way home we saw signs for a place in Brookfield New York that
>is supposed to have 160 miles of trails. It is about 20 miles south of
>Utica on Route 12. I don't have any details on this place yet, but
>according to people that I talked with at Otter Creek this place was
>started first and Otter Creek was tailored after it. They said it is also
>quite nice.
>If you have any questions, please feel free to E-mail me. Happy Trails, Jim
>Submitted by: Jim Eves


Lynn Kinsky (Santa Ynez, CA)
http://www.silcom.com/~lkinsky