Friends of Otter Creek Horse Trails

July 27, 2024

FOCHT hiked Payne Lake trail last night and cleared the trees across the trail. Anything can happen overnight, so if you ride it today and come across trail blockage, please let us know.
[email protected]
In a couple weeks, FOCHT will be finishing our trail work on Shady Trail, near Gods Grace, on the southern end of the trail system, so be on the lookout. Safety signs will be near where we will be working.
Remember, volunteering is a great way to contribute to the trail system and it’s fun! You get to meet new like-minded folks….Lunch, drinks and tools are provided, we are always happy to have help.
Email [email protected]
Enjoy riding this beautiful weekend!

July 26, 2024 4:30 pm.
We have observed a notable decrease in the water level at the small stream crossing at the end of Dragline Trail, which leads to High Banks Trail, despite the rain that occurred last night. The depth of the water has decreased to about a foot and has returned to normal. It has been insightful to explore the trails on foot and witness the extent of damage that high wind and water can cause to trail and roads in a short period.
This weekend is shaping up to be one of the nicest weekends we have had so far….so pack up your horse gear and come to The Otter Creek Horse Trail System for some pretty spectacular trails and scenery!
And don’t forget to sign in at the assembly area kiosk. It lets the DEC know that we use this trail system and don’t want to lose it.

July 25, 2024 8pm

Trail Update!
Bailey road and bridge are open. Gravel was brought in and the right side before the bridge was widened and repaired by the town of Watson. New brackets are on the bridge. Dragline trail is still rocky but there is no water over the trail and the small ford crossing is approximately 3 feet deep on the way to High Banks Trail. Remember that Bailey bridge area is a local swimming spot and horses are not allowed in the water there, according to DEC.
FOCHT hiked one mile into Burnt Creek Trail to access the damage and see what we need to bring with us for clean up. There are some major trees down with go arounds and the mud is deep in spots and slippery. It’s incredible the amount of damage we have had from the storm. The most impressive part is that the trees snap at the top, leaving a mess on the trails.
Enjoy the pics below!

July 25, 2024

Good Morning trail riders.
Stewards of the FOCHT will be checking on the Bailey Road today to see if it is passable and what truck activity is there on the road. We also hope to evaluate Burnt Creek Trail. Stand by for pics!
Also, the information found on this page concerning trails and road closures comes directly from the DEC to us. Please feel free to share this information, copy and paste, but we ask that you not reword or alter these posts in any way when you do.
If you would like to volunteer with us OR to report trees across the trail please
Email [email protected]
We can quickly access the damage, and if the DEC needs to be involved we can notify them.
Stand by!

Written July 24th 2024:
ATTENTION all trail riders, please be aware that Bailey Road is currently closed due to the presence of large trucks transporting gravel and rocks. Not sure how long this will be closed so be aware. It was also reported that The Burnt Creek Trail has over ten large trees down. There are go arounds, but keep it in mind as this trail by itself can be a challenge.
This trail is only accessible by foot carrying chain saws, fuel etc. not an easy task, so it will be attended to ASAP.
The DEC has notified FOCHT that they currently have numerous roads closed due to washouts, from the last storm, which are their top priority at this time.
As far as we know, the trails are in good shape. If you come across downed trees that need clearing, please take a photo, mark the location acurrately and send to:
[email protected]
Interested in volunteering:
1. Trail work
2. Fun Ride/September 7
3. Donate prizes for Fun Ride
4. Season opener, pick, pack and prune
We love our volunteers…if this sounds like something you would like to try, please contact us at the above email.
Thanks!

The phrase 'all roads lead to Rome' was shared with us by a wise friend. The Elbow Trail proved to be an exception, leading nowhere and rendered almost impassable by fallen trees snapped at the top, from recent storms, making it a hazardous undertaking by horse.
Below are some shots of Elbow Trail, Old Number Four Trail, and last, Proceeding Trail. All clear, safe and passable for all.
FOCHT trail stewards headed home when we heard the coyotes howl at dusk.
Enjoy!

A current picture of the bridge at Florence Pond Rd

On July 9th, trail stewards from The Friends Of Otter Creek Horse Trails gathered at Hiawatha and Glenwood Trails to do more repair work. Wow, it was a sultry, HOT day, but we managed to spread three dump truck loads of material , 60 tons worth, moved it up the trails and had a great time doing it. We kinda have it down to a science!
First we put the fabric down and then the sand/gravel mix was was put down in low wet spots along the trails.
Our thanks to everyone who donates to FOCHT as this is exactly what the funds are used for, gravel, sand and trail work!
Thanks to three volunteers, Jane, Dave and Karen for helping also. Many hands make light work…
Enjoy the pics below and thanks for your support. We really have the best trail system in NYS!
Interested in volunteering for our next project? We supply lunch and it’s fun!
[email protected]

Good afternoon!
Please keep in mind that horses are not permitted at Sand Pond, swimming area. There is no swimming for horses or watering horses there. There has been an increase of horse sightings at Sand Pond and horses have been recently spotted and reported to be defecating in the pond. It is a family lake and there are lots of children who swim there. While it is unclear if some trail riders are followers of this FB page, (Friends of Otter Creek Horse Trails) it is worth sending out a friendly reminder to everyone. Thank you!

The 2024 riding season is now in full swing! Giddy-up!
We have had a bit of rain, some very high temperatures last week, (96 degrees!) and some spectacular weather this week with 70 degree temps, a slight breeze and no bugs!
Yesterday included a trip through the assembly area to survey the number of picnic tables needing replacement, we are working with the DEC on this project.
At this time, We urge all riders to sign the registration form at the kiosk. This lets the DEC know that the camping and the trail system is being used to full capacity over the summer, which in turn puts the assembly area in a more favorable light for annual funding.
FOCHT will be starting our trail work repairs soon, in and around the assembly area, so be on the lookout for our signs!
We are also in need of a few strong-backed volunteers for raking and spreading gravel as we bring it in. We provide lunch! Please contact [email protected], if you are interested in helping.
It’s a great feeling to ride a trail and have the bragging rights that you actually worked on it!
Eatonville trail, which was closed for the power line construction, is now open. Information was posted at the kiosk.
There has also been black bear activity in the assembly area.
Be sure to mark your calendars for September 7, 2024, as the annual FOCHT Fun Ride comes to town!!!!!
For those new to the Fun Ride, it’s a pre-planned trail route through the forest from the assembly area, back to the assembly area, with fun trail stations along the way! Chicken barbecue lunch is provided after the ride and drawings for prizes. It’s a great way to make friends, wrap up the riding season and support FOCHT.
Keep an eye on our FB page for upcoming information on trail work!

Friends of Otter Creek Mens and Womens T's ($25), 1/4 Zips ($40), and Hats ($25) are available. Your donation for these items will support the maintenance and repair of the Otter Creek Horse Trails. To purchase while at Otter Creek text Liz at 315-771-8884 for directions. 5 min from Assembly Area. Sorry no shipping.

Looking for Otter Creek Horse Trail Maps?

These maps have the mileage of each trail, GPS points in case of emergencies, and are sized perfectly to fit in your pocket and are available;

Near the trails on Stony Lake Road:

· The Tack Shop, 7728 Stony Lake Rd, Glenfield, 315-591-4262

Lowville area:

· Monnat Brothers, 6631 Rt 12 South of Lowville, 315-376-3722

· Countryside Vet Clinic, 7364 Utica Blvd, in Lowville, 315-376-6563

· Miller’s Meat Market, 6525 Number Four Rd, Town of Watson, 315-376-6553

Great Bend:

· Bill’s Feed Service, 25027 Woolworth St, Great Bend, 315-493-9505

Good morning all Trail riders of Otter Creek and welcome to the 2024 riding season! We are off to a great start, our pick, pack and prune was very successful, and the trails are in great shape.
The Eatonville Trail is still officially closed from the road up through the power lines, according to the information sent to me by the DEC.
Power line contractors and the DEC will be meeting next week to discuss trail closures adjacent to the power line.
Stay tuned for updates and Ride safely….

I was mistaken about date for Fun Ride, it is set as first Saturday after Labor Day, so it will be on the 7th of September 2024.

Millers Meat Market is now offering Food to Go. If you don't want to cook while camping it's an easy stop on your way in on the Number Four Rd. Here's the summer line up starting Memorial weekend!

On Saturday, May 11th, 2024 FOCHT hosted our spring , Pick, Pack and Prune event at the DEC Otter Creek Assembly Area. We all enjoyed hot coffee and donuts before heading out on the southern trails. The northern trails have all been checked.
Trail Stewards and volunteers covered the southern zone of the trail system, removing trash, trimming branches and those certified for using chain saws, removed large trees and moved them off the trail.
The first loop of the Assembly Area and is open for use with the other two loops opening soon.
Trail riders are already camping in the first loop!
FOCHT has again placed a Porta-John in the overflow lot for day riders use.
The trail system is in great shape with a few spots that are waiting attention from DEC Operations Crew.
FOCHT will be starting some trail maintenance and repairs, when
volunteers will be needed and always appreciated. Please keep checking on The FOCHT FB page for upcoming projects you might be interested in volunteering for. We love our volunteers and lunch is always provided! It’s a great time for meeting other like~minded folks whether you ride or not!
If you happen to be out riding and notice trees across a trail or another hazard, please note the location, a picture is great if possible and email the information to:
[email protected]
Thank you again for all of your support throughout the year with volunteering and donations to the the FOCHT to help maintain our fabulous Otter Creek Trail System.

My campers found this on the northern trails this past weekend. Looks like it was recently dropped. If it's yours text Liz at 315-771-8884. Thanks.

WooHoo! New 2024 inventory of Friends of Otter Creek Mens and Womens T's ($25), Womens 1/4 Zip Pullovers ($40), some unisex Hoodies($35) and Hats ($25). S,M,Lg XL, 2XL sizes. Lots of colors.
No shipping available but when you're at Otter Creek text Liz at 315-771-8884 and I'll tell you where to pick up. All proceeds go to the horse trails.

Where to Find Otter Creek Horse Trail Maps for the 2024 season….. –
 Monnat Brothers, 6631 NY-12, Lowville, NY 13367
 Miller’s Meat Market, 6525 Number Four Rd, Lowville, NY 13367
 Countryside Vet Clinic, 7364 Utica Blvd, Lowville, NY 13367
Also, check out the amenities on the Eatonville Re-route located on the south side of the Eatonville bridge, which utilizes an old railroad bed, which ran from Glenfield to Brantingham across the Black River operated by Keystone Chemical:
 Water Access
 Picnic Table
 Tie Rail
 Mounting Block
 Panel Map

4/24/24

I will be there with my very best voice and a microphone.

🥰🐴 please share! Can’t wait to see everyone!

Spring is right around the corner so some of the Friends of Otter Creek are out and about hiking the trails. Here are some updates on Eatonville.......
Of note:
* The water access to the creek looks OK with a little work – cut a tree limb, a little fill. It is down stream from the original.
*The Panel map was requested by the DEC Rangers since the location is a good rendezvous spot. The Friends supplied it!
* Friends has an accessible table ready to be transported to this spot to replace this old one. It is very scenic.
* Check out the new design for the Mounting Block.

Good Morning All,

These pictures of the Eatonville Trail re-route for water access away from the picnic area, were taken last weekend on a dog walk with Jeanne. Of course, this weekend it is going to be snowing….

Of note: The water access to the creek looks OK with a little work – cut a tree limb, a little fill. It is down stream from the original.
The Panel map was requested by the DEC Rangers since the location is a good rendezvous spot.
Friends has an accessible table ready to be transported to this spot. It is very scenic.
Check out the new design for the Mounting Block.

The 7th printing of the Otter Creek Horse Trail maps has arrived.

Jeanne has banded them in packages of 10, with 3 locations
where they will be available this year other than from Will and Mary on Tractor Rd.:

Monnat Brothers Inc., 6631 NY=12 South of Lowville.
Countryside Vet Clinic,7364 Utica Blvd. in Lowville
Miller’s Meat Market, 6525 Number Four Rd, Watson.

When you visit these businesses, please thank them for making these important and popular maps available. If you cannot wait the map is available for download from the Friends of Otter Creek website.

For everyone wanting to know about Allison Halverson’s services so that we can honor her, here is the information:
LDS church
53 Nelson Ave
Pulaski 13142
3/15/24
Services 12:00 noon
Lunch 1:00
Please share ❤️

With the riding season coming to a close, we have information to share with everyone.
NYS DEC has posted that the water at the Assembly Area will be turned off October 12, 2023.
The Eatonville Trail will be closed on October 12th, for continued work on the power line project.
FOCHT is reviewing trail repair projects with the DEC, and planning for next years trail work.
Trail Stewards put at least 200 tons of material down on trails just this season!
Mark your calendars for next May when we have our annual PICK - PACK and Prune trail clean up day. A definite date will be set in early spring and posted here.
In the meantime, look forward to our 2024 riding season by riding along with us on our FB page for some beautiful Fall pics, Winter pics and Spring pics, of our fabulous trail system!
Please be advised of the hunting season in the Northern Zone already in progress. Wear bright colors!
Check the NYS DEC website for detailed information. https:// www.dec.ny.gov
Thank you everyone for your continued support for our great trail system!
****TRAIL PROJECT suggestions should be emailed to: [email protected].
While we can’t promise anything, your suggestions will be heard and taken into consideration.
Happy Trails !!

Once again, AND, for the last time this season, Trail Stewards of The Friends of Otter Creek Horse Trails, met at the Assembly Area today. We worked to move material down Twin Ponds Trail, onto Glenwood Trail, spreading approximately 40 tons of material down Glenwood Trail.
While there is more work to be done on that trail, it will not be scheduled until next year.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us through donations, volunteering or being a sponsor of our Fun Ride. It is through these donations that we are able to continue working on the trail system.
In the next coming months, we will be meeting with the NYS DEC to plan for more Trail projects in 2024. This is all possible because of your support!
Please check our page for continued updates and plans for next season, along with some Fall Foliage trail pics of our beautiful trail system.
Happy Trails!!
FOCHT