Glimmerglass State Park, Cooperstown NY

For this trip Glimmerglass State Park was our furthest point north and a wonderful park to cap the June adventures.  As the saying goes, "Life happens while you are making other plans."  Our plans were an extended trip but Life was a family issue that demanded attention in Florida.   Not a problem as life is an adventure and we can enjoy each day as it unfolds.

Glimmer Glass - Lake Otsego

The name Glimmerglass implied sparkling and shining something but what?  When you look at Lake Otsego you understand Glimmerglass.  The lake sparkles under the blue sky and reflects the forest covered slopes. A bit of reading informs the visitor James Fenmore Cooper dubbed the lake Glimmerglass.  This 600 acre park rolls across the hills which were once part of the 120,000 acre estate accumulated by George Clarke around 1800.   

Now don't fret, there were several generations of George Clarke's.  Some were good stewards of the land and one that left it in disrepair.  After the neglectful George Clarke went bankrupt, George's son (yes, George) purchased the land at auction and restored the family property to the former grandeur.  You can tour the house, grounds, and museum which is on the park property and called Hyde Hall. 

There are several miles of trails in the park and we opted to bicycle these wide and inviting trails.  The route rambled up mountain side through forests, past the Hyde House, and descended to ponds and streams.  

An unexpected treat was viewing the oldest covered bridge in the USA.  As you can guess this was also underwritten by George Clarke for use on his estate.  It was built in 1824 by Cyrenus Clark (1772-after 1856), Andrew Alden (1785-1853), and Lorenzo Bates (1786-1859).

Looking up at the roof

Though no longer open to foot traffic,
it is an amazing structure

When in Rome, do as the Romans... drive the 8 miles into Cooperstown.  You know Cooperstown NY, the Baseball Hall of Fame.  As with many aging former resort towns a hook is needed to draw visitors and the Baseball Hall of Fame does it.  Each shop, restaurant, and lamppost proudly displays baseball logos, menu items, and posters.  The houses reveal a wealth Victorian past for this resort town.  And people still come for the ambiance and Baseball. 

A hotel that beckons you to stay the night

Still Lake Otsego is the dominant figure in the area.  It is a large lake that sparkles as it provides nutrition, livelihood, and recreation.

Glimmerglass dominates the area

Take the time to visit the area, you will not be disappointed.