With so much natural beauty to explore in Cooperstown, visitors can fill their getaway with scenic views and hikes. One of the hidden gems of Cooperstown, Council Rock Park, is just a short walk or bike ride from The Otesaga. For travelers who want to combine a bit of history with their outdoor adventures, a stay at our upstate New York hotel is a must and Council Rock Park a can't-miss stop on your itinerary.
An Inspiring View
Council Rock Park is the perfect place to see where Otsego Lake meets the Susquehanna River, beginning its journey through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay. Located at the bottom of a stone staircase where Lake Street and River Street converge, the park is an ideal spot to dip your toes in the water or sit on a bench and quietly contemplate the natural beauty of the landscape. From the shore, you can observe the rock peeking above the surface of the water.
A Historic Place
For history buffs, the park offers something more than an ideal space to observe the picturesque scenery, with two historical markers adorning the entrance at the top of the stairs. The first denotes Council Rock as a meeting place for Native Americans, an idea mentioned by James Fenimore Cooper in his novel The Pioneers. Members of the Mohawk and Oneida Nations occupied this region both before and after the arrival of settlers and likely used the area around the lake for seasonal hunting and fishing camps. The second marker is for Clinton's Dam, an important moment of the Revolutionary War which is also mentioned in The Pioneers. In 1779, a temporary dam was built by General James Clinton's troops to raise the level of the water in the lake. When they broke the dam, the troops were able to use the rush of water to help propel their supply-heavy boats down the Susquehanna River to rendezvous with troops in Tioga. The goal of this expedition was to target Iroquois villages, which were believed to be aligned with the British.
For a bit of history and a quiet spot to enjoy the beautiful lake views of Cooperstown, Council Rock Park checks off all the boxes. Whether you're in the mood for a pleasant walk or a bike ride, The Otesaga offers the perfect starting point for your adventure!