Visitors Encouraged to Get Outside Safely and Responsibly Practicing Social Distancing During COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that it will be temporarily suspending all overnight camping at the Otter Creek Horse Trail facility, effective immediately, to help limit the community spread of COVID-19. Day-use of the area is still allowed but water and restroom facilities are not available. Parking is available in the overflow area, as well as camping loop area #1. DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to get outside safely and responsibly during the COVID-19 public health crisis by recreating locally (using the hashtag #RecreateLocal) and practicing appropriate social distancing.

The Otter Creek Horse Trails are a series of interlocking horse trails comprising about 65 miles. The horse trails are located on both the Independence River Wild Forest Unit of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and on the Independence River and Otter Creek State Forests on the western border of the Adirondack Park in Lewis County. More information about the Otter Creek Horse Trails is available on the DEC website.

While enjoying time outdoors, New Yorkers should follow CDC/NYS Department of Health (DOH) guidelines for preventing the spread of disease:

• Try to keep at least six feet of distance between you and others;
• Avoid close contact such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing binoculars;
• Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available; and
• Avoid surfaces that are touched often such as handrails, doorknobs, and playground equipment. 

DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) are encouraging New Yorkers to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 response. DEC and State Parks recommendations incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encourage New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice physical distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others. In addition, DEC and State Parks launched the #RecreateLocal hashtag and encouraged New Yorkers to get outside and discover open spaces and parks close to home.