Delaeare-Otsego Loop

The Delaware Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary trails begin at the DOAS parking area on Franklin Mountain in Otsego County. This interconnected network of Red, Blue, and Yellow marked trails winds through mature hardwood forests, open meadows, and ridgecrest habitats managed for bird conservation. Starting on the Red Trail, hikers can follow gentle inclines past interpretive signs and forest edges before turning onto the Blue or Yellow Trail to explore spur routes leading to ridge overlooks or shaded ravines. Atop the ridgeline, a short spur leads to the Franklin Mountain Hawk Watch—an established raptor migration site offering sweeping views of the Susquehanna River Valley. The route offers excellent birding throughout, especially in spring and fall, with opportunities to spot hawks, eagles, and songbirds along the way. Trails are well-marked and suitable for casual day hikes in Central New York, but visitors should be prepared for occasional muddy sections and avoid peak hunting periods.