Clark Tower

Beginning near the intersection of County Route 52 and Tower Road southeast of Cooperstown, the Clark Tower Trail follows a series of old estate paths winding through mixed hardwood forest. From the trailhead, follow the main path uphill through shaded terrain until reaching a Y-intersection—stay left to approach the stone ruins and continue toward the prominent Clark Tower, a gothic-style structure built in the 1800s. The tower sits at a high point offering filtered views of the surrounding countryside and glimpses of Otsego Lake to the north. Several short side paths branch off the main route, some leading to secondary clearings or viewpoints. The terrain is mostly gentle, with a few brief steeper pitches on the approach to the tower. Expect occasional muddy or overgrown stretches, as the route is unofficially maintained. Seasonal streams may cross the path but are not reliable for drinking. Return to the trailhead along the same route or continue following estate roads to complete a short circuit. The hike offers a quiet, history-rich walk through Central New York woodlands capped by one of the area’s most distinctive landmarks.