Recreation
The Herkimer County area offers an inexhaustible number of leisure time activities. Whether indoor or outdoor, the opportunities for entertainment are practically endless. In addition to the many attractions found just minutes from home, residents are within an hour or two of every other region of the state except Long Island.
Golf
There are over 40 golf courses, public and private in the Herkimer County area. There are both 9 and 1 8 hole courses, and half of them are par 70 or better courses. More than 6 driving ranges, one of them indoors, and around 15 miniature gold courses dot the landscape.
Hiking
Part of the lure of Herkimer County is the ability to get out in the woods and back to nature. Miles and miles of trails crisscross the county and offer the hiker a wide variety of terrain and scenery to satisfy even the most discerning enthusiast. Just to name of few of our beautiful trails:
Nature Trail Along the Otsquago Creek, Van Hornesville, located on Route 80. There are waterfalls, above-ground caves to explore, a wooded trail to follow, picnic tables, grills, historical remnants, wild life and spring flowers.
Moss Island, Little Falls is located adjacent to Lock 17 on the Erie Canal System. Stop and see the lock on your way, this is the highest lift lock on the Erie Canal System. Moss Island has glacier-formed potholes that are 10+ feet deep on the edge of the island. There is a great wooded walking trail to get there from the lock.
Herkimer County Community College Nature Center Interpretive Trail is located behind the College. Discover that a forest is more than an area covered by trees. It is a community populated with an enormous variety of plants and animals. All interacting, interrelated, and interdependent.
Hunting
Hunting and trapping are a part of the history of our area. Native Americans and our early settlers began this proud tradition. Hunters are, of course, aware that this area was the home of Eliphalet Remington whose name still appears on guns made in Herkimer County. Deer, bear, rabbit, fox, beaver, wild turkey, pheasant and grouse all provide the hunter and trapper a challenge.
Fishing/Boating
Lakes and streams abound in the County. The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a pleasure boat paradise with over 12 miles of continuous lake travel. The Erie Canal also offers boaters a unique journey back to old canal days. Canoeing, kayaking and rafting are also part of the many water sports. Fishing has a long history here. Lakes, streams and rivers abounds with native fish. The West Canada Creek is considered by many to be one of the best trout fishing streams in NY State. Brook and lake trout, bullheads, whitefish, large and small bass, perch and sun fish are plentiful in our streams and rivers.
Baseball
Herkimer County has baseball teams from Little League to Collegiate. Check out the DiamondDawgs that play in Vets Field, Little Falls for some exciting college-level summer baseball action. Click here for their 2010 Summer Schedule.