Nestled in the southwestern edge of the scenic Schoharie County in Central New York, the small town of Jefferson is the perfect rural getaway without having to travel too far from the city. Jefferson is flanked by the cities of Albany to the east and Oneonta to the west, which means that getting here wouldn’t be a problem. Because Jefferson is mostly an agricultural town, you’ll get to enjoy the panoramic views of the farmlands surrounding the area. Beyond the farmlands, there are also state parks, forests, hills, and mountains that provide a beautiful backdrop that any nature lover would surely appreciate.
Yes, Jefferson’s landscape is definitely awesome but it’s more than just eye candy as there are so many fun things you can enjoy here, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Just beyond the town’s northern border, for instance, lies Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, a state-managed forest where you and your family can have a great time camping, biking, hiking, hunting, canoeing, and fishing. Aside from fun outdoor recreational activities, Jefferson’s charming small-town appeal makes it a great vacation spot for those looking to just take time off from the pressures of city life.
With so many fish-abundant bodies of water surrounding Jefferson, it’s not really surprising that one of the most popular activities here is fishing. There are creeks, brooks, streams, ponds, reservoirs, and lakes that support a wide array of game fish in and around the town that beginners and experts alike have plenty of opportunities to catch something. Favorite targets here include brown trout, rainbow trout, bluegill, northern pike, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and rock bass.
Fishing can be done in a lot of ways. For instance, one can rent a boat or go to one of the two publicly accessible fishing piers and fish the waters of Looking Glass Pond, a small but scenic pond located within Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest. You can also go fly fishing right off the banks of Betty Brook, Cole Hollow, Panther Creek, and West Kill—all of which can easily be accessible from the town of Jefferson. For the most hassle-free fishing experience in Jefferson and the whole of Schoharie County, we highly recommend booking a guided fishing tour. Yes, a local guide will not only take you to the best fishing spots, he or she will also be more than happy to teach you all the tricks of the trade.
If you’re planning a fishing trip in Jefferson, June, July, and August are the most pleasant months of the year to go fishing.
To fully experience Jefferson on your next trip, here are some of the top activities you should check out:
With state parks surrounding the town, locals and visitors alike can enjoy fun outdoor recreational activities such as camping and hiking.
History buffs can enjoy a day or two of visiting the historical locations and museums scattered around the whole Schoharie County and learn more about the region’s storied past.
Get to know more about the local art scene via the art galleries and museums within the county that’s just a few minutes’ drive from town.
Just the panoramic view of the town’s agricultural landscape can definitely reduce anyone’s stress - imagine this while enjoying a meal made from fresh farm produce