Tug Hill Outfitters
Guided kayak & canoe trips. Kayak lessons. Skiing & snowshoeing events.
Upcoming Events
Events Planned in 2023
CNY Fall Adventure Challenge
When: Sunday, September 24, 2023
Where: Kasoag Lake Tavern & Grill in Williamstown, NY
There are wo race options to choose from:
The CNY Fall Adventure Challenge is a 3 – 4 hour adventure race that includes hiking, biking, and paddling. You’ll need to bring bikes (any bike will do), and you can bring your own boat (kayak, canoe, or other non-motorized boat) or rent one from Tug Hill Outfitters. This race has something for everyone. It will be very beginner/family friendly, but also include a series of “pro” points for experienced adventure racers/navigators. Pro points will include more challenging off-trail navigation, primarily on foot. The race will last between 3 to 4 hours. Distances and times are still being finalized.
The CNY Fall Adventure Paddling Challenge is a paddling only event, where you’ll use kayaks, canoes, or other non-motorized boat to find hidden checkpoints on a small lake, using only a map and compass to navigate. You’ll have 90 minutes to find as many hidden checkpoints as you can before time runs out. There will be beginner/family friendly points, and some “pro” points for racers looking for a bigger challenge.
Boat Rentals:
For both events, Tug Hill Outfitters has kayaks that can be rented for the race at $10 per solo kayak, $15 per 2- person tandem kayak, and $20 per canoe (which can fit between 3 to 4 people). Available boats are limited, so please reserve yours early. To reserve a boat, when registering for the race, you can choose to add a boat from Tug Hill Outfitters, in the “add ons” section. Note that this does not guarantee you a boat until it has been confirmed by Tug Hill Outfitters. Payment for the boat rental will be charged separately.
Event Details/Race Rules:
When you check in for the race, you’ll be given a set of maps with marked checkpoints. Each of these checkpoints represents a flag that’s hidden on trails, water, or woods, for you to find. If it’s labeled a bike checkpoint, you’ll have to get that checkpoint on your bike (any bike will do for this race as there will be no technical off-trail riding), if it’s on the water section, you’ll need to paddle to find that point, and some points will need to be retrieved on foot. You will be given 3 to 4 hours to complete this race. No GPS allowed. All checkpoints are optional. Teams will use the provided maps and a compass to find as many checkpoints as they can before time runs out. Teams can find as many or as few checkpoints as they want, and there is no requirement to stay out for the full 3 to 4 hours, but trust us, the time will go quickly! Think of this race as a choose your own adventure…you pick your route, your speed, and the level of intensity. Teams must return to the finish line before the race cut-off time (which is still being determined), or they will lose 1 checkpoint for every minute they’re late. Team sizes can range from 1-6 people (cap of 4 people for adult teams, but families can race with up to 6 people). Prior to the race there will be a free navigation clinic for newcomers so you can learn some adventure racing strategy and practice navigating using a topographic map and compass.
CNY Fall Adventure Challenge Event Schedule (tentative)
- Packet Pick-up & Map Distribution – 9 -10:00 AM
- Pre-race strategy and navigation clinic – 9:30 – 10:00 AM
- Pre-race briefing – 10:15 AM
- Race Start – 10:30 AM
- Race Finish – 1:30 or 2:30 PM
- Post-race awards – TBD
CNY Fall Adventure Paddling Challenge Event Schedule (tentative)
- Packet Pick-up beginning at 10:30 AM
- Pre-Race navigation clinic – 11:15
- Pre-Race briefing 11:30
- Race will start after all paddlers from the other race have cleared the paddling section – ~12:00 PM
- Race Finish – 1:30 PM
- Post Race Awards – TBD
This year we’re trying something different to keep costs down. The cost of the race is enough to cover our insurance, land-use permits, marketing, and printing costs. There is an optional $10 T-shirt that can be added during registration. The race is being held at Kasoag Lake Tavern & Grill, which has delicious pub style food and a full bar so that anyone can grab food on their own and support this awesome local business after the race.
Registration includes – registration fees, one set of race maps per team, prizes for winning teams in each category, and a free navigation clinic.
Race Team Categories:
Men’s, Women’s, Non-binary Solo Racers
Men’s, Women’s, & Mixed Gender 2 person teams
Men’s, Women’s, Mixed Gender 3 or 4 person teams
Families of 2 to 6 person teams
Prizes for top finishers in each category
Questions: Contact Tug Hill Outfitters, tughilladventures@gmail.com; 315-807-3696
Past Events
Tug Hill Extreme Adventure
Saturday, June 3, 2023 – This race has two options, a 12 hour adventure race, and a 3 hour beginner/family friendly race (trekking only) will take place in Central New York, on the southern end of the Tug Hill Plateau, at Osceola Ski & Sport Resort. Navigate trails and remote woods to find hidden checkpoints using only a map and compass. Teams of 1-4 people. Approximate distances are TBD. Disciplines for the 12 hour race will include mountain biking, trekking, and paddling. Bring your own kayak or canoe. Lots of off trail navigation. The 12 hour race is part of the ARWS NA circuit and a USARA points race. If you’re training for a longer adventure race or are new to the sport, these races have something for everyone! See the event page for additional details. Registration is open!
Saturday, June 4, 2022 – This 10 -12 hour adventure race, will take place in Central New York, on the southern end of the Tug Hill Plateau. Navigate the course to find hidden checkpoints using only a map and compass, while trekking, mountain biking, & paddling. Teams of 1-4 people. Approximate distances are TBD. Disciplines will include a mountain biking, trekking, and paddling. Bring your own kayak or canoe. Lots of off trail navigation. If you’re training for a longer adventure race or are new to the sport, this race has something for everyone! See event page for additional details.
Tug Hill Yeti Quest
Planned for January/February 2023 – location, Osceola Ski & Sport Resort.
Tug Hill Outfitters is hosting a fun, challenging, yeti themed adventure race on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in Williamstown, NY. There will be 3 hour (snowshoe) and 6 hour (snowshoe or snowshoe/ski) race options. Teams will navigate the course using only a map and compass, no GPS allowed, and compete to see who can find the most checkpoints in the least amount of time. If teams don’t make it back before the time cut-off, they will lose 1 checkpoint for every minute they’re late. A long sleeve performance race T-shirt, 1 set of maps (per team with the option to purchase an extra set during registration), post race snacks & pizza, hot chocolate, and one craft beer per person, is included in the registration price. Team sizes can range from 1-6 people (cap of 4 people for adult teams, but families can race with up to 6 people).This race has something for everyone, from families and newcomers, to competitive adventure racers and orienteering teams who are looking for a fun challenge in a cool place! If you’re into trail running, hiking, geocaching, treasure hunting, or have seen Eco Challenge Fiji on Amazon, this race and the sport of adventure racing are for you! We’ve got some serious fun in store for you, from a lively prologue to some exciting on course surprises! Are you yeti? Additional race details and registration, can be found here.
Family Paddling Day w/ Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust
Bring yourself, bring the family, and join us for a fun paddling day on the West Branch of Fish Creek on Saturday, July 31st. We’re partnering with Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust on their event to provide equipment rentals for those who do not have their own boats, as well as kayaking instruction and trip guides for a fun and easy paddle. The trip (Gifford Lake) will begin at the Westdale, NY boat launch to Gifford Lake and back, on beautiful Fish Creek (~1.5 – 2 hours round trip). Those with their own canoes or kayaks are also welcome to join!
CNY Fall Adventure Challenge (2021 & 2022 – Annual Fall Event)
Race through the woods with only a map and compass to see which team is the fastest to find all of the checkpoints. Check back in Summer 2022 for registration & event details. This race has something for everyone, from families and newcomers, to competitive adventure racing and orienteering teams who are looking for a fun challenge in a cool place! This year we’ll be hosting the event at Little Salmon Farms in Parish, NY.
Tug Hill Yeti Quest
Saturday, January 28, 2023 – location, Osceola Ski & Sport Resort.
Registration is live! Tug Hill Outfitters is hosting a fun, challenging, yeti themed adventure race on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in Osceola, NY. Race details can be found here. There will be 2 – 3 hour (snowshoe or cross country ski races) and 2 – 8 hour (snowshoe or snowshoe/ski races). Teams will navigate the course using only a map and compass, no GPS allowed, and compete to see who can find the most checkpoints in the least amount of time. If teams don’t make it back before the time cut-off, they will lose 1 checkpoint for every minute they’re late. A long sleeve performance race T-shirt, 1 set of maps (per team with the option to purchase an extra set during registration), post race snacks & pizza, hot chocolate, and one craft beer per person, is included in the registration price. Team sizes can range from 1-6 people (cap of 4 people for adult teams, but families can race with up to 6 people).This race has something for everyone, from families and newcomers, to competitive adventure racers and orienteering teams who are looking for a fun challenge in a cool place! If you’re into trail running, hiking, geocaching, treasure hunting, or have seen Eco Challenge Fiji on Amazon, this race and the sport of adventure racing are for you! We’ve got some serious fun in store for you, from a lively prologue to some exciting on course surprises! Are you yeti?
End of Summer Kayak Extravaganza
The End of Summer Kayak Extravaganza includes a full day of kayaking fun for all ages, a 2.5 hour group paddling lesson with demos of self and assisted rescues, Stellar Kayak demos and sales, and a paddling scavenger hunt on Kasoag Lake! Grab your friends and family and try to find all of the flags hidden on the lake and receive a prize! Sign up for one activity or the full day. Kayak rentals will be available for the event, please reserve in advance through the registration form. We hope to see you there!
Kayaking Skills Demo & Paddle on Kasoag Lake
Are you interested in improving your kayaking skills or learning how to kayak? Do you want to make new friends who love kayaking as much as you do? Join Tug Hill Outfitters for a fun event where you’ll learn about different types of kayaks, tips for getting in and out of your boat, stroke techniques, and watch demos of self and assisted kayak rescues, then enjoy a guided paddle on Kasoag Lake.
Kayak Demo Day at Kasoag Lake
Are you thinking about buying a kayak, or thinking about upgrading your current kayak? Come out to Kasoag Lake Tavern & Grill to test paddle different types of kayaks, including several types of recreational kayaks, performance touring kayaks, and surf skis. Test one kayak or try them all! We’ll also be available to answer questions about the different types of boats, paddles, and more.
We have Hurricane Santees, Perceptions, Wilderness Systems Pungos, Current Design Kestrals, Epic touring & surf skis, and Stellar touring & surf skis. Contact us with questions.
2022 Ski/Snowshoe Day (Saturday, February 5, 2022)
Join us for our first ever XC ski & snowshoe days. On Saturday, January 15, we’ll be open from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM for skiing and snowshoeing. This event is weather/snow dependent. Keep your fingers crossed for snow! Our trails will be groomed for classic and skate skiing. We have approximately 3k for skating and 6k for classic, including beginner to intermediate terrain. Our trails will take you through beautiful remote woods, through fields and over streams. Prices are $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6 – 18, and kids 5 and under are free. We have 10 pairs of snowshoes available to rent (contact us to reserve in advance). We do not have ski rentals available, bring your own skis. Please note that this is our first year in operation and we’re working on refining our grooming and trail system. We’d love your feedback and can’t wait for you to come try our trails! Also of note, our facilities are limited to a porta potty, and one single person heated changing area. We do not have food or beverages for sale, so bring your own water and snacks. We are planning to have some hot chocolate on hand.