East Branch Sacandaga River

Stretching between Wevertown and Wells along NY 8, the East Branch of Sacandaga River offers a picturesque route hosting roadside campsites and trailheads to secluded spots. While proximity to a well-maintained state highway makes these campsites accessible during shoulder seasons and winter (with snow shovel), traffic noise can be a drawback. The river features noteworthy sites like Griffin Falls, Cod Pond, the captivating Stewart Creek, the ruins of Fox Lair Camp, the East Branch Trail leading to East Branch Falls, and scenic Eleventh Mountain. This scenic drive intertwines nature and exploration, inviting travelers to discover hidden gems along the East Branch of Sacandaga River.

Thoughts about camping on the East Branch and NY 8

Camping along the East Branch of the Sacandaga River definitely has its advantages during the shoulder season of the winter.β›Ί It’s a major highway maintained all year round, getting snow removal and down trees removed from its surfaces year round.β›„ Many of the campsites along the road have gravel bases, being old home sites and routings of the road, so they aren’t too soft even after the rains of spring. Despite this, the campsites are all quite remote, and many of them have decent screening for the road. 🌳🌲

The downside of camping on the East Branch along NY 8 is the noise.🚚🚛🚙🚗 There is a regular drone of cars and trucks blowing by the campsite at sixty miles per hour. NY 8 is a heavily traversed road unlike many of the other backcountry roads where much of the roadside campsites are in the Adirondacks. 🐸The recreational opportunities nearby are somewhat limited too – the East Branch ain’t great for fishing as the temperature fluctuates a lot, the ponds off the road are only so so fishing – and there is a lot of hunter pressure in this easily accessible area.

East Branch

Red

Evening camping along the East Branch at Campsite 5 after the dusting of snow had melted away. It was sunny but at cold afternoon.

Taken on Saturday April 18, 2020 at East Branch Sacandaga River.

Dusting Of Snow

When I awoke on saturday morning there was a pretty dusting of snow, and it was pretty chilly, though sitting by the heater it wasn't too bad.

Taken on Saturday April 18, 2020 at East Branch Sacandaga River.