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.

Fox Lair Campsite

|

While I didn't camp here the last time I was up here, because I was concerned about the road back here being soft, and the breeze, it's still a beautiful campsite.

The Evolution of the Weekend that Wasnt.

|

The evolution of the weekend that wasn’t.

I was originally planning to head up to the Adirondacks during the last week of April. I did get up there for three days and two nights, but left early due to the rain that pushed in on the Friday. I spent my Wednesday evening through Friday morning along the East Branch, exploring Fox Lair and hiking back along the East Branch Gorge Trail to Square Falls, which was under impressive. But it was one of many options I considered.

Central NY

One option I considered was a Central NY trip which would probably have started at Charles Baker State Forest in Brookfield, then gone to Stoney Pond State Forest in Nelson, maybe doing some fishing in the Chittenango Creek. I might have from there gone south to Balsam Swamp State Forest outside of Norwich or even Long Pond State Forest outside of Greene. But I ended up discarding this idea, as I’ve spent too much time in Central NY lately.

North Country

I’ve wanted to get back to the North County for some time, but it’s a pretty good trip up there. I wanted to fish the Deer River and camp possibly up at Deer River State Forest or maybe at Brasher Falls Walter Pratt Camping Area. But I know how rough the roads are up in the Deer River area, and how muddy they would be this time of year. But I bet the trout fishing would have been good up there.

Tupper Lake

Mid-last week I thought about heading up to Tupper Lake on Friday, after spending a Thursday on the East Branch. The idea would be to drive north during the rain, and enjoy the beautiful Saturday hiking Lows Ledge and exploring other areas around Horseshoe Lake / Bog River Flow. I might have also taken a trip and poked around Tupper Lake village, and on Sunday driving back stopped at Coney Mountain, or one of the many other leg-strecher hikes heading back along NY 30.

East Branch but Fish the Mill Creek and Visit Garnett Lake

Another option that was on the books earlier in the week, when Friday only looked cloudy, and the rest of the week quite nice was the fish the Mill Creek during the inclement weather on Friday, and spend the rest of the weekend hiking back at the many small trails along the East Branch of the Sacandaga River. While I wouldn’t go far, driving on Friday would top off the battery, and there are many nice little trails off of NY 8.