Perkins Clearing and Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Lands

The Perkins Clearing/Speculator Tree Farm Conservation Easement Lands span 40,000 acres near Speculator, divided into the 14,332-acre Perkins Clearing Tract and the 21,648-acre Speculator Tree Farm Tract. Access is allowed with limitations due to private ownership, active logging, and leased cabins. Public recreation is permitted within special guidelines — camping only at designated sites, certain trails and roads may be closed for logging — look for signs that designate use.

Old Route 8B

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Old Route 8B is a 1915-era routing of NY 8 and 30 between Wells and Speculator that is now a dead-end after the lower bridge was closed some time ago. It runs between Auger Falls and Speculator, passing closely by Austin Falls. Old Route 8B is most famous for Robert Garrow killing a camper at the Robb Creek Mill and then fleeing up Fly Creek Road. There are several campsites along the road, and Austin Falls is a scenic location where the Sacandaga River runs through a narrow floom. The road, while paved with concrete and letter covered with two layers of asphalt only receives the most minimum of maintenance, and is quite rough and disjointed in locations. Old Route 8A refers to the 1915 routing of NY 8 and 30, which at one time ran closer to Auger Falls and wound into the valley, taking a closer path to the Sacanadaga River.