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.

Camping on East Branch Spring 2017

Two years ago, my first camping trip of the year was along the East Branch of the Sacanadaga River at an old house site that has been long used as a designated campsite. Even camping in late April, there was still a fair bit of ice and residual snow left.

 Setting Up In The Rain

 Camp

The first night it drizzled a bit, so I bought a tarp and strung it up. Later in the evening it tapered off. I brought some wood and starting fluid, so it got a good fire going quickly, and it wasn’t too bad.

 Staying Warm

It got nice by morning, and I cooked up a pretty good breakfast on the griddle.

 Griddle

 I Am Happy For The Sun

No complaints about the sun after all rain and dampness the previous night.

 Making Breakfast

The first day, I drove over to Garnet Lake.

 Garnet Lake

And did some fishing, without much luck in Mill Creek.

 Fishing The Mill Creek

I got back to camp and cooked up some burgers.

The following night I had a nice little fire.

 America

Then retired to my well lit truck cap.

 Campfire

The next day, I hiked back to Auger Falls.

 Above Auger Falls

 Drop

Above the falls, in the flats, the water was quiet, the birds were singing.

 Flatwater Section Of Sacanadaga River

Looking Across the River

The East Branch of the Sacandaga River is the border between the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and the largely trailess and wild Siamese Pond Wilderness. Note all the ice on the trees.

Taken on Friday April 22, 2011 at East Branch Sacandaga River.

Looking Out At Route 8

This campsite does not offer perfect privacy, although if there was not the dang snow everywhere, I guess one could camp where they where less visible, and rope off the driveway to site, with a rope and a styrofoam plate (as they do it in the Adirondacks).

Taken on Friday April 22, 2011 at East Branch Sacandaga River.