Wilcox Lake Wild Forest

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest is located in the southeastern part of the Central Adirondacks and is made up of approximately 140,000 acres of State Forest Preserve lands in Warren, Hamilton, Saratoga and Fulton Counties. Nearby communities include Stony Creek, Thurman, Bakers Mills, Day, Wells, Hope Falls, and Northville.

Wilcox Lake Wild Forest is bounded on the north by NY 8, on the east by the Hudson River, on the south by the Adirondack Park Blue Line, and on the west by NY 30. This wild forest offers many recreational opportunities, including hiking to the fire tower on Hadley Mountain, camping on Wilcox Lake, and ice fishing on Garnet Lake. With over forty-five miles of marked trails available, there are countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling in the unit.

Shoreline

Sitting along the shore of Cod Pond, right where the trail ends. There is a large rock to sit on or fish from.

Taken on Sunday April 19, 2020 at Cod Pond.

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