Northeast Wild

  Paddling: Saratoga County Flatwater by Rich Macha Kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders can find quite a variety of waterbodies on which to paddle in Saratoga County. An overview of the county's streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes follows with, hopefully, just enough information for you to get out and explore and/or seek out more details on each of the bodies of water mentioned. Starting from the less-populated northwest corner of the county in the Adirondack Park, we will work our way east and south across the county, ending at the Hudson and Mohawk rivers which form the eastern and southern borders of the county.  The Great Sacandaga Lake is a large impoundment on the Sacandaga River. Its size and its many boat launches result in a very popular waterbody for motorboaters. Only the northeast arm of Great Sacandaga Lake is within Saratoga County. The 13-mile stretch between the Batchellerville Bridge and the Conklingville Dam can be accessed from a DEC boat launch on North S...

  Hiking & Paddling: The 10-Plus Essentials The list of “10 Essentials” has been a fixture in hiking circles for close to a hundred years and its time-tested formula can also be applied to paddling. My own observations in the field and the weekly ranger reports make me believe that many folks do not adhere to these suggestions or are just unaware of them.  I have 50 years of regular experience in outdoor recreation, much of it in the Adirondacks, and in all 4 seasons. I enjoy both hiking and paddling and sometimes combine both activities in the same day. Guided by the list of essentials as seen on the NYSDEC website and keeping in mind that autumn brings us shorter days and lower temperatures, I will discuss each item on this list as it applies to day trips and add some of my thoughts and opinions.   Navigation – Nothing beats the good old map and compass – no batteries needed. The 7.5-minute series of USGS maps have the most detail and are available for the whol...

  August 14, 2025 - AMPERSAND MOUNTAIN hike. Western High Peaks Wilderness, Adirondack Park. Quite a few vehicles in the parking area at 9 am. Fairly flat for over a mile, smooth for an Adirondack trail. Got moderately steep then very steep to the open summit. A puddle at the summit had tadpoles in it. Awesome views in most directions: Ampersand Lake & the Sewards to the South, High Peaks to the east, 3 Saranac Lakes to the N. Too hazy to make out the ponds beyond. Mostly sunny, temp rising to 80°F. 5.6 miles, 1779' gain, 5.8 hours. No bad bugs. Visit us on Facebook Welcome to the Adirondacks NYSDEC Info

  Feb 24, 2025 - CRAB POND xc ski. There are 2 Crab Ponds in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, this is the southern one (el 1050') & the trail is relatively new. Started on Pharaoh Lake Rd (935' el) - well-used over the weekend, folks mostly heading to Pharaoh Lake (no other cars in the parking area today). At 1 mile, the trail to CP is on the right* - no sign but there is a camp here disc pointing in the right direction. But before heading for CP, we checked out the status of the bridge over Mill Brook - it is still there but the boardwalk beyond has been removed. DEC website says: "The bridge over Mill Brook on the Pharoah Lake Trail is out. This bridge is located a little over 1 mile from the trailhead. The Pharoah Lake Trail is closed at that point. The Crab Pond Trail can still be accessed from the Pharoah Lake Trail prior to reaching Mill Brook. (1/22/2025)"Breaking trail from here* - skis sunk in 4-6". Yellow foot trail & ski markers - a few times we ha...

  Feb 20, 2025 - EAST BRANCH SACANDAGA RIVER trail to Sacandaga Lean-to from Old Farm trailhead. Siamese Ponds Wilderness. The first couple of miles were easy, with a slight gain in elevation. The next couple of miles had some ups & several fast downhills as the trail dropped 200' to within sight of the frozen-over river. Crossed on a good bridge. Rolling terrain beyond with some sharp dips in & out of frozen brooks. One big tree across the trail, & a smaller one. Could sometimes make out the river & Big Shanty Flow thru the trees. A moose had postholed the trail. Turned R at a junction & soon arrived at the lean-to. Woods were sometimes open hardwoods, sometimes evergreens. Good skiing on 20", with 3" of powder on firm crust base - unbreakable with skis on, breakable crust in bare boots, poles would sometimes break thru. Mostly sunny, temp rising from single digits to upper teens. 14+ miles, 1375' el gain/loss, 7.2 hours. Legs are tired! Sept 15, ...