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...