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.
The East Branch Sacandaga River, stretching between Wevertown and Wells along NY 8, offers a rugged yet accessible Adirondack experience with a mix of roadside convenience and remote wilderness. This corridor is a popular destination for its “first-come, first-served” primitive camping, diverse trout fishing, and scenic hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and quiet ponds.
Roadside Camping along NY 8
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) maintains approximately 15 designated primitive roadside campsites along NY 8. These sites are free to use but lack amenities like running water or electricity.
Designated Sites: Campsites are marked with a yellow “Camp Here” disc. Notable locations include:
Sites 1-4: Located near the Kibby Pond area; Site 2 overlooks a cliff, and Site 4 is perched above Kibby Brook.
Sites 7 & 8: Situated near the Cod Pond parking area.
Site 10: A gravel pit site located about 1/4 mile south of the Girrad Sugarbush Trailhead.
Accessibility: Most sites are accessible by car, though some may require shoveling in winter or can be muddy in early spring.
Developed Alternative: For those seeking amenities like hot showers and flush toilets, the Sacandaga Campground is located at the confluence of the East and West branches in Wells.
Hiking & Waterfalls
Trails along the East Branch range from short walks to more challenging treks into the Siamese Ponds Wilderness.
Auger Falls Loop: A short, 0.9-mile easy loop leading to a 70-foot drop in the river.
Shanty Brook Trail: A moderate 1.3-mile hike that requires wading across the East Branch to reach a remote waterfall; do not attempt during high spring runoff.
Cod Pond Trail: An easy walk to a quiet pond with a designated backcountry campsite at the end of the trail.
Stewart Creek: Offers scenic views of waterfalls, a flume, and the ruins of the historic Fox Lair Camp.
Fishing & Hunting
The river is a productive trout fishery, with varying regulations depending on the specific reach.
Fishing:
Species: The river is stocked with brown trout, while the upper sections and smaller tributaries like Kibby Brook hold wild brook trout.
Regulations: General trout season runs from April 1 to October 15, with a catch-and-release season using artificial lures from October 16 to March 31.
Access: Many roadside pull-offs along NY 8 provide direct access to deep pools and pocket water.
Hunting:
The surrounding Siamese Ponds Wilderness and Wilcox Lake Wild Forest are open for big game (deer, bear) and small game (grouse, hare) hunting during state-regulated seasons.
Other Activities
Paddling: During the spring snowmelt or after heavy rains, the river provides “white water” opportunities for experienced kayakers and canoeists.
Scenic Driving: The stretch of NY 8 between Wevertown and Wells is considered one of the most scenic drives in the southern Adirondacks, passing through the narrow river gorge.
I was curious about how the contemporary campsites at Fox Lair line up with the historic site so I did a quick overlay of the site with the DEC's campsite data.
