Piseco-Powley Road

Piseco-Powley Road

Stretching from Stratford to Piseco, Piseco-Powley Road winds along the western edge of one of the last remaining old Adirondack dirt roads. Lined with venerable spruce trees, some nearly brushing against the road, it offers a glimpse of nature’s untouched beauty. The tranquil West Branch of the East Canada Creek intersects Powley Road at Powley Place. This spot is positioned 8 miles southwest of Piseco Outlet, where NY 10 crosses, and approximately 7.5 miles from the point Piseco-Powley Road branches off from NY 10. When approached from the south, Powley Place is found 10.5 miles northeast from Stratford via Piseco Road. Notably, this area hosts four campsites, forming part of the 22 designated camping spots along Piseco-Powley Road, enhancing the allure of this picturesque route.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/28339.html

Get maps of campsites and destinations as a single-page PDF here: https://www.scribd.com/document/640949248/Piseco-Powley-Road-Campsite-Map-Pack

Piseco-Powley Road is an approximately 17-mile unpaved route through the Ferris Lake Wild Forest. It offers a remote, primitive experience with no cell service and limited amenities.

Campsites Along Piseco-Powley Road

There are approximately 18 primitive campsites scattered along the road.

Characteristics: These are free, first-come, first-served sites. Most include a fire ring, and some feature a basic outhouse. Sites vary in size; some can accommodate trailers or small RVs up to 25 feet, while others are strictly for tent camping.
Key Locations:
- “Oregon” Area: Located around mile 6.35, this area near East Canada Creek is one of the most popular for camping due to its scenic water access.
- The Potholers: Near mile 8.2, there are well-used sites overlooking the confluence of Brayhouse Brook and East Canada Creek.
- Powley Place: Located around mile 10.9, this historic area features several campsites near a bridge over the West Branch of East Canada Creek.
- Sand Lake: Near the northern end (mile 17.1), campsites are located close to the trail leading to Sand Lake.

Nearby Trails and Activities

The area is a hub for low-impact recreation and exploring old-growth forests.

Hiking Trails:
- The Potholers: A very short path (100–500 feet) leads to unique geological water formations and small waterfalls on East Canada Creek.
- Big Alderbed Lake Trail: A 3.1-mile (one-way) trail starting near Powley Place that follows the creek to a remote lake.
- Goldmine Stream Falls: A 1.2-mile trail leading to a series of waterfalls.
- Clockmill Corners: A junction around mile 14.8 with trails leading to Clockmill Pond (1.1 miles) and Rock Lake (1.8 miles).
- Sand Lake Trail: A path at the northern end of the road leading to Sand Lake.
Water Activities: East Canada Creek is a primary attraction for trout fishing, wading at the Potholers, and seasonal kayaking or canoeing.
Winter Sports: The road serves as a major corridor for snowmobiling and is also used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the gates are closed to motor vehicles.
Hunting & Wildlife: The region is heavily used for hunting in the fall and offers opportunities to spot black bears, deer, and diverse birdlife.

Meco Lake Trail (Piseco-Powley Road)

Andy | February 20, 2026

The Meco Lake Snowmobile Trail can be found near Mud Lake on Piseco-Powley Road. It is walkable in the summer months, and is easy to follow the 1.4 miles to the end of state land, however a somewhat harder to follow trail continues beyond that with views of Meco Lake about a 1/2 mile further. The private land is not posted, however there is a sign requesting you remain on the trail.

Sand Lake Trail

Andy | January 13, 2026

The Sand Lake Trail is about a half mile long but can be a somewhat difficult portage at the end due to the swampy, narrow trail. But it's a nice little wilderness lake, with a campsite, not too remote off of Piseco-Powley Road. There also is a designated roadside campsite at the trailhead.