A view of the Sacandaga River, taken from along the boardwalk of the Sacandaga River Parkway. The photo is taken in winter, and the ground is covered with snow, the leaves of the trees are bare, and the river is iced over.

Visiting the Sacandaga Pathway in Speculator, New York

ByTamar

Looking for an easy and accessible hike in the Adirondacks?

Then check out the Sacandaga Pathway!

This 1.5-mile round trip boardwalk and nature trail, located in Speculator, New York, is a great nature walk for families, wheelchair users, and people of all fitness levels looking to get out in nature. The trail winds through forest, bogs, and wetlands with views of the Sacandaga River.

This easy trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible and perfect for all fitness levels. The trail also includes interpretive signs, exhibits, and picnic tables.

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Guide to Visiting the Sacandaga Pathway

The Sacandaga Pathway begins with an 850-yard boardwalk that links to an extensive network of forested hiking trails. The area also connects to snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, which hikers can access to create a lengthier trek through the forest.

The boardwalk is stroller and wheelchair accessible and leads through wetlands to a beautiful overlook of the Sacandaga River. In winter, the ice and snow make for particularly dramatic scenery.

If you hike the Sacandaga Pathway in the winter with kids, I suggest bringing a toboggan to pull your child. The path is wide, mostly flat, and toboggan-friendly when snow-covered. We found the toboggan useful (and fun!) for pulling our toddler, and it gave us a break from carrying him in a toddler carrier.

Public restrooms are available near the picnic area. Note that facilities may be closed during the off-season.

The entrance to the Sacandaga River Pathway. A large wooden frame with a pointed roof rises above the trail entrance. The sign on the frame reads, "Sacandaga River Community Park." The photos is taken in winter and the trees are bare of leaves and the ground is covered with snow.

How to get to the Sacandaga Pathway

The entrance to the Sacandaga Pathway is located on NY-30 in the town of Speculator, just behind the Speculator Pavilion. If you are entering Speculator from the South, the Sacandaga Pathway comes up right before entering the town.

Park at the pavilion, then walk northeast (keeping the playground to your right) until you reach a wooden entryway with a sign reading “Sacandaga River Community Park.” This is the start of the 850-yard boardwalk.

A man walks along a snow-covered path pulling a child in a tobaggan. A small brown dog follows behind.
An offshoot of the Sacandaga River as seen from along the Sacandaga River Pathway. The photo is taken in winter and the offshoot is iced over. the landscape is covered with snow, and the leaves are bare.

Sacandaga Pathway Map

The image below shows the map of the Sacandaga Pathway trail.

A map of the Sacandaga River Pathway in Speculator, New York. The map has a red line which marks the trail. The various environmental zones, such as Sage Meadow, Hemlock-Yellow Birch Forest, and Red Maple Swamp, are marked as well.

Final Thoughts

The Sacandaga Park and River Walk is an easy and beautiful trail near Speculator, NY. It meanders through the forest with lovely views of the Sacandaga River. We hiked here with our two-year-old and six-week-old, as well as our dog, for an easy winter hike. Luckily for us, it had snowed the day prior and we could pull our toddler the entire way on a toboggan. The fresh snow also made for some stunning scenery along the trail! 

If you’re looking for family-friendly or accessible hikes near Sacandaga Lake, I recommend this trail for you. It’s a gentle, easy hike in the southern Adirondack region and especially good for families with young children. If you’re looking for other family-friendly hikes near Speculator, NY, then check out my post on hiking to Auger Falls.

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