Visiting the Sacandaga Pathway in Speculator, New York
Introduction to the Sacandaga Pathway
The Sacandaga Pathway is a 1.5-mile boardwalk and nature trail located in Speculator, New York, inside Adirondack Park. The trail winds through forest, bogs, and wetlands with occasional 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.
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.
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.
Final Thoughts
The Sacandaga Pathway is an easy and beautiful trail through the forest, with lovely views of the Sacandaga River. We hiked here with our two-year-old and six-week-old children, 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!
I recommend this trail for anyone looking for a gentle hike in the southern Adirondack region, and especially recommend this hike for families with young children. If you’re looking for other family-friendly hikes in the southern Adirondack region, check out this post on hiking to Auger Falls.