Speculator is the all-season vacationland! No matter the season, there is fun to be had. Here are some ideas to help you start your planning:
Hiking – From family walks to strenuous climbs, the Speculator Region will exceed your expectations. Stop in the office or the local Chamber of Commerce for trail maps and the Waterfall or Fire Tower Challenge. Some local favorites are Panther Mountain, Auger Falls, Kunjamuk Cave, Fawn Lake, and our beautiful Sacandaga River Walk, to name a few.
Canoeing & Kayaking – ON SITE rental are available or bring your own. Our area has miles of streams, lakes and rivers to explore. Fish, watch wildlife, or make early morning waves across a glass-like lake. Kunjamuk River, one of the most popular canoe destinations in the state, is merely a stones throw away from our Lodge. Go from sipping coffee in the gazebo to wilderness exploration in a matter of minutes.
Boating – Bring your own boat or rent one from a local retailer. Village Motor Sports offers boat and jet ski rentals on a dock just off our beach. The Lake Pleasant Marine is just down the road, see their website to find out more information and to reserve a boat online.
Bird Watching – Grab your binoculars and camera and explore Speculator Region. We are surrounded by a mixed habitat wilderness and you will be impressed by the wide variety offerings. Habitats include forest woodlands, marshland, meadows and ponds. Paddling along the Kunjamuk River will reveal waterfowl such as Great Blue Heron, several duck species and Osprey along the shoreline. The trail head to the Sacandaga Pathway is right across the road from the Lodge and offers one of the areas most spectacular opportunities to view each habitat in a single walk. The trail consists of a “floating boardwalk” over marshland and connects trails though the forest and is complete with docks bringing you right to the river.
Hunting – Whether you hunt big or small game we are located smack dab in the middle of the best hunting area in all of the Adirondacks. Our area is amidst thousands of acres of forest preserve offering hunters with a wide variety of habitat to hunt.
Fishing – We are located right on Lake Pleasant which offers clear, natural surroundings with approximately 10- miles of shoreline. It is known for its supply of brown and rainbow trout due to hefty stockings by DEC. Because of a thriving rainbow smelt population, browns and rainbows grow large here. Pickerel can be found in weedy areas. During the summer, anglers catch rainbows using lanterns and chumming with corn. Ice Fishing – Winter anglers catch big browns by using smelt for bait. The lake holds significant numbers of small mouth bass and offers some excellent early season walleye. Ice fishing is a popular winter activity which is available steps away from your room. The Lake Pleasant Lodge encourages catch and release fishing. Please take only what you need and release the rest.
Snowmobiling – We are located right on the snowmobile trails with access to hundreds of miles of well kept trails. For up to date riding conditions check with Pleasant Riders Snowmobile Club on Facebook or call Village Motor Sports who can also help you with various rentals. You can park your sled right outside your room door. Here is a great video on snowmobiling in the area: https://youtu.be/ug7E6PJcPy4.
Skiing, Tubing and Snow Shoeing – Skiing is a winter staple here in the Speculator Region. We are located just 1/2 mile from Oak Mountain Ski Center offering family fun for all ages. Gore Mountain is also just a short drive away.
Cross Country Skiing – The area’s groomed cross-country ski trails offer fun for people of all ages and ability levels. Whether you want easy to moderate trails or day long treks into the back country, the Speculator Region has exactly what you are looking for. In fact, the trail head for two very popular trails is right across the street from Lake Pleasant Lodge.