Sacandaga Lake and Lake Pleasant, located in Hamilton County within Adirondack Park, offer over 6,000 acres of water surface for water sports and nature observation. Positioned about 60 miles from Utica and 70 miles from Schenectady, these lakes serve as central hubs for outdoor activities in the park.
Fishing and Boating: The lakes are popular for water skiing, pontooning, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Both lakes host diverse fish species, including smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, chain pickerel, rock bass, walleye, yellow perch, and lake whitefish. Fishing is open year-round, with ice fishing being popular in winter.
Sacandaga Lake: Located west of Lake Pleasant, Sacandaga Lake has over 1,500 acres of water. It features Moffitt Beach State Campground, 260 campsites, restrooms, showers, a picnic area, a boat launch, and a sand beach. The nearby West Canada Lakes Wilderness is a renowned trout fishing destination.
Lake Pleasant: Slightly smaller at 1,475 acres, Lake Pleasant has a marina that rents various boats and offers repairs and winter storage services. An elevated fishing platform, a public beach, and an annual antique boat show in August are available.
Local Attractions: Lake Pleasant and the Village of Speculator, located on State Route 8, offer scenic viewpoints, lodges, motels, bed & breakfasts, resort cottages, and campgrounds. The area features numerous hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing trails.
Wildlife: The region is home to diverse wildlife, which includes moose, black bears, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, and various bird species like loons and bald eagles. Bird-watching and nature observation are popular activities.
Tourism and Lodging: Hamilton County Department of Tourism provides maps and information on local attractions. The area offers a range of lodgings, from lakefront cottages to hotels and motels. Real estate opportunities are available, mostly in the form of existing homes.
Sacandaga Lake and Lake Pleasant are perfect destinations within the expansive Adirondack Park for those seeking a combination of outdoor adventure and serene nature.
