You can scroll down to explore hikes, lakes, and outdoor recreation.
Come and play in the beautiful Speculator Region! Our scenic Adirondack communities of Speculator, Lake Pleasant, Piseco, Morehouse and Arietta offer a wide variety of opportunities for recreation and relaxation, as well as the kind of "hometown" service and hospitality that will make you come back for more.
Whether you're new to the area or looking to spend an enjoyable day in the Adirondack Mountains, we've got plenty of recreational activities. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skiing and snowboarding are favorite pastimes during the winter months, while warmer weather welcomes numerous outdoor activities including hiking, fishing & boating, mountain biking, canoeing, camping, golfing and bird watching. Your "to do" list will only get longer as you discover the Speculator Region!
Birding
Birdwatchers and nature lovers, grab your binoculars to see what feathered friends can be found in the Speculator Region. Take a leisurely walk into the Perkins Clearing area to see several species of warblers, including the Mourning Warbler, Wood Warblers and the Blackpoll Warbler, along with many other mixed woodland habitat species. Or hike the Northville/Lake Placid Trail into a beautiful wetland area where you may see nesting waterfowl such as Great Blue Heron, Common Loons and several duck species. Habitats include forest woodlands, marshland, meadows and ponds. Paddling along the Kunjamuck River may reveal waterfowl such as Great Blue Heron, several duck species and Osprey along the shoreline. Visit Hamilton County Tourism for Birding Guide and map.
Boating
The Speculator Region's many lakes and rivers offer boating excitement of all kinds. Water ski, fish, swim, or just float quietly watching a magnificent Adirondack sunset. Boaters can access the lakes from launches located at state campgrounds and from unpaved town launches. Boat rentals are available as well. DEC Boating
Canoeing & Kayaking
Rent a canoe or bring your own; the Speculator Region has miles of streams, lakes and rivers to explore. Fish, watch wildlife, catch some rapids, or glide across a glassy lake. and enjoyable. Grab a paddle and have an adventure. Licensed guides are available to make your trip safe and enjoyable.
Camping
There are countless ways to sleep beneath the stars in the Speculator Region. Choose between public campgrounds or privately owned campsites and RV parks. From fine fishing and secluded wooded sites, to water sport opportunities and lakeside picnics, you'll always be a happy camper in the Speculator Region. Whether you choose Lewey Lake Campground & Day Use Area, Moffitt Beach State Campground and Day Use, LIttle Sand Point, Point Comfort Campground & Day Use Area, or The Irondequiot Inn's Campsites, you will not be disappointed! For back country camping rules, visit DEC Backcountry Camping.
Cross-Country Skiing
Our 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 backcountry, the Speculator Region has something for you. The Kunjamuck Loop traverses river plains and upland woods. Starting near the ball field in Speculator, you have your choice of three loops, ranging in distance from 1 mile to 5 miles. The newly refurbished 'Foxey Brown X-Ski Trail' adjacent to the Piseco Airport in Arietta is a 5.6 mile loop traversing through the Jessup River Wild Forest.
Downhill Skiing
Enjoy a beautiful Adirondack winter day on the slopes at Oak Mountain Ski Center. With 14 trails, a quad chair, 2 T-bars, night skiing, lessons, rentals, cafeteria, and a new restaurant with bar –what more could you ask for!
Fishing/Fly Fishing
Fishing licenses are available at these area locations: Tanner's Outdoor Sports/Town of Arietta/Town of Lake Pleasant.
Our region offers a great variety of waters with many species to pursue. For the casual summer fisherperson, we have outstanding smallmouth bass fishing in the major lakes. For the more serious lake angler, the major lakes contain trout, salmon and walleye. Or for a different fishing experience, try one of our many area trout ponds. There are several excellent rivers in the area suitable for both fly fishing and spin fishing. Whether you hope to catch dinner or are only into catch and release fishing, the Speculator Region is the perfect place to drop a line. Let a licensed guide show you all the best spots! DEC Regulations
Golfing
Lake Pleasant Golf Course, our local public 9 hole, par 35 golf course comes with breathtaking views of the Adirondack mountains. In the fall, the lush green trees that lined the fairways in the summer turn bright yellow, red and orange. You may find that you'll spend as much time taking in the scenic vistas as you do concentrating on your game. For more information, please see their website.
Hiking
From family walks along a pathway to more strenuous climbs, the Speculator Region will exceed your expectations. We've mapped them out with specific descriptions and directions! Stop by and pick up our local 'Hiking Guide!'
Hunting
Wild game is abundant in the Speculator Region. Whitetail deer and black bear are among the favorites and wild turkeys are plentiful. Ruffed grouse, woodcock and snowshoe hare add to the thrill of game hunting in our area. Nonresident hunters must hold a hunting license in their home state or a hunting safety certificate in order to purchase a NYS Hunting License. Hunting licenses are available at these area locations:Tanner's Outdoor Sports/Town of Arietta/Town of Lake Pleasant. Adirondack Mountain & Stream Guide Service can help you with an Adirondack hunt of a lifetime! DEC Hunting Regulations
Ice Fishing
There is nothing like walking on a frozen lake, carving a hole and pulling up elusive fish from the mysterious depths below. The Speculator Region lakes offer winter anglers brown trout, landlocked salmon, and lake trout, just to mention a few. Fishing licenses are available at these area locations: Tanner's Outdoor Sports/Town of Arietta/Town of Lake Pleasant DEC Ice Fishing Regulations
Ice Skating
During the winter season, we convert the Speculator Pavilion into a wonderful free outdoor skating rink, and offer skates to borrow.
Mountain Biking
Hit the trail in Speculator, where you can bike "The Speculator Loop" which was featured in the Adirondack Life 2003 Annual Guide. The trail system consists of two bike loops which are wide, hard-packed logging roads that vary in terrain. Visit Bike the Byways for detailed information. The newly opened Oak Mountain Bike Park has trails and terrains for for all ages and abilities.
Snowboarding
The excitement and freedom of snowboarding is only minutes away at Oak Mountain Ski Center.
Snowmobiling
With over 650 miles of free groomed snowmobile trails that wind through our picturesque mountains and over our scenic lakes, the Speculator Region is a snowmobiler's paradise! Many of our lodging, restaurants and merchants are easily accessible along our well maintained trails. The Speculator Region Snowmobile Map & Guide available throughout the area at local businesses and at the Chamber Office.
Snowmobile rentals are available at Village Motorsports/Village Rentals
For accurate weather forecasts and trail conditions: www.ilsnow.com.
Join a local club and save $$$ on your registration:
Algonquin Sno-Blazers
PO Box 460
Wells, NY 12190
Phone 518-414-2743
Website: http://adirondackcomputers.net/algonquinsnoblazers/?fbclid=IwAR0UEuZwWbV3aIOLkhnFk_uvW5Ha5YY0_M2pcqMg3-gwAXsSyFHLuIhN0fk
D.R.A.G. of Speculator Inc.
PO Box 231
Speculator NY
Phone 518-548-7368
Website: http://www.dragofspeculator.com
Pleasant Riders Snowmobile Club
P.O. Box 425
Speculator, NY 12164
Website: www.pleasantriders.co
Snowshoeing
Experience the quiet, snowy woods without having to learn to backcountry ski. The Speculator Region offers a wide range of terrain for every snowshoer. Click here for details.
Snow Tubing
Snow Tubing at our local family ski center, Oak Mountain, is a great way to experience the fun of winter recreation from a whole new perspective. No experience is necessary, simply grab a tube and let the fun begin!
