
Welcome to Speculator
As you plan your Adirondack get-a-way let our local knowledge guide you. Here are some our favorite local places to go and things to do!
Hiking Recommendations
Augar Falls
Driving time - 15 minutes
Difficulty level - Easy

This is an easy walk to a narrow gorge of the Sacandaga River. Go south on Route 30 approximately 7 miles to a dirt road on your left. Park in the large lot and walk north following trail to the water. Walk along the water for approx. .5 miles arriving at the falls. Hike out towards the road to make a loop. The edge of the gorge tends to be slippery and drops off very quickly into rushing water, so be careful. Difficulty: Easy
Watch Hill
Driving time - 25 minutes
Difficulty level - Moderate

This is a short but steep climb with a beautiful view of Indian Lake and Snowy Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Gates Hill once you reach the top. To get there, turn onto Route 30 from the Camp of the Woods Entrance, and go 16.6 miles. The entrance to the trail is an unmarked carriage path. It will be on the right hand side of the road and looks like a dirt road going into the middle of the woods. Once you pass a sign that says Timberlock, it is another 0.9 miles north. Park on Route 30 right next to the carriage road. You will start off on the carriage path for about ¾ mile. Then you will see the main trail turn off to your right with a sign that says Pinnacle Watch Hill. Ascend the ridge to two different levels of rock outcroppings. This is a well-maintained trail that is easy to follow once you get there. It is a great place to take a picnic lunch to eat up at the top! Difficulty: Moderate
Echo Cliff on Panther Mountain
Driving time - 20 minutes
Difficulty level - Moderate

This short but steep climb provides an excellent view of Piseco and Spy Lakes. The .8 mile climb is steady until the last .2 mile, where the steep grade makes for a more rigorous climb. Take Route 30 north into town, and turn left onto Route 8. Follow Route 8 west 8.8 miles to Old Piseco Road on the right. Follow this road around the lake (approximately 5 miles). Trailhead is on the right ½ mile past Little Sand State Campsite. Difficulty: Moderate
Fawn Lake
Driving time - 15 minutes
Difficulty level - Easy

This is a relatively flat trail into an uninhabited lake, about 1 mile each way. There is a small sand beach at one end of the lake and areas for a picnic along the shore. Go north on Route 30, and take a left onto Route 8 in the center of town. Go approximately 5 miles. Turn right onto Fish Mountain Road. Bear left at the intersection, and turn right onto Fawn Lake Road. Follow to Fawn Lake trailhead near the end of the road. The shorter trail is the left fork and the beach is on the right fork. Difficulty: Easy
Colonel Peck’s Grave
Driving time - Walking Distance
Difficulty level - Easy

From The Den driveway, turn right and go up the hill about 100 yards and you will see a sign on your left for Colonel Peck’s Grave. It is best to bypass this entrance and take the next left, a sort of “driveway” that goes in about ½ mile before turning into a trail through the woods for another ½ mile until you reach the gravesite. Difficulty: Easy
Old Route 30
Driving time - 10 minutes
Difficulty level - Easy
.jpeg)
While this walk in on a paved road, you will see very few cars or other walkers. It follows the outlet of the lake down a beautiful section of rapids. The road is about 3.5 miles long, but you can drive and park anywhere along the way to adjust the length of your walk to your preference. It is a 10 minute drive from The Den, about 2 miles south on Route 30 from the Camp of the Woods entrance (turn left at the sign for Wells on your right). Difficulty: Easy
When hiking in the Adirondacks, please take necessary safety precautions. Always tell someone of your destination and estimated return timing. Bring necessary supplies (map, bug spray, water, proper footwear) to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

Christine Falls
This waterfall is easily accessed from Route 30 south of Speculator.
The falls are slightly downstream from the power generation dam on the Sacandaga River. There are 2 small waterfalls, dropping approximately 20 feet to a wonderful local swimming hole. Take Route 30 south for approximately 2 ½ miles, passing Old Route 30 on your left. Continue on another .3 miles around a short bend in the road and look for the parking area for the falls on the left side of the road. Park and walk down the slope to the waterfalls. Difficulty: Easy