Sacandaga

Location: Upstate New York (about 50 miles northwest of Albany; about 200 miles northwest of New York City).

Length of trip: 13 miles in six to eight hours.

Season: Controlled by a dam, so runnable all year.

Weather: Spring temperatures can range from the 30s into the 70s (F). Seasonable summer temperatures reach the 70s and 80s, with only an occasional rain shower.

Lodging: Campgrounds, motels, and hotels in nearby Lake George, Lake Luzerne, and Saratoga Springs.

Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class I, II, and III. Warm, clear water averages in the 60s and 70s in summer.

Special features:

  • Forested mountains and river gorge.
  • Excellent swimming.
  • Good fishing for smallmouth bass and trout (brown, rainbow).
  • Glorious autumn colors.
  • River otters, beavers, white-tailed deer, raccoons, bald eagles, ospreys, ravens, great blue herons.
  • Suitable for first-time rafters, families, seniors in good physical condition, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.

Nearby excursions:

  • Lake George.
  • Lake Luzerne.
  • Adirondack Park.
  • Saratoga Springs.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • New York State Division of Tourism, One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12245; +1 518 474 4116 or 800 225 5697, fax +1 518 486 6416. Try to book at least two weeks in advance.

For more information:

  • Adirondack Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, July/August 1995. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
River Finder - Eastern U.S.

 
 
 
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