This Small Upstate New York Town Is a 4-Season Destination

There’s a warm, fuzzy feeling that blooms in my heart every time I drive past the welcome sign in Speculator, New York. Nostalgia has a way of doing that. The old-school wooden billboard is a nod to the town’s laid-back vibe as an outdoor recreation hub in the Adirondacks, which has remained largely unchanged.

Speculator is a home base for a medley of year-round activities: hiking, camping, swimming, and paddling on Lake Pleasant in the warmer months, and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling come winter.

Snowmobiling, in particular, is a big deal here, with a hearty network of 600 groomed trails within the larger Hamilton County. Speculator’s own ski hill is an epicenter for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and various events.

Here’s how to make the most of this small southern Adirondack town.

Where to Stay

Wherever you choose to stay while visiting Speculator, you won’t be far from the area’s natural surroundings. Lake Pleasant Lodge, right on the shore of Lake Pleasant, is open year-round for all-season adventuring, offering amenities like on-site canoe and kayak rentals. The property is also right across from two of the area’s cross-country ski trails.

Bearhurst Lakeside Cottages is a historic property and one of the last Great Camps still standing. The original structure dates back to 1894, and there are five lakeside cottages open seasonally. There’s plenty to keep you busy both on and off the property—just make sure to be back for their stellar sunsets. Other options include The Inn at Speculator, which has a handful of modest rooms and operates as a bed-and-breakfast. There are lots of Airbnb and Vrbo rentals as well, which typically require a one-week minimum stay during the peak summer months.

Speculator and the surrounding area have some fantastic camping opportunities, too. Moffitt Beach Campground and Day Use Area on nearby Sacandaga Lake is open mid-May through mid-October, with many campsites right along the shore.

With 260 total sites, amenities such as toilets, showers, fireplaces, and picnic areas, plus a boat launch, the camping experience here is comfortable. For something more primitive, reserve a site at Indian Lake Islands Campground, with 53 dispersed campsites on the lake’s islands and along the shore. The boat-in only sites offer a unique overnight experience in the Adirondack wilderness.

What to Do

In the four seasons of Speculator, there’s no reason to get bored. The public beach is the summertime star, free to use with pretty views across the lake. Boat rentals are available at both Village Motorsports (which also rents snowmobiles in the winter) and Lake Pleasant Marine. The Sacandaga Park and River Walk is a favorite among families, complete with a playground, the Mini Route 66 village, and a 1.5-mile nature path along the river, popular with bird-watching enthusiasts.

There’s a historic aspect, too. The restored early 1900s-era Makomis Fire Tower was recently relocated to the park and can be climbed and admired for free. Views spill over Lake Pleasant and the Adirondack wilderness.

Stop by the roadside Whiskey Brook Falls, or head out on one of the many hiking trails nearby. If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle the nearly eight-mile, round-trip trek up Snowy Mountain. The trailhead is a short drive up Route 30, going north toward Indian Lake. At the peak, a 1917 fire-tower still stands and can be climbed for scenic views, which stretch across the High Peaks.

The 1.6-mile trail up Echo Cliff-Panther Mountain in neighboring Piseco is a solid hike with a sweeping vista. Anglers can try their hand at catching the brown and rainbow trout that frequent Lake Pleasant. Ice fishing is just as popular as fishing in the summer, with winter bounty including northern pike, walleye, and pickerel. Join the locals for some snowmobiling, and if it’s your first time, there are guided tours that venture into beautiful, remote corners of the Adirondacks.

Locals don’t have to leave town to enjoy skiing or snowboarding, and when you visit Speculator, Oak Mountain is your hometown hill, too. The family-owned ski destination has been a community favorite since 1948, with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing on offer. Their on-site Acorn Pub & Eatery is a go-to for après-ski drinks, live music, and fun events like Jukebox Bingo. Throughout the ski season, there’s also a holiday artisan market, a cardboard sled race, and spring pond skimming.

Where to Eat and Drink

In addition to Oak Mountain’s dining options, there are a handful of other spots in town to grab a bite. During snowmobiling season, there’s even specialized parking and trails that lead right to some of these establishments. Start your day with breakfast and coffee from The Perks of Speculator. If you plan to spend the day outdoors, grab a made-to-order sandwich or salad from the local general store. You’ll find a little bit of everything here at the Mountain Market, including a chalkboard detailing recent moose sightings in and around town.

Post-adventure, Lemon Tree Brewery is the place to be, featuring two in-house craft beers, as well as a collection of local, New York state brews and wines (and a few out-of-state options, too). Inside is cozy and spacious, and a sizable, dog-friendly patio defines the outdoor space. The Inn at Speculator is an institution in town, slinging a wide range of dinner items. Try the French onion soup or the maple-glazed pork chop. For something more low-key, Logan’s Bar & Grill pairs pub fare with bar games, and Firetower Pizza offers takeout and a more casual atmosphere, with arcade games while you wait.

Best Time to Visit

Speculator prides itself on being an all-season destination. Will you be lured by the classic Adirondack summer experience? Looking for fall foliage? Or, are you keen to play in the snow? A plethora of annual events take place in the area as well, if you’re able to plan your trip around them. In the summer, a weekly farmers market sets up in town, the Chamber of Commerce hosts a Strawberry Festival, and in August, a juried TWIGS Craft Fair hosts about 100 local artisans. Autumn features a holiday market and stroll, and winter is for the brave polar plungers on New Year’s Day and designated free snowmobiling weekends (usually in early March).