Outdoor Recreation in the Speculator Region

Discover endless ways to explore the mountains, waterways, forests, and trails of the Adirondacks. Scroll down to find hikes, lakes, and year-round adventures waiting for you.

Welcome to the Great Outdoors

Come and play in the beautiful Speculator Region! The communities of Speculator, Lake Pleasant, Piseco, Morehouse, and Arietta invite you to experience unforgettable outdoor recreation paired with hometown hospitality.

Whether you’re here for the first time or returning to your favorite Adirondack escape, you’ll find activities for every season. Winter adventures include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding. As the weather warms, the region transforms into a haven for hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, camping, golfing, and birdwatching.

No matter the time of year, your “to-do” list will grow with every new discovery in the Speculator Region.

Birding

Grab your binoculars—this is a birder’s paradise.
Explore the Perkins Clearing area to spot Mourning Warblers, Wood Warblers, Blackpoll Warblers, and a variety of woodland species. Or hike the Northville–Lake Placid Trail to wetlands where Great Blue Herons, Common Loons, and ducks nest. Paddle the Kunjamuck River to glimpse herons, ducks, and Osprey along the shoreline.
(See Hamilton County Tourism for birding maps and guides.)

Boating

Our lakes and rivers offer endless opportunities to get out on the water. Whether you want to water ski, fish, swim, or enjoy a peaceful sunset float, you’ll find the perfect spot. Boat launches are available at state campgrounds and town sites, and rentals are offered locally.
(See DEC Boating for details.)

Canoeing & Kayaking

Bring your own boat or rent one here—either way, miles of scenic waterways are yours to explore. Paddle calm lakes, navigate gentle currents, fish from quiet coves, or simply enjoy the wildlife around you. Licensed guides are available for a safe, memorable paddling adventure.

Camping

Sleep under the stars and experience the Adirondacks up close. Choose from public campgrounds, private campsites, RV parks, and quiet backcountry locations. With options like Lewey Lake, Moffitt Beach, Little Sand Point, and Point Comfort, you're never far from fishing, swimming, picnicking, or breathtaking views.
(See DEC Backcountry Camping for rules and guidelines.)

Cross-Country Skiing

Our groomed trails are perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. The Kunjamuck Loop offers three scenic routes (1–5 miles), while the Foxey Brown Trail in Piseco provides a 5.6-mile journey through the Jessup River Wild Forest.

Downhill Skiing

Oak Mountain Ski Center delivers classic Adirondack skiing with 14 trails, a quad chairlift, T-bars, lessons, rentals, night skiing, a cafeteria, and a cozy restaurant and bar. It’s family-friendly fun at its best.

Fishing & Fly Fishing

With lakes, ponds, and rivers in every direction, the region offers exceptional fishing. Enjoy smallmouth bass, trout, salmon, walleye, and more. Try a peaceful trout pond or cast along a winding river—whether you're catching dinner or practicing catch-and-release, this is a top fishing destination. Licensed guides are ready to show you the best spots.
Licenses available at Tanner's Outdoor Sports, Town of Arietta, and Town of Lake Pleasant.
(See DEC regulations for more information.)

Golfing

The Lake Pleasant Golf Course—a public 9-hole, par 35 course—combines challenging play with jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Fall foliage turns the fairways into a vibrant backdrop you’ll never forget.

Hiking

From gentle strolls to heart-pumping climbs, our trails deliver unforgettable views and Adirondack charm. Stop by to pick up our local Hiking Guide with detailed maps, descriptions, and trail tips.

Hunting

Abundant wildlife makes the Speculator Region a premier hunting location. Pursue whitetail deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, and snowshoe hare.
Licenses are available at Tanner’s Outdoor Sports, Town of Arietta, and Town of Lake Pleasant.
Adirondack Mountain & Stream Guide Service offers guided hunts.
(See DEC Hunting Regulations.)

Ice Fishing

Drop a line through the ice and experience Adirondack winter fishing. Our lakes offer brown trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and more.
Licenses available at Tanner’s Outdoor Sports, Town of Arietta, and Town of Lake Pleasant.
(See DEC Ice Fishing Regulations.)

Ice Skating

Each winter the Speculator Pavilion transforms into a free outdoor skating rink—complete with skates to borrow.

Mountain Biking

Ride the famous Speculator Loop—featured in Adirondack Life—or explore two scenic logging-road loops ideal for all skill levels. Oak Mountain Bike Park also offers trails, features, and terrain for riders of every age and ability.

Snowboarding

Head to Oak Mountain Ski Center to enjoy a fun, exciting day on the slopes with terrain suitable for all riders.

Snowmobiling

With 650+ miles of free groomed snowmobile trails winding through forests, over lakes, and into local towns, the Speculator Region is a true snowmobiling paradise.
Rentals available through Village Motorsports/Village Rentals.
Pick up the Speculator Region Snowmobile Map & Guide at local businesses or the Chamber Office.

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

Step into the quiet beauty of a winter forest. Our region offers a wide variety of terrain perfect for casual walkers and experienced snowshoers alike.

Snow Tubing

At Oak Mountain, snow tubing offers the thrill of winter fun with no experience required. Just grab a tube and enjoy the ride!

If you'd like, I can also format this for a webpage layout, shorten it for a brochure, or create a navigation-friendly version with headers and links