Paddling and Boating
Our camps are located directly on Franklin Falls Pond and Union Falls Pond and offer great paddling via kayak or canoe. There are a limited number of public boat launches on Franklin Falls Pond and Union Falls Pond (and Union Falls Pond is limited to motors under 10 HP), so there is very little boat traffic. Exploring the lakes by water is peaceful and rewarding -- you can watch the eagles, loons, and clouds over the mountains, maybe even catch tonight's dinner. One of the great things about having a site on the lake is how easy it makes everything. Whether you want a quick sunset paddle or a multi-hour cruise, just jump in your boat whenever you're ready. Much of the land around Franklin Falls Pond and Union Falls Pond is private property, so please be careful not to trespass when you go ashore.
Fishing
Our camps offer great fishing access. Franklin Falls Pond is known especially for fighting fish like walleye and northern pike and nighttime fishing for bullhead is also popular. Union Falls Pond has walleye and pike but also includes a large number of smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Fishing from shore, from canoe or kayak, and from motor boats are all rewarded, though Union Falls Pond has many stumps that limit outboard motors to 10 HP and low speeds. Trout fishermen will be excited that we are a 15 minute drive from the legendary West Branch of the Ausable River, near the Dream Mile (site of the ESPN Outdoor Games and Outdoor Life’s Fly Fishing Competition). The river is known for its 10-18” brown and brook trout and may be the most famous fishing area in New York. There are a number of bait and tackle shops nearby, including two specialty fly shops. A New York fishing license is required.
Our property is popular for big game hunting, including white-tailed deer and black bear. Ruffed grouse, woodcock, rabbits, and waterfowl are also abundant, along with some wild turkeys. Campers may lease hunting rights for specific areas of our property in connection with certain camps, and a large adjacent property offers discounted memberships in their hunting club for our campers. If you are a hunting club looking to establish a camp, please contact us to discuss the possibilities. A New York hunting license is required.
Join our community of hunters here.
Hiking
The High Peaks of the Adirondacks have become swamped with hikers, but the areas around Franklin Falls remain a little off the beaten path and no less thrilling. The Adirondacks are known for their challenging and rewarding hiking along with their wonderful hiking weather, with summer highs in the 70s and low 80s bracketed by cool mornings and evenings. Two of the High Peaks (Whiteface at 4867’ and Esther at 4239’) are very close to the property for would-be 46ers, while for those starting out three of the Saranac Six (Baker at 2457’, Haystack at 2874’, and McKenzie at 3861’) are in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness adjacent to us. One of the most spectacular panoramic views of the High Peaks can be seen at Cobble Lookout (not to be confused with Cobble Hill in Lake Placid), just a few minutes drive east of our property. The Cobble Lookout trail is an easy 1.3 mile walk (each way) and is perfect for a picnic or dawn photo shoot. Other nearby hikes include Catamount Mountain (3168’), Silver Lake Mountain (2347’), Moose Pond Trail, and the Silver Lake Bog Trail. Hikers aiming for the most popular trails in the High Peaks can do it but will have to travel a little bit, as it is a 30 minute drive to Keene and about 40 minutes to the Adirondack Loj.
Cycling
There are some awesome opportunities for mountain biking nearby. The Three Sisters Preserve in Wilmington is fantastic for novices, while Saranac Lake’s Dewey Mountain Recreation Area and Mt. Pisgah both provide good mountain bike trails. For road biking, the 46 mile Franklin Falls Loop goes right through the middle of our property, looping around the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness by going through Bloomingdale, Saranac Lake, Ray Brook, Lake Placid, and Wilmington before returning to our property. This route provides gorgeous views at all times of year, but is extraordinary during the fall foliage season.
Skiing
We do not plow snow on the property and only a handful of the camps are close enough to the road to be accessible through the winter by any means other than snowmobile or, well, skiing. If you do rent an appropriate camp for winter access, however, we are fantastically located for skiing at Whiteface or Pisgah.