The Charming New York Town That's Great For Outdoor Adventures All Year Long

Although New Yorkers love urban life, they're also always on the lookout for opportunities to escape the city and experience more nature than Central Park has to offer. For example, Kaaterskill Falls is a spectacular sight in the Catskills that's beautiful in all seasons, and near and dear to many. But there's also so much beauty just a bit further north. Offering lakes, lush mountains, and scenic valleys all teeming with wildlife — including a few creatures you'll want to beware of — the Adirondack Mountains are one region that you should add to your outdoor adventure list, even if you aren't a New York native.

One spot in particular that's worth venturing to in the Adirondack region is the Village of Speculator. Known by locals as an "all-season vacationland," this quaint village of less than 400 people sits right on the shores of Lake Pleasant and boasts a plethora of outdoor activities that will keep you busy no matter the weather — from hiking and paddling to skiing and ice fishing — as well as some quirky attractions that are unique to this tiny town.

Speculator is in New York's Hamilton County, about a four-hour drive north of Manhattan, and an hour and a half north of New York's state capital of Albany. Look for the whimsical "Pig Rock" — a giant boulder just outside of town that was painted by the local Christian Boys Camp to look like the face of a huge hog — and you'll know you're nearly there. Once you're arrived, locals will tell you that directions to any and all attractions revolve around "The Four Corners": the biggest intersection in Speculator, where Route 8 intersects Route 30. Here's what to check out on your next visit.

Hiking and biking are de rigueur for any visitor to Speculator. With many hiking trails to choose from, you can take your pick from kid-friendly routes and moderate strolls through the woods to all-day mountain excursions. Bikers have several loop routes to choose from, but you may want to check out the scenic 12-mile loop around Pine Mountain in particular, which is easier to navigate on mostly gravel roads, or try the bike trails on Oak Mountain if you're in the mood for something a bit more rugged.

Take advantage of Speculator's proximity to multiple bodies of water by enjoying some aquatic sports. Try paddling on the Sacandaga River, where you can explore a marsh rich with wildlife — including beavers and a host of birds like Great Blue Herons and Song Sparrows; or paddle the pristine Kunjamuk River, which opens into the calm waters of Elm Lake. Fishing also abounds on Lake Pleasant, which is well stocked with walleye, brown trout, and lake trout. If you're in need of fishing or canoeing gear, grab it at Speculator's charming department store, which has been in operation since 1949.

And the outdoor adventures are just getting started in the winter months, when cold-weather sports season kicks off. You can try your hand at ice fishing on Lake Pleasant before warming up in town (check out this beginner's guide to ice fishing with tips on what you will need); go snowmobiling on more than 750 miles of trails; or check out skiing and snowboarding at Oak Mountain ski resort, which is only about a mile outside of the town center. The resort, which opened in 1948, has 22 trails to choose from, including miles of snowshoeing trails — plus a ski and snowboarding school for newbies.

When you're ready for something a bit less strenuous, you may want to explore Speculator's many cultural offerings — like the little museum run by the Speculator Lake Pleasant Historical Society, or the Judy Nelson Art Gallery — but there are also plenty of other outdoor attractions to enjoy that won't break a sweat. Step into a quaint recreation of old-school Americana by visiting "Mini Route 66" — a miniature village made up of incredibly detailed replicas such as a general store, post office, and schoolhouse. This labor of love was designed and built by John Van Buiten, a New Jersey resident who visited Lake Pleasant every summer since the 1920s. After his death, the tiny town was moved to Speculator in 2016, and you can now find it near the local playground.

For a slightly mysterious excursion, visit Kunjamuk Cave. The entire round-trip hike to the cave is under 3 miles on mostly flat terrain, and can be done year-round. You can also drive and park your car near the entrance to the cave. The origins of Kunjamuk Cave are a bit dubious; it's unclear if the cave formed naturally or was man-made, but it's said to have been used by "French Louie," a local hermit originally from Ottawa, Canada, who frequented the area in the early 1900s. You can also visit the local legend's grave at Speculator Cemetery.

Or for some true rest and relaxation, kick off your shoes and unwind at Speculator Public Beach, which lies just half a mile from the center of town. The beach is also right across the street from the Sacandaga River Nature Trails, so after a sweaty hike, you can go for a dip, and even pack a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area.