We love Speculator New York! Not only is it our hometown, it is also the home of some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state.
Our village is located in the majestic Adirondack Mountains. Every year we welcome hikers of varying skill levels to our little piece of America. But for many newer hikers, the choices for trails can be overwhelming.
For All Things Hiking in Speculator, NY, Look No Further Than Charlie Johns Market
Located at the summit of the mountains, Charlie Johns is a great place to stock up on hiking supplies before hitting the trails. We’re located right in the heart of Speculator, New York, which is an all-season vacation destination. Because of our prime location, we are often asked to help choose a trail that’s perfect for beginners. In fact, we are asked so often that we’ve put together a list of the five best hiking trails for beginners in Speculator:
1. Pinnacle Mountain Trail
This trail is a great choice for beginners who want to experience the thrill of hiking to a summit. The trail is a 2.5-mile round trip hike and is easy to follow. It takes you to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain where you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area. Look for red circular “Trail” markers to guide you. Although an easy trail, you’ll need to take a narrow and rough road to get there.
2. The Moss Lake Trail:
This trail is a 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful forest and circumnavigates Moss Lake. The trail is easy to follow and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. Perfect for families that are looking for something interesting but not too challenging. Stop by Charlie Johns for bug repellent before this hike.
3. The Echo Cliff/Panther Mountain Trail:
This trail is a 3-mile round trip hike that’s very popular with beginning hikers. There’s a steep slope at the end but you’ll get a view that makes it worth the effort.
4. Cod Pond Trail
This trail is a 2.2-mile round trip hike that takes you through a beautiful forest head. The trail is easy to follow and Cod Pond is in a beautiful, serene setting. Take a detour to see Stewart Creek and the short cascading falls there.
5. Fawn Lake Trail
This trail is a 2.9 mile round trip hike that takes you to Fawn Lake along a kid-friendly, dog friendly (leashed) trail. It’s popular, so expect some company on the trail. During the spring and after rainy conditions you can expect some muddy conditions.
Speculator, New York offers a wide variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, but these five trails are perfect for beginners who want to experience the beauty of the mountains without too much exertion.
Visit Charlie John’s General Store if you’re planning a hiking trip in Speculator, New York. Located in the heart of the community for over 100 years, this family-owned store offers hiking boots, backpacks, and trail maps for your hiking adventure. You can also fuel up on the trail with a wide variety of snacks and energy bars. Afterwards, you can pick up a souvenir or two as keepsakes of your adventure.
Remember: Always check trail conditions, bring enough water and snacks, wear appropriate footwear, and let someone know where you’re going before you hit the trail. Happy hiking!