The Great Sacandaga Reservoir, is a location
full of history and offers all season
activities. From cross country skiing
and snowmobiling, to great fishing and
boating, dining lakeside and tour boats. There
are public boat launches on both ends of the
lake, as well as state run camp sites. This
large lake is only 30 minutes from historic
Saratoga and 45 minutes from Lake George and
Albany.
There is so
much to see on and around the Great Sacandaga
Lake that it would take days to see it all.
Between antique shops and the small towns on the
shores it is a mini paradise. This area is also
steep in history, from the Mohawk Indians to Sir
William Johnson. This area back around the turn
of the century was an area of luxury.
Gloversville and Johnstown, were known as "Glove
Cities" for their top quality leather. And
Amsterdam was then known as "Carpet City". At
one point the Former President of the United
States Teddy Roosevelt came to visit
Gloversville in 1910. During the 1920s the
state started working on the Conklingville Dam,
to control flood waters on the Sacandaga River
and Hudson rivers. The Sacandaga valley was
cleared out and then in 1930 it was flooded.
There are rumors of a train that was not moved
in time and was flooded over. And also there
are pictures of the Fish House Covered bridge
that was not taken down in time and flooded
around, the bridge stood for some time
afterwards and could be seen from shore until it
collapsed in a large storm. The flooding of the
valley created the Great Sacandaga Reservoir, 29
miles long, 125 miles of shore line, and 42 sq
miles of surface area. This created a fishing
lake, like none other. In the 1940 the world
record Northern Pike came from the Lake, at 49
inches and 46 pounds (since surpassed). It
remains the NY state record Northern Pike. The
lake is also known for the winter time activity
of snowmobiling with many miles and destinations
to accommodate all riders.
Between
summer and winter the Great Sacandaga Reservoir
area is a destination not to be missed. Give it
a chance and take a drive up and down its shores
and feel the majesty of the area.
