The Sacandaga Lake of upstate New York was man made in 1930. The people and industries along the banks of the Hudson River in the Albany area had long suffered with the annual spring floods. Several times the upper Hudson was flooded badly with the worst in 1913. After many debates, some bills were passed in legislature to become a law called the "Enabling Act" of the Conservation Department. Eventually all property came under the jurisdiction of the Hudson River Regulating Board. This process and the clearing of the land of trees, buildings, etc. took two years. Meanwhile, a dam was built at Conklinville, with two smaller ones at Mayfield and Northville.

In the spring of 1930 the floodgates were closed and the lake became a reality. Many townships lost vast acres of land to the water.

But looking at this huge accomplishment today you can tell the loss is offset at least by the hundreds of camps that bring thousands of tourists into this area. The region around the Great Sacandaga Lake has become a wonderful family-oriented tourist area.

Looking at area restaurants that thrive off the Sacandaga Lake for continued good business is like a mirrored reflection that keeps coming back for repeat business. Restaurants like the Lakeview Restaurant on 357 Lakeside Drive in Broadalbin benefit from year-round business. In the wintertime there are the snowmobilers that stop by regularly for a bite to eat. They can pull their sleds right up to the front door and step on in for a delicious, warm and affordable meal. There is also the Lodge on the Lake, situated up on a hill overlooking the lake also located on Route 110 heading out of Broadalbin. Lanzi's on the Lake, Route 30 Mayfield, is another fine example of where business blooms all season long. Situated right on the water's edge of the Great Sacandaga Lake, Lanzi's offers beautiful lakeside scenery and boasts a delectable menu. Again, in the winter as well as summer there are many fine restaurants that can be found on the outskirts of the lake, considered the "back way" (Route 110, coming out of the village of Broadalbin) or along State Highway 30 North leaving the area of Mayfield.

A bit further down the road is another popular hotspot called the Sport Island Pub and Restaurant located at 108 Riverside Boulevard in Northville. This is located directly on the Sacandaga Lake, with beachfront property giving a fantastic view of the lake. With 40 courtesy docks available on the lake, a warm summer's eve would not be complete without a sail to this destination. There are also all the "mom and pop" type restaurants that line the lake, featuring real homemade food, or the various ice cream shops that are scattered about.

Sacandaga Lake's newest addition is a boat launch on Lakeview Road in Broadalbin. At this site you can picnic or watch the boats set sail or take the children to the Town of Broadalbin Beach facilities located on site. Here the family can enjoy a day at the beach complete with food vendors and bathroom facilities. The view is fantastic overlooking the lake. Contact the Broadalbin Town Hall for more information regarding beach permits for seasonal use. The other boat launches are located at Route 30 Northville; Route 30, one-half mile south of Sacandaga Park/Northampton Beach; Conklinville Road, five miles north of Edinburg; and Driftwood Park on Vandenburgh Point Rd., Mayfield.

A different sight to see is a locally known tradition, held every September, when residents who live on the edges of the Sacandaga Lake light a campfire near the waters edge, lining the entire lake. To local folk, this is a tradition to signify the end of summer. Taking the "back way" (Route 110) driving around the lake in early evening, just as dusk falls is a pretty sight to see as you meander around the winding roads.

Whatever you can think of to do, Fulton County and its lake offers it. With hotels and motels and bed and breakfast for accommodations, and mini golf for the kids or golf courses for the adults, it's all here along the Sacandaga Lake. There's swimming, boating, fishing, camping, fine dining, and overnight facilities with class. It's the perfect place if you want to get away from it all to a quiet retreat. The Adirondacks and the Sacandaga Lake can rest your mind with the gentle, water's breeze and the warm sunshine. Whether it is spring, summer, fall or winter the Great Sacandaga Lake offers it all.

To find out more of what is going on around the Great Sacandaga Lake region all year long, contact the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce .


Writer Shelley Brienza lives in the southern tip of the Adirondacks. She has written for her hometown magazines The Beat and FulMont.com. She is the former website creator/writer/editor from Webseed Publishing, Inc. of FacetsofLife.com, where she wrote about career exploration.