Our summer has been go-go-go. I don't want to waste a minute of the perfect Adirondack weather by staying inside. We have been hiking, walking, swimming, sailing, canoeing and biking. We have dragged first time hikers up Adirondack Mountains so they could enjoy the beautiful views. We have taken our boats out on the water. It has been amazing.
Sometimes we just need to stop and take a break from all the running around. A trip to Wilmington by the "secret", backcountry, but aptly named River Road (CR 48) follows the Saranac River through Franklin Falls.
The Franklin Fall Flow is termed an impoundment of the Saranac River. The dam is located on the north side of the bridge. The water may look calm on that side, but it quickly flows into the dam and drops significantly. There are warning signs clearly marked to indicate which side can be accessed to the public.
Whiteface Mountain looms in the background as we stop at the boat launch. The boat launch, just west of the bridge, is a flat, shallow area perfect for a low-draft boat or just wading in the cool Adirondack water. There are plenty of large boulders for sitting upon.
If fishing is your passion, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation used to stock Franklin Falls Flow Pond with Walleye from 1998-2002. Be warned the open season is from the 1st Saturday in May to March 15. There is also much written about mercury in the water so be prepared to just catch and release. It is recommended not to eat any fish caught there. There are plenty of other Adirondack fishing spots if eating your catch is the objective.
We explore the shoreline and enjoy a simple picnic while making swimming holes for the tadpoles we find hiding behind some reeds. I hope you find your own peaceful Adirondack spot.
Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities™ guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time™
