-- Last Updated: Aug-28-02 10:34 PM EST --

Had some requests to share this info .......

Not being a fisherman, can’t personally attest to whether it’s reputation is deserved, but
heard & read reports about the trout caught in Sand Lake.
Peter O’Shea in �?The Great South Woods �?writes that a PA couple, disappointed w/ size
of trout in upper Oswegatchie, took his advice, hiked to Sand Lake, & wrote back to say
they caught several 4 pounders !
Even if you get skunked, it’s a special place, nestled deep in 5 Ponds Wilderness,
surrounded by old growth, w/ a rare for the Adks long sand beach. You can hike 7 m.
from Oswegatchie R or 14.8 m from Wanakena or follow these directions to get both you
& canoe there :

Drive the 10 m from Belfort on Long Pond Rd to Bergen’s Clearing. Continue 11.2 m on
Bear Pond Rd ( an adventure in itself ) to gate. On way note the very controversial
“improvements�?DEC made on rd. Despite work, it’s still a slow trip from Bergen’s &
West branch country to the Middle branch. At 10.6 m, immediately past gravel pit, you’ll
pass 2 rds branching left . The 1st is overgrown & led to former site of bridge over Middle
branch at a class III drop. The 2nd rd is newly gated & signed as foot trail to Brindle
(.6m) & Grassy (1.3m) Ponds. It leads in 50yds to a shallow spot on the river where
vehicles could ford it before gate was errected.
Stop here. Walk down to river & note or mark this spot well. It’s the takeout on return
trip from Sand Lake. Now drive the remaining .5m down Bear Pond rd. A few yds before
the gate at end of public vehicle access another rd branches left. It reaches the Middle
branch in 250 yds. Drive to this spot. You’ll see 3 steel “I�?beams spanning the river at
another former bridge site. A designated campsite is also here.
Launch canoe (or kayak, I suppose) below “I�?beams & paddle down shallow &
sometimes scratchy but always beautiful river. In approx .5m see an obvious deep stream
entering on right. This is Sand Lake outlet. Turn R & ascend this stream. In a few minutes
pass short navigable outlet of Grassy Pond. (If time tour pond after lifting over 5 ft beaver
dam) Continue up Sand L. outlet. There are 2 short shallow sections where lining is
necessary. At a 3rd, headed by a ledge & another beaver dam, you may decide to carry
canoe for 20 yds. Above dam water is flat & deep into Sand Lake. Leanto is straight
ahead on N shore just behind beach out of site. Another designated site is to E. Lift over
esker to explore adjacent Rock Lake.
Return by same rte but turn downsream on Middle branch. Pass Brindle Pond outlet in
.25m & arrive at takeout in another .5 m. You’ve gone a few yds too far if you drop over
class III rap. (This ensures you won’t inadvertantly end up downriver on Alder Bed Flow
should you fail to recognize takeout ) It’s less than 1m hike or mt bike back to put in at
“I�?beams.
Did this trip solo on May 19. Put in to leanto required 1:30. Leanto to takeout = 1:05
Disclaimer: This is remote, untraveled country between river & lake. Take appropriate precautions

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=18&n=4872731&e=498658&s=25&size=l

this link takes you to a map of the area

Supplement directions to get to Belfort

On rt. 90, take Rome exit , rt 365 north to rt69

rt 69 north to rt 26

rt26 north to Lowville  (long way )

At Lowville, take 812 north to forest city

At Forest city take old state road east to Belfort

From Belfort, take long pond road.   The rest is above.