To get on this
loop you have to take Hwy-8/12 (north) out of Utica. Until they built the I-90
Thruway, this was quite simple. Now, however, here's how you do it. Take exit
31 which puts you on I-790. Follow I-790, past North Genesee Street to
Hwy-8/12. Take the Hwy-8/12 North exit and you're ready for a delightful tour.
About 5 miles out
is the Hwy-8 exit where it splits off Hwy-12. Take the exit and follow 8.
Soon you will enter one of America's most beautiful, pristine forests, the
Adirondack Forest Preserve, and it is absolutely breath-taking. The color of
fall, these autumn leaves so many thousands drive hundreds of miles to view,
are right here. And you' pass through such picturesque communities as Lake
Pleasant, Speculator, Hope Valley and Cranberry Creek.
When you get to
Speculator, Hwy-8 goes to the right joining Hwy-30. Ten miles later Hwy-8
splits off to the left. Now you stay on Hwy-30. Sacandaga (21 miles further)
on Great Sacandaga Lake near the end of our loop, has become quite a well
developed community even having live theatre. It also has some good eating
spots so keep that in mind.
Amsterdam is
another 27 miles which also brings you back to the NY Thruway (exit 27).
contributed
by RK
Most hotels and motels are 'booked up' during the autumn leaf-viewing season. If you haven't made your hotel or motel reservations yet we have included a list of area hotels and motels with access to an on-line hotel reservation system for your convenience.
