Madawaska Flow

Madawaska Flow is part of a conservation easement in the Santa Clara Tract. This remote pond covers more than 220 acres, and is a popular backcountry paddling destination.

How to get there

The turn off for the long dirt road to the Madawaska Flow trailhead is marked by a large yellow and brown sign on the left (west) side of the road, along NY-458 (44.565614, -74.327605). Follow this dirt road for roughly 6 miles to the pond trailhead. Be aware the road is very rough, and in wet weather can be extremely muddy and/or flooded. From the trailhead, it's a short walk to the pond.

Paddling

The hand launch for paddling is 0.4 miles from the trailhead. Be aware that due to the large size of the pond, windy days may make paddling into the wind slow going. Paddling here, among large stretches of water lilies and pickerel weed, is very attractive. Paddling south from the launch will take paddlers downstream into the Quebec Brook, a popular paddle.

Birding

Look for Common Loons, Common Mergansers, and American Black Duck. There's a long list of warblers which include Yellow-rumped, Pine, Northern Parula, and Common Yellowthroat. All of these, and much more, find suitable habitat around the Flow. It wouldn't be uncommon to spot 50+ species of bird if you're intentional with your trip.