Old Forge Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, Old Forge is a charming hamlet that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history. Surrounded by pristine lakes, dense forests, and majestic peaks, this picturesque destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

One of the main attractions in Old Forge is the breathtaking Fulton Chain of Lakes. Consisting of eight interconnected lakes, this waterway provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters or simply unwind on the sandy shores as you soak up the stunning views.

For those seeking a thrilling adventure, the nearby McCauley Mountain Ski Center offers a range of winter activities. Strap on your skis or snowboard and carve through the powdery slopes, or take a ride on the scenic chairlift to admire the panoramic vistas. In the warmer months, the mountain transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers, with a network of trails that lead to cascading waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.

History buffs will be delighted by the town's rich heritage. Explore the Adirondack Experience, a renowned museum that showcases the region's history, culture, and natural beauty. Step back in time at the Forge House Museum, a historic building that provides a glimpse into Old Forge's past as a bustling logging town.

After a day of exploration, indulge in the local culinary scene. Old Forge boasts a variety of charming eateries and cafes, where you can savor hearty comfort food or sample gourmet dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the chance to try the famous Utica greens, a regional specialty that combines escarole, hot peppers, and breadcrumbs.

Alternative names: Settled: 1798Population: ~760 pplArea: 2 mi²Elevation: 1732 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°42'34"N, 74°58'26"W

Location

New YorkUnited States

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Old Forge Top Attractions

Old Forge Attractions - What to See and Explore

Old Forge offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: McCauley Mountain, Bald Mountain, Nicks Lake, Grass Pond. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Winter sport • Park • Ski area
McCauley Mountain
McCauley Mountain, a scenic summit nestled in the heart of New York State's Adirondack Park, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Located near the charming town of Old Forge, McCauley Mountain stands as a beacon for hikers, skiers...
Hiking • Mountain • Park
Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain, or Rondaxe Mountain, is a part of the Adirondack Mountains in the U.S. state of New York. The trail leading up the mountain is a popular hike, likely due to its proximity to tourist towns.
Lake
Nicks Lake
Nicks Lake is a lake located south-southwest of Old Forge, New York. The campground at Nicks Lake has 112 campsites, picnic area, a beach with lifeguards and over 5 miles of hiking trails.

Lake
Grass Pond
Grass Pond is a small lake north-northeast of Minnehaha in Herkimer County, New York. It drains southwest via an unnamed creek which flows into Cedar Pond.
Lake
Gibbs Lake
Gibbs Lake is a small lake northwest of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains north via an unnamed creek which flows into Half Moon Pond.
Lake
Old Forge Pond
Old Forge Pond is located by Old Forge, New York. Fish species present in the lake are white sucker, black bullhead, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and rock bass. Carry down off NY-28 in Old Forge.
Lake
Big Diamond Pond
Big Diamond Pond is a small lake southwest of Big Moose in Herkimer County, New York. It drains south via an unnamed creek that flows into the North Branch Moose River.
Lake
Blackfoot Pond
Blackfoot Pond is a small lake northwest of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains south via an unnamed creek which flows into Little Simon Pond.
Lake
Combs Lake
Combs Lake is a small lake north-northeast of Bisby Lodge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains northeast via Combs Brook which flows into the South Branch Moose River.
Lake
Little Moose Lake
Little Moose Lake is a lake east-southeast of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains south via Little Moose Outlet which flows into the South Branch Moose River. Panther Lake is located south of Little Moose Lake.
Lake
East Pond
East Pond is a small lake north-northeast of Minnehaha in Herkimer County, New York. It drains west via an unnamed creek that flows into Lost Creek.
Lake
Half Moon Pond
Half Moon Pond is a small lake northwest of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains southwest via an unnamed creek which flows into South Inlet.
Lake
Panther Lake
Panther Lake is a small lake east-southeast of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains north via an unnamed creek which flows into Little Moose Lake.
Lake
Twin Pond
Twin Pond is a small lake east of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains north via an unnamed creek which flows into First Lake.
Lake
East Pond
East Pond is a small lake east-southeast of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains south via an unnamed creek that flows into Limekiln Creek.
Lake
Wheeler Pond
Wheeler Pond is a small lake north-northeast of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains south via an unnamed creek which flows into the North Branch Moose River.
Lake
Mountain Pond
Mountain Pond is a small lake east of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains north via an unnamed creek which flows into First Lake.
Lake
Gray Lake
Gray Lake is a small lake southeast of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains north via an unnamed creek which flows into First Lake.
Lake
Doe Pond
Doe Pond is a small lake north-northeast of Old Forge in Herkimer County, New York. It drains northwest via an unnamed creek that flows into the Independence River.

Day trips

Old Forge – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Old Forge, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Adirondack Experience (Blue Mountain Lake), Fort Stanwix (Rome), Lake Durant (Blue Mountain Wild Forest).

29 milesNE
Nature and wildlife, Park, Museum
Adirondack Experience, Blue Mountain Lake
Adirondack Experience, located on NY-30 in the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake in Hamilton County, New York, is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Adirondacks.
42 milesSW
Battlefield, Museum, Historical place
Fort Stanwix, Rome
Fort Stanwix was a colonial fortress whose construction commenced on August 26, 1758, under the direction of British General John Stanwix, at the location of present-day Rome, New York, but was not completed until about 1762.
30 milesE
Lake
Lake Durant, Blue Mountain Wild Forest
Lake Durant is a lake located 3 miles east of Blue Mountain Lake, New York. It has an area of 289 acres and an elevation of 1769 feet.
31 milesSE
Lake
Oxbow Lake, Jessup River Wild Forest
Oxbow Lake is a 312-acre is a naturally-occurring lake located in the towns of Lake Pleasant and Arietta in Hamilton County, New York within the Adirondack Park.
42 milesE
Lake
Thirteenth Lake
Nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, Thirteenth Lake offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. This pristine lake, surrounded by lush forestland and rugged terrain, is a hidden gem that provides an...