Things To Do
in Old Forge
Old Forge is a picturesque village in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, nestled on the Fulton Chain of lakes. It serves as a seasonal gateway for outdoor lovers, offering easy access to boating, hiking, and snow-filled adventures. The village prides itself on a family-friendly atmosphere, with lakeside views, quaint shops, and cozy eateries.
With a welcoming small-town vibe, Old Forge blends outdoor thrills with relaxed the pace of rural life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Old Forge and settle into your cozy cabin or hotel. Start your day with coffee at a local café while enjoying scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline of Fourth Lake, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Explore the charming village of Old Forge, visiting local shops and art galleries that showcase regional artisans. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a family-owned restaurant, savoring homemade specialties. In the afternoon, rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through the tranquil waters of the Adirondacks.
As the sun sets, embark on a scenic boat tour of the nearby lakes, taking in the vibrant colors of the sunset. Dine at a lakeside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood or classic American fare. End your evening by gathering around a fire pit, sharing stories with fellow travelers under a starlit sky.
Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to McCauley Mountain for a thrilling hike. The vista from the summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and lakes. Capture the moment with photos before descending and returning to town.
In the afternoon, hit the trails for some mountain biking or take up the challenge of rock climbing. Experienced guides can enhance your adventure with tips and support. Refuel with a picnic lunch at a scenic spot along the way.
After a day of adventure, visit a local brewery for some craft beer tasting. The brewery often features live music, creating a festive atmosphere. Wrap up your night watching the stars, perhaps spotting a shooting star or two.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $30-60 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $90-180 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $3-5 |
| 🛍️Local souvenir | $5-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and easy access to the Adirondacks
- Family-friendly activities and a relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Seasonal crowds in peak summer and fall weekends
Places to Visit in Old Forge
Visit one of these nice places.
Early morning light over the interconnected lakes offers calm water and mirror-like reflections for landscape photography.
Golden-hour views with boats and silhouettes against colorful skies near the village core.
Woodland trails, rivers, and open vistas provide varied nature photography opportunities year-round.
Tranquil waters and pine-fringed shores ideal for peaceful shoreline compositions.
Food in Old Forge
Old Forge Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh-cried trout prepared with a hint of maple glaze, typically served with seasonal vegetables at lakeside eateries.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked venison with root vegetables and hearty broth, a staple in cooler months.
Rustic pancakes featuring wild Adirondack blueberries, perfect for a weekend brunch.
House-smoked lake whitefish on crusty bread with a light dill mayo and greens.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, maple products, berries, and crafts from nearby farms and artisans.
Seasonal roadside stands selling fresh berries and orchard goodies during peak summer.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect wildlife, maintain a safe distance, and follow park rules. Pack out trash and keep noise low near residential areas and trails.
Safety
Tipping in Old Forge
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping around 15-20% at full-service restaurants; slight rounding or a small tip for casual counters is appreciated. Guides, taxi drivers, and longer tours may expect 10-15% depending on service. In cash, you can leave a tip directly; many places also accept card tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool evenings; peak water activities on the Fulton Chain. Expect family-friendly crowds and frequent outdoor events.
Foliage season brings vibrant reds and golds; popular for hiking and photography; some services may operate on a limited schedule as crowds shift.
Snow-covered landscapes create ideal conditions for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skiing; be prepared for cold temperatures and shorter daylight.
Milder temperatures and melting snow open trails; shorelines may be muddy; wildlife activity increases with budding flora.
Old Forge at Night
Hiking in Old Forge
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large network of trails, prime for backcountry day hikes and wildlife viewing.
Forested ascent with rewarding views at the summit and a historic fire tower.
Moderate hikes connecting lakes and scenic overlooks in the region.
Airports
How to reach Old Forge by plane.
Largest nearby airport offering domestic flights; about 120-150 miles from Old Forge; several hours by road depending on traffic and route.
Another regional hub with a wider range of domestic flights; roughly 170-190 miles away by car.
Smaller airport serving limited domestic flights; closer in some directions, suitable for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Popular for family-friendly activities, paddling, and educational nature experiences.
Drawn by hiking, boating, fishing, and winter sports in the Adirondacks.
Transient population that peaks in summer and autumn for recreation and events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A major winter pastime with extensive trails across the Adirondacks.
Popular year-round activity in the lakes and streams surrounding Old Forge.
Seasonal hiking on Adirondack trails ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging ridge routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Old Forge.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries offer vegetarian pizzas, pastas, salads, and veggie mains; look for house-made veggie burgers and seasonal specials.
Options may be limited in some spots; ask for veggie-centric plates or salads; some cafés can accommodate by omitting dairy and using olive oil dressings.
Gluten-free bread or pasta choices are increasingly available; inform staff of dietary needs to avoid cross-contamination.