See the loons, ospreys and other birds around Moss Lake near Eagle Bay. Near rivers and streams (all three branches of the Moose River, along the bridges at Rondaxe, Green Bridge Road, North Street, and at Lock and Dam.) one might see any of these birds: Herons, Hawks, Mergansers, Pewees, Juncos, Flycatchers, Kingfishers, and Swallows. Near ponds and lakes (Nick's, Rondaxe, Moss, Cascade) you might see Loons, Osprey, Hawks, Eagles, Woodpeckers and Grouse. Along the roadsides, look for Owls, Woodpeckers, Turkeys, Thrushes, Jays, and Chickadees.
Rent a runabout or pontoon boat in Old Forge, Big Moose, Eagle Bay or Stillwater. Rent a sailboat on Fourth Lake. A private boat launch is available for a modest fee at Old Forge Pond; free NYState DEC boat launches are located at Stillwater and Inlet. Please observe invasive species precautions.
For Boat Rentals, Sales, and Service:
Big Moose Yamaha, Inc., Eagle Bay (315) 357-2998
Birds’ Marine, Old Forge (315) 369-2136 www.birdsmarine.com
Clark's Marina Rentals, Sales & Service,4th Lake (315) 357-3231 www.clarksmarina.com
Dunn’s Boat Service, Big Moose (315) 357-3532 www.dunnsboats.com
Palmer Point Boat Rentals, Old Forge (315) 357-5594 www.palmerpointadk.com
Rivett’s Marine & Recreation, Old Forge (315) 369-3123 www.rivettsmarine.com
Smith Marine, Old Forge (315) 369-9911 www.smithmarineagain.com/
The Stillwater Shop, Stillwater (315) 376-2110 www.stillwatershop.com
Camping in the Old Forge can vary from a primitive, back-country site to a full-featured camping cabin. Family camping can create a lifetime of memories and is a great way to learn about nature.
For campsites click here
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Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddle Boards
Old Forge, Paddling Capital of the Adirondacks, offers great paddling opportunities for canoers, kayakers, and stand-up paddle (SUP) board enthusiasts. Bring your own craft or rent one. Watercrafts and supplies are available locally for day trips or longer excursions.
Old Forge is embraced by the North and Middle branches of the Moose River, offering wilderness paddling opportunities immediately accessible from area villages. The North Branch offers winding, backcounty scenery flowing with the current from Rondaxe Bridge near Rondaxe Lake. Deer, otters, beavers and Great Blue Herons are frequently seen on the 12-mile excursion which typically takes about six hours. Approximately four miles downstream from Rondaxe is North Street Bridge, another popular put-in spot on the outskirts of Old Forge. All of the same scenery and wildlife is available, and small, sandy beaches provide picnic spots. This North Branch route comprises the last four hours of the Rondaxe trip. The Middle Branch of the Moose, flowing from the dam at Old Forge Pond, joins the North Branch near the Thendara Bridge in Old Forge. The gorgeous river continues meandering through the Black River Wild Forest to Minnehaha, then to Singing Waters, where the river gathers speed. The Moose spills over small rock gardens through McKeever, then establishes itself as one of the premier whitewater resources in the Northeast. Class IV and Class V rapids provide experienced paddlers Adirondack whitewater adventures on the Lower Moose.
Additional flat water paddling opportunities abound on the Fulton Chain of Lakes, originating in Old Forge, and on Big Moose Lake. Extensive canoeing and kayak touring is available on Stillwater Reservoir, northwest of Big Moose and Eagle Bay. Moss Lake provides quiet paddling, and several DEC Campgrounds (access fee required) such as Nicks Lake, Limekiln Lake, Brown's Tract Pond, and Eighth Lake offer flatwater exploration.
For Canoe & Kayak Rentals:
Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, Old Forge (315)369-6672 For Rentals ext 3 For Boat Shop ext 2 www.MountainmanOutdoors.com
Palmer Point Boat Rentals, Old Forge (315) 357-5594 www.palmerpointadk.com
Woodcraft Moose River Trip, Old Forge (315) 369-6031 www.woodcraftcamps.com
Rivett's Marine, Old Forge (315) 369-3123 www.rivettsmarine.com
Old Forge is the western terminus of the 740 mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The historic trail begins in Old Forge and travels to Fort Kent, Maine. For more information on paddling the trail visit: www.northernforestcanoetrail.org
Our area offers a diversified fishing experience for the novice to the experienced angler. Bass, Northern Pike, Muskie, Trout and Landlocked Salmon are just a sample of the range of fish in our area. Talk to local
residents, stop in at a bait shop or hire an experienced guide to learn more about where the fish are biting. Competitive fishing derbies and cash prizes offered all year long.
Winter ice fishing on our majestic frozen lakes offers some of the best fishing all year long. Public fishing is available from state and town land and all of the DEC State Campgrounds.
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Golf
If golf is your game, then consider yourself lucky. Old Forge /Thendara has one of the finest golf courses in this area located right at our doorstep. The Thendara Golf Course is a an 18-hole par 72, Donald Ross-Designed Championship Golf Course, once played by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Lee Travino, Chi Chi Rodriguez and a number of other famous golfers. The course is cut right out of the natural beauty of the Central Adirondacks. With its plush grasses, meticulously maintained greens and fairways, this course is a pleasure, no matter what your level of play. The course will take you down doglegs, past sandtraps, onto elevated and rolling greens and through some very unique Adirondack scenery.
Thendara Golf Course, Old Forge (315) 369-3136 www.thendaragolfclub.com
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Hiking
Enjoy some of the best hiking in the Adirondacks.
Click Here for the Old Forge Hiking Map
Bald Mt.: Trail north on Rt. 28 4.5 miles past Visitor Information Center in Old Forge. Turn left on Rondaxe Rd. Go one-tenth mile to parking area on left. It is a one mile hike, 30-40 minutes, offering excellent views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes along with historic fire tower.
Visit the Friends of Bald Mountain Web Site: http://www.masterpieces.com/bald.htm
Bubb Lake & Sis Lake: 2.3 miles, 1 hour. 7.6 miles north of Tourist Information Center in Old Forge on north side of Rt. 28. Offers hiking, camping, swimming and fishing. Beginner to intermediate. Some early ascent, then mostly level. Leads by two beautiful scenic lakes.
Cascade Lake: Hiking, canoeing, waterfall, camping, swimming, fishing. 4.6 mile round trip, 2.5 hours. Easy grades. Take Big Moose Rd. from Eagle Bay nine-tenths of a mile. Parking area on right. Scenic trail, nice waterfall on north end of trail.
Fly Pond: Directly across Rondaxe Rd. from Bald Mt. Parking area. Eight-tenths of a mile hike. 30 minutes. Level. Leads past Fly Pond, Carry Mountain Pond, old bed of Raquette Lake Railway, Scenic Mountain, Mountain Pond.
Moss Lake: Take Big Moose Road in Eagle Bay 2.1 miles, trailhead on left. Hiking, canoeing, camping, swimming & fishing. 2.5 mile loop, 1 hour. Relatively level.
For more local hikes and maps contact the Town of Webb Visitor Information Center at (315) 369-6983. Always remember to bring a map and compass, tell someone where you’re going and when you are due back and be sure to register at trailheads.
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Click here to download and print the McCauley Mountain Ski & Recreation Center map above.
Download Adirondack Hiking Guide(please note, the pdf guide may take a few minutes to load).
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Good cross-country trails abound, and there are mellow, swoopy singletracks, as well as steep, technical places such as Maple Ridge and McCauley Mountain. The TOBIE Trail connects the communities of Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet & Eagle Bay. The paved trail starts in Thendara just south of the train station and travels north through Old Forge (click here for map) and then connects with the snowmobile trail system at the end of North Street. These trails are closed during Hunting Season and Snowmobiling Season (September 14 to April 1). They follow roads, old railroad beds and snowmobile trails with gentle grades and many scenic views, making this sport fun for beginners and a great aerobic workout for serious riders.
Click here for Webb Recreational Trails.
The Maple Ridge to McCauley Mountain trail begins at a kiosk where the TOBIE trail runs parallel to Park Avenue in Old Forge.
Click here for Maple Ridge map.
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Horseback Tours
A unique way for everyone to explore wilderness trails, with adventures customized for all ages and ability levels, from novices to experienced riders. Also programs for disabled veterans and other persons with adaptive needs.
Adirondack Saddle Tours - Eagle Bay (315) 357-4499 or toll-free 877-795-7488
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Hunting
Hunting is closely regulated by the Department of Environmental Conservation.
New York State DEC website
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Ice Skating
Go ice skating at Old Forge’s outdoor rink at the intersection of Upper Joy Tract Road and Railroad Avenue. Rink availability is weather dependent, as there is no refrigeration for the rink surface. A Zamboni is used to groom the ice when conditions allow, however, there is no set schedule. The rink is available 24/7 and is lighted. A small hut is available, with bench seating to put on skates and keep belongings out of the weather.
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McCauley Mountain Snow Skiing
New York's Best Family Mountain
With a summit elevation of 2300’ and terrain options for every appetite, McCauley packs big-mountain attitude into a small-mountain package. McCauley features 21 trails, slopes and glades, with opportunites for beginners, intermediates and experts who enjoy a double chairlift, two T-Bars and two rope tows. Easier trails also are available from the very top. A ski school, a full-service ski shop with rentals, and a cozy chalet with restaurant and lounge complete the ski area package, in a safe, family-freindly environment.
(315) 369-3225 www.mccauleyny.com
McCauley Mountain Ski Area - $10 (Professionally Groomed Daily)
Inlet's Fern Park – Free (Groomed Daily)
Woodcraft Camps, Old Forge (315) 369-6031
Back Country – Hadarondah Wildnerness area and all New York State hiking trails
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Movies
Enjoy watching first run films on the four screens at The Strand Theatre in Old Forge. A fully restored Art Deco theater, the theater is an attraction in itself. Inside is a free film history musuem.
The Strand Theatre - Old Forge (315)-369-6703 www.strandoldforge.com
Enjoy a book, video, newspaper, or check your e-mail at The Old Forge Library. Free WiFi available 24/7 inside and out, programs for children and adults, and art exhibits are displayed regularly.
Old Forge Library - (315) 369-6008 OldForgeLibrary.org
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Old Forge Public Beach
Open 7 days a week (June 22, 2024 until Labor Day) from 11am to 5pm
with Lifeguards on duty. No admission fee. Parking and entrance
on Lakeview Avenue near the public tennis courts and Lakefront Park.
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River Rafting
Enjoy a wilderness whitewater adventure offered by outfitting companies that supply instruction, equipment (including wetsuits in cooler weather) and licensed guides. Depending on the time of year and the waterway selected, you can enjoy a family float trip interspersed with the thrill of rolling rapids OR a heart-pounding excursion through serious whitewater. Check with the outfitter of your choice to find the best trip for your level of expertise. Each outfitter has its own features and highly specialized trips.
Adirondack River Outfitters 1-800-525-7238 www.aroadventures.com
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Seaplanes
Take the opportunity to see the beautiful Adirondack Mountains from a “bird’s eye view.” There are so many lakes in the area you’ll have trouble counting them all. Go on a short ride or arrange for longer excursions -- our seaplane operators are flexible and want to give you the best possible ride. Dockside service throughout the Fulton Chain of Lakes and at many adjacent lakes.
Payne's Air Service, Inlet (315) 357-3971
Bird's Seaplane Service, Raquette Lake (315) 354-4441
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Snowmobiling
Since 1965, Old Forge has been know as the "The Snowmobile Capital of the East" with almost 500 square miles of groomed trails. Ride your snowmobile from lodging to shopping to dining (all community streets, except NY State Route 28, are open to snowmobiles). The Old Forge trail system is maintained by two shifts of professional groomers daily, and connects with NY State trails in every direction. The trails wind through pine groves, along riverbanks, and over mountains to scenic vistas. Trail permits are required, and are available on-line or at the Visitor Information Center in Old Forge.
SnowmobileOldForgeNY.com
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With an annual snowfall average of over 250 inches and miles of hiking trails you can't find a better place than the Town of Webb to snowshoe. Bring your snowshoes, rent or purchase a pair when you get here. Strap on a pack, hire an Adirondack Guide, or go it alone with your friends, the options are endless. It's the best way to hike in the winter.
For more information on rentals and sales visit:
Adirondack Outdoor Center (315) 369-2300 www.mountainmanoutdoors.com
McCauley Mountain Ski Shop (315) 369-3281 McCauleyNY.com
Stop in the at Old Forge Visitor Information Center for a complete listing of winter hiking trails.
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