Recreation
RECREATIONAL MAPS/GUIDES
MT BIKING HIKING
Birding
See the loons, ospreys and other birds around Moss Lake near Eagle Bay. Near rivers and streams (i.e.all branches of the Moose River, along the bridges at Rondaxe, Green Bridge Road, North Street, and at Lock-n-Dam.) one might see any of these birds: Herons, Hawks, Mergansers, Pewee’s, Junco’s, Flycatchers, Kingfisher’s,and Swallows. Near ponds and lakes (i.e., Nicks, 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.

Boating/Sailing
Rent a motor boat or party barge in Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet and Eagle Bay or rent a sailboat in Eagle Bay for Fourth Lake.
For Boat Rentals:
Big Moose Yamaha, Inc., Eagle Bay (315) 357-2998
Birds’ Marine, Old Forge (315) 369-2136 www.birdsboats.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, Eagle Bay (315) 357-5594
Rivett’s Marine & Recreation, Old Forge (315) 369-3123 www.rivettsmarine.com
Smith Marine, Old Forge (315) 369-9911
The Stillwater Shop, Stillwater (315) 376-2110 www.stillwaterreservoir.com

Camping
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 or Kayaking
The Old Forge area offers lots of great paddling opportunities for both canoers and kayakers. Bring your boat with you or rent one from one from a rental shop. If your looking to paddle a single day or many days Old Forge is a great place for paddlers.
Old Forge is embraced by the North and Middle branches of the Moose River, offering wilderness paddling opportunities immediately accessible from the village. 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 Bridge, another popular put-in spot on the outskirts of Old Forge off North Street. All of the same scenery and wildlife is available, and small, sandy beaches provide picnic spots. This route is 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 kayaking touring is available on Stillwater Resevoir, northwest of Big Moose and Eagle Bay.
For Canoe & Kayak Rentals:
Adirondack Exposures, Old Forge, (315) 369-6699 www.adirondackexposure.com
Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. (315) 369-6672 www.mountainmanoutdoors.com
Tickner’s Moose River Paddling Trails, Old Forge (315) 369-6286 www.ticknerscanoe.com
Tickner’s River & Rail Package - Depart Old Forge in a canoe or kayak and paddle down the Moose River. Get picked up and return by train (Adirondack Scenic Railway). Call Tickner's for schedule and reservations at 315-369-6286 or visit www.ticknerscanoe.com for more information.
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
Old Forge is proud to host the Adirondack Paddlefest,
"America's Largest On-Water Boat Demo and Paddlefest!" held each year in May. For more information on the Paddlefest visit: www.mountainmanoutdoors.com/AdirondackPaddlefest/tabid/93/Default.aspx
Download Adirondack Paddling Guide (please note, the pdf guide may take a few minutes to load).
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Fishing
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.
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Ice Fishing
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.
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.
Download Adirondack Hiking Guide (please note, the pdf guide may take a few minutes to load).
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Mountain Biking
Good cross-country trails abound, and there are mellow, swoopy singletracks, as well as steep, techinical places like Bald Mountain. The TOBIE (Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, Eagle Bay) trails 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. The new 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.
Bike and Rail Package-June 23-September 12, 2010
Price $8/ Ticket ( all ages); This train offers mountain bikers the opportunity to take their bicycles north to Carter station and then ride their bicycles back to thendara, which offers 10 miles of Adirondack Trails. Bring your own Bicycle or rent one. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, phone 315-369-2300.
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Horseback Tours
A unique way to explore wilderness trails, with adventures customized for the novice to experienced rider.
Adirondack Saddle Tours - Eagle Bay (315) 357-4499 or toll-free 877-795-7488
www.adkhorse.com
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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 new outdoor rink at the intersection of Joy Tract and Railroad Avenue at the site of the old town highway garage. Seasonal and weather dependent, as there is no refridgeration for rink surface. The Zamboni will be used to groom the ice when conditions allow, but there is no set schedule. The rink is available 24/7 and is lighted. A small hut has been erected 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 an altitude of 2300’ and a vertical drop of 633’ it sure is “New York’s Best Family Mountain.” The mountain features twenty-one trails with difficulty levels ranging from novice to expert, two lifts and two tows. The addition of a terrain park has made McCauley increasingly popular with snowboarders. A ski school, ski shop and cozy chalet with restaurant and lounge complete the ski area package.
(315) 369-3225 www.mccauleyny.com
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Cross Country Skiing
Thendara Golf Course –
Free
(Groomed Irregularly)
McCauley Mountain Ski Area - $6
(Groomed Daily)
Fern Park – Free (Groomed
Daily)
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. The theatre is part of the show; an attraction in itself.
The Strand Theatre - Old Forge
(315)-369-6703 www.strandoldforge.com
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Old Forge Library
Enjoy a book, video, newspaper, or check your e-mail at The Old Forge Library.
Old Forge Library - (315) 369-6008 OldForgeLibrary.org
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Old Forge Public Beach
Open 7 days a week (Summer) from 9am to 6pm
with Lifeguards on duty. No admission fee.
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River Rafting
Enjoy a wilderness whitewater adventure by taking advantage of the services 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 traverse 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, Old Forge 1-800-525-7238 www.aroadventures.com
Whitewater Challengers, Okara Lakes (315) 369-6699 www.whitewaterchallengers.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.
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Snowmobiling
Since 1965, Old Forge has been know as the "The Snowmobile Capital of the East" with hundreds of miles of groomed trails. Ride your snowmobile from motel room to shopping to dining (community streets, except State Route 28, are open to snowmobiles and snowmobilers). The Old Forge trail system connects with all major trail systems in Central and Upstate New York with two shifts of paid trail grooming daily. The trails feature Mountain trails and open powder riding.
SnowmobileOldForgeNY.com
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Snowshoeing
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 www.mccauleymt.com
Stop in the at Old Forge Information Center for a complete listing of winter hiking trails.
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