The Best Things to do in Old Forge, NY
If you’re looking for year round fun in Old Forge, NY then this the perfect spot for your next vacation! Some of the best things to do in the Adirondacks are surrounding this quaint little town and it’s waiting for you to discover it.
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor nature adventure, history, delicious food or fantastic views Old Forge is the place for you! If you’re traveling in the summertime there are plenty of lakes and water based adventures to have. If you visit in the fall you have stunning views, crisp hikes and beautiful photo opportunities! And, if winter is your desired getaway then you’ll have plenty of skiing, warm cozy hidey-holes and outdoor activities to do.
The Adirondack Mountains reside in upstate New York and cover around 5,000 square miles. The region is home to more than 200 lakes, and hundreds of mountain summits with the highest peaks reaching 5,000 feet above sea level.
Indigenous people lived in the Adirondacks for thousands of years, although the rocks that originated the mountains originated about 2 billion years ago (I know, that’s not a real number). The area is covered in vast forests, wetlands, and bogs.
All of these ecological differences give us humans plenty of opportunity to explore different adventures throughout this stunning region of Upstate New York! So, join us as we dive into the best things to do in Old Forge, NY.
Summer in Old Forge, NY: The Best Things to do
The Adirondacks in the summer are leafy green, water filled and surrounded by stunning green mountains. Whatever adventure, or relaxing vacation, you choose the Adirondacks will provide a beautiful backdrop to your Upstate New York Getaway.
1. Enchanted Forest Water Safari
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It may surprise you to learn that this New York hamlet with a population of less than 1,000 people is home to New York’s largest water park, but here we are! Enchanted Forest Water Safari has over 50 rides and attractions (and 32 of them are heated).
It’s a great place for young kids to get out of the summer heat and into some cold water. Or warmer water, if you’re cold. Cascade Falls is the large slide at the front of the park, and there are some new attractions that were added in 2020. If you don’t want to spend time in the water there are a handful of land lovers rides you can ride on. Whether it’s a Tilt-O-Whirl or bumper cars everyone is bound to have fun.
Don’t forget to visit storybook village to see your favorite fairy tales come to life. Your little ones will love it! And the Candy Shop is a favorite place to stop.
2. Adirondack River Outfitters
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Looking for a more advanced and adventurous day? Make sure to check out the Adirondack River Outfitters to find The Best Whitewater Rafting in Upstate New York! You have a handful of options for ages, experience and rivers.
The Hudson River trip is a 17 mile guided raft tour through the Hudson River Gorge. This trip takes 6 hours and begins near Lake George, NY. Which is a little less than two hours from Old Forge. So it’s a bit of a drive but it’s definitely a way to take up one day.
The Black River tour takes place in the Black River Gorge and is fantastic throughout the summer. There are 14 sets of Class II – IV rapids near the 1,000 Islands Region. This region is about 2 hours from Old Forge and the rafting trip itself only takes about 3.5 hours.
You could also choose the Moose River Rafting trip which is the wildest trip in the Northeast! This one is only open in April – and is challenging for 18 years or older. It’s a 6 hour trip! So make sure you plan accordingly if you’re up, and trained enough, for the challenge.
Last but not least, you can check out Family Fun which is great for ages 7 and up. These smaller adventures vary in time and all take place in the Hudson River Gorge. They have summer rafting, aerial ropes courses, ziplining and canoe rentals!
3. Nutty Putty
White water rafting too much for you? Or do you just want a more calm day after all that adventure? Head to Nutty Putty for some old school mini golf right here in Old Forge!
Nutty Putty is known for its creative and challenging holes that will leave you thinking. Even though the pieces look like they’re 60 years old and built in a basement it’s well-kept, affordable and fun.
Admission is only 7 dollars, and what more is there to say? It’s mini-golf.
4. Grasse River Adventures
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Grasse River Adventures is a great place to plan your outdoor time here in Old Forge. It’s perfect for nature lovers, fishers and hunters! They focus on fun, education and conservation.
You can hike to surrounding waterfalls, remote ponds, and through fantastic wilderness. You can choose a hike that only takes 2 hours, or choose an adventure that lasts 7 days. It’s up to you and what type of vacation you’re looking for. Between the Waterfall tour and the Cranberry Lake 50 you’ll see plenty of wilderness that the Adirondacks has to offer.
If you’re not into hiking or walking along the trail try the Five Ponds Wilderness Paddling Adventure. You can canoe or kayak for sunrise/sunset trips, or for a full day trip that will leave you marveling at Upstate New York’s natural beauty.
If fishing is your speed then spend the day with their licensed and insured guides. You can do trout fishing, the Walleye Fishing Charter, the Old Forge Fishing Charter, or Tupper Lake Fishing Charter.
You can book overnights, half day, or full day fishing trips that are equipped to the brim with modern equipment, snacks and drinks!
Lastly, if fishing is too slow for you you can try your hand at turkey or deer hunting! Even if you’re a beginner! Obviously, nothing is guaranteed but you’ll be given maximum effort by the staff and will probably end up walking 4 – 8 miles on public land. You do need to provide your own New York State hunting license!
5. Rivett’s Marine
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If you’re looking to explore the Fulton Chain of Lakes in Old Forge but didn’t bring your own boat then check out Rivett’s Marine. Of course you can dock there if you brought your own boat as well.
You can rent fishing boats, pontoon boats, paddleboards, canoes, watermats and kayaks. You can rent temporary dock slips for 3 days minimum and they even offer valet services.
Their store also offers skis, life jackets, tubes and watersport supplies, fishing accessories, bait and of course ice cream to ward off that hot sun. You know… from the inside?
No matter if you’re bringing your own boat or enjoying one of theirs, Rivett’s Marine is the top choice in Old Forge to explore the surrounding lakes.
Fall in Old Forge, NY: The Best Things to do
The Adirondacks is one of the top destinations to visit in the North East during the fall. Between the vast choices of hiking trails, beautiful landscapes and fall foliage it’s a great choice for nature lovers, photographers and people that just want to get away in the fall.
1. Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain and the Rondaxe Fire Tower is a great out-and-back trail that’s only 2 miles. Taking only an hour to complete you get great views, and it’s easy to hike with younger kids and families.
It can get quite busy but there is plenty of space to spread out and the fire tower offers a beautiful overlook. Just keep in mind that it’s not just a paved road to the top, it is an actual hike and will require at least some decent sneakers since there are some rocks that require climbing.
Fall is the perfect time for hiking, since you tend to work up a sweat while making your way up any of the beautiful mountains in the area – so the crisp fall air and the fall foliage views at the top makes fall a wonderful time to climb.
2. McCauley Mountain
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This mountain is a ski and snowboarding resort in the winter, but we added it to the fall list of things to do in Old Forge because of its fall scenic lift rides. McCauley Mountain provides visitors with a lift ride up to the peak and enjoy the stunning views of the color changing mountains surrounding it.
Tickets are only $6 dollars so it’s well worth it! Just make sure to dress a little warmly because it can get chilly in the fall at the top of the summit. The peak leaf times in the Adirondacks are typically in the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October but this can change or shift due to weather.
3. Moose River Farm
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Yes, you can obviously visit here during any time of year, but I needed to fit it in somewhere so here we are! The Moose River Farm is a family owned farm that offers farm tours and llama treks.
The llama treks are where it’s at. They are daily, throughout the entire year and are $25 a person. They take only about 45 minutes and you’ll travel a mile – this trek is not recommended for kids younger than 8 but they offer smaller ones for that as well.
Whether you’re choosing to enjoy the tour of the farm or the llama trek, or both, plan to spend about 45 minutes to 90 minutes at the farm and make sure to book ahead! They are reservations only.
Winter in Old Forge, NY: The Best Things to do
If you’ve ever spent a winter in the North East you know three things: there’s snow on the ground, it’s super cold, and there are tons of activities no matter where you are! So here are the best things to do in the winter in Old Forge, NY.
1. Old Forge Winter Carnival
Typically scheduled for the beginning of February, the Old Forge Winter Carnival takes place at McCauley Mountain. They house a scavenger hunt, the Olympic Parade, bonfires, fireworks, night skating and hot cocoa.
You can partake, or simply enjoy, the snow sculpture contest, the cardboard sled race, or skiing competitions!
The cost of the event is free but some activities do cost money. It’s a great annual event that’s fun for the entire family!
2. Snodeo Weekend
Snodeo has been an annual event in Old Forge for the past 45 years! The snowmobilers come from miles around during one weekend in early December to show off new models of snowmobiles, a Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap, Youth races, and even a snowmobile raffle!
You can also just enjoy, or partake if you wish, in the American Snowmobiler/DynoTech Research Shoot. It’s a Free Event to go hang out and watch and the entire weekend is great fun for the entire family! As long as snowmobiling is your thing.
3. McCauley Mountain (again)
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As mentioned before, McCauley Mountain offers scenic fall foliage rides during the fall but in the winter it is a ski resort!
McCauley Mountain is great for the entire family. It’s a smaller mountain but it contains a 633-ft vertical drop. They offer 21 trails, moguls, glades and even some double-black diamonds. Don’t fret though! If you’re a beginner they offer plenty of green trails. Some are even at the top of the summit! You can really get your practice in.
They offer skiing and snowboarding rentals, lessons, and they have a Military package! Enjoy the mountain without the long lines at the lift.
Other Outdoor Winter Activities in Old Forge, NY
Besides skiing, snowboarding and Snodeo weekend make sure to check out the abundance of winter activities available to you in Old Forge. You can do some ice fishing in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, ice skating, sledding, cross country skiing or snowshoeing along hundreds of miles of the Adirondacks pristine trail system.
You can even try snowshoeing for free at the Wild Center! Plus, they have nature guides if you want to learn more about the flora, fauna, and animals that live in this beautiful area. You could also go snowmobiling or winter hiking throughout the region if those are more your speed!
Things to do in Old Forge Throughout the Year
So we’ve covered the major traveling seasons, depending on what type of activities you’re looking for. Now, I just want to cover a few things that you can enjoy during any time of year in Old Forge, NY.
1. View Art Gallery
View Center for Arts and Culture is a fantastic gallery right here in Old Forge! They host exhibitions, performances, painting events and rental spaces for your own events. You can also take classes! If you want to enjoy learning how to dye cloth, learn how to do pottery, or even Zumba!
2. Goodsell Museum
If you want to learn a little bit about the history of the area make sure to head to the Town of Webb Historic Association. It’s free to enter the museum, although donations are always appreciated.
Located right on Main St. in Old Forge, NY in a beautifully restored Victorian home and carriage house. There are 6 rooms of exhibits, and one exhibit changes every year. So if this becomes your annual vacation place – you can keep coming back for more!
3. The Strand Theater
The Strand is an old movie theater that has been showing movies for the past 99 years here in Old Forge! With tickets only $6 for matinees, and $7 for evening showings they’re a great way to spend the evening without breaking the bank.
They offer regular movies and occasionally live entertainment! So, make sure to check out what’s going on and what’s playing before heading over. Or go there on a whim and decide what to see once you’re there!
Either way, you’ll enjoy saving money on tickets when going to the movies these days leaves you with a ridiculous bill.
We’ve Reached the End!
Now that we’ve given you plenty of options to choose from for your Old Forge getaway here in the Adirondacks make sure you choose the best Old Forge vacation rental that’s the best for you and your group! We have plenty to choose from right here in Old Forge, or in some of the surrounding towns. Try out this cabin that boasts its peace, privacy and tranquility just minutes from Old Forge.
Or you can head over to Camp Bella Notte which is a waterfront paradise right here on Fourth Lake.
Either way, you’re in the middle of all of the action! Be sure to check out our list of The Best Restaurants in Old Forge as well. You can’t go on vacation without food, coffee, wine and beer!
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