The 10 Best Things to Do in Old Forge, United States

November 4, 2017 Malia Yoakum

Old Forge is a hamlet (and census-designated place) on New York State Route 28 in the town of Webb in Herkimer County, New York, United States. The population was 756 at the 2010 census. Old Forge was formerly a village but dissolved its incorporation in 1936, but it remains the principal community in the region. As one of the western gateway communities of the Adirondack Park, Old Forge forms an extensive business district, primarily directed at tourism especially during the summer months. The local school is the Town of Webb UFSD, a K-12 institution with the Eskimo as their mascot. Old Forge often records the lowest winter temperatures in New York. On February 17, 1979, the record low temperature for New York was set in Old Forge at −52 °F (−47 °C).
Restaurants in Old Forge

1. Bald Mountain

Old Forge, NY 13420
Excellent
82%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 118 reviews

Bald Mountain

Reviewed By Troy H - Fayetteville, North Carolina

The greatest views in the area are here in multiple places. This climb is very different than like Oregon (according to Oregonian) because this involves a lot of climbing over obstacles and rocks. Climbing gear not required. Its just not a evenly inclined grade over a set trail. So it provides variation of your path. The goal is the Fire Tower which was newly rebuilt in 1951. Its well maintained and safe to climb for the best views. A must do for those capable of moderate exercise.

2. Adirondack Scenic Railroad

2568 State Route 28, Thendara, NY 13472
Excellent
38%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 47 reviews

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

All aboard for the Adirondacks, travel through remote forests, past sparkling rivers, over bridges, tranquil ponds and streams, into the magnificent beauty of the six million acre Adirondack Park. Become a witness of nature's beauty and look out for the many animals and birds along the routes. Our train adventures offer many different scenic excursions departing from Utica's Union Station, Thendara Station near Old Forge, Saranac Lake Union Depot and Lake Placid Station.

Reviewed By KathyCliftonPark - Clifton Park

Took a ride on the Scenic Railroad as part of a day tour with Wade Bus. Everyone, from; the conductor to the gift shop personnel, were most friendly and pleasant. The ride itself was okay, but nothing to brag about. In our car the 3 of us occupied two seats that faced one another. All the seats were configured the same way. Which is fine but there was little leg room and our knees touched. Plus we got very cramped by the end of our ride.
Be aware that the round trip ride takes you from Thendara to Otter Lake - you go out on the rails to Otter Lake and then take the same route back in reverse. It was the start of the "leaf season" and utterly beautiful in parts, especially as one got near water like the Moose River, etc. I can only imagine the beauty you would see in a couple more weeks!
Suggestion, the locomotive was beautiful - shiny green. Why not wash the windows on the cars, too! ? After all, it's the Adirondack SCENIC railroad!
Time flew by because the 3 of us were joined by a fourth person from our bus and we talked a lot, but I think the trip took about an hour.

3. McCauley Mountain

Old Forge, NY +1 315-369-3225
Excellent
75%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

McCauley Mountain

Reviewed By everly23 - Hunterdon County

We've been coming up to Old Forge for decades and we never tire of taking the chairlift up to the top of McCauley Mountain. It's only $6 a ticket for adults, the staff is very helpful getting you in and out of the lift chairs and the view of the Adirondack lakes and mountains is spectacular. There are chairs to sit on and picnic tables at the summit - great place to pack a lunch. For hikers, you are welcome to walk up or down the mountain - there are several trails. Great views of the Fulton Chain on Lakes, Bald Mountain, Blue Mountain. Well worth the trip and a great value!

4. Thendara Golf Club

151 Fifth Street, Thendara, NY 13472 +1 315-369-3136
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Thendara Golf Club

Reviewed By loves2travelandmore - Forest, Virginia

Thendara Golf course is open to the public. A reservation for a tee time is probably necessary as it can be fairly busy. The course is scenic including some holes along the Moose River. Some of the greens can be quite challenging. It is worth a visit..

5. Old Forge Lake Cruises

116 Steamboat Landing, Old Forge, NY 13420
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 156 reviews

Old Forge Lake Cruises

Enjoy the beauty of the Fulton Chain of Lakes aboard our vessel, the Clearwater. Our delightful 2-hour Narrated Sightseeing Cruise leaves from the Old Forge Pond and cruises into Fourth Lake and back. Learn about the history and nature of the area from our knowledgeable captain. CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SEASON. WE REOPEN ON MAY 26TH, 2018.

Reviewed By cgm616 - Morristown, New Jersey

This is my 5th cruise and had 4 girlfriends join me for this fall foliage cruise on 10/6/17....peak was late this year. Staff and Captain Paul were absolutely wonderful. Capt Paul points out many sites on land and shares so much Adirondack and Old Forge history. Each time I learn something new...like there is a Tamarack Tree - which he pointed out for me. The Clearwater is 2 stories and we stayed upstairs for the trip out (love the open air and audio is the best here) , then downstairs when we had headwinds going back. Perfect way to see the 1st 4 of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and quite reasonable at $20 pp.

6. Enchanted Forest Water Safari

3183 State Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420-3714 +1 315-369-6145
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 364 reviews

Enchanted Forest Water Safari

New York's Largest Water Theme Park! Enchanted Forest Water Safari, where the fun never stops, is New York’s Largest Water Theme Park with more than 50 rides and attractions including 32 heated outdoor water rides! Water Safari is located in Old Forge, NY in the Adirondack Mountains. In this combination of amusement park and water park, guests never run out of fun things to do because there’s something for all ages, from toddlers, kids, teens through seniors. Water rides, kiddie rides, classic amusement rides, fun food, cool shops, exciting games, storybook themed characters, a family circus show, barnyard and much more! Kids birthday parties are more fun here! Enchanted Forest Water Safari is an award-winning park that has been serving guests safe, clean family fun for more than 60 years!

Reviewed By Hasan C - Addis Ababa

Staring from the entrance, you feel the fun at the place. You can have a locker to keep safe your belongings. Also, free parking facility is a good service of the company. There are a lot of attractions for all ages. Water slides in different...MoreSo happy to hear about your experience at Enchanted Forest Water Safari! We look forward to having you again soon.

7. The Strand Theatre

Route 28 Main Street, Old Forge, NY +1 315-369-2792
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 85 reviews

The Strand Theatre

Reviewed By Michael L

This format is misleading...since I haven't visited the Strand in awhile....but I grew up spending summers in Old Forge. I remember when the Strand was derelict....moldy and musty...on its way out. A grand theater in its grave. It's current owner saved it with a true love for cinema. He's spent resources and a lot of love of cinema to make it modern in service but old charm in style. Amazing resurrection...Please visit.

8. Adirondack River Outfitters

3115 State Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420-3714
Excellent
95%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 114 reviews

Adirondack River Outfitters

Guided whitewater rafting trips on the Black River in Watertown, the Hudson River in North River, and the Moose River in Old Forge. ARO has been providing friends and families adrenaline filled adventures for thirty four years. A day on a rafting adventures can provide a lifetime of memories.

Reviewed By megs1813 - Rochester, New York

Had done black River last summer, scary Larry as our guide who was excellent. Tried Hudson this summer, a different but equally cool experience. Our guide Kelsey was professional and informative. I felt safe in her hands, as there are dangers with rafting people must know is possible. Coming back in 2017 for more to try the moose river. ARO is one of the most professional and entertaining rafting companies. Felt safe and had a blast!

9. Old Forge Hardware

104 Fulton St., Old Forge, NY 13420 +1 315-369-6100
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Old Forge Hardware

Reviewed By Larry W - Rochester, New York

I signed books in this shop a few weeks ago. It is an amazing place; a great bookstore in the back and almost everything else you could ask for everywhere else. Food, snacks, souvenirs, and oh yes....hardware! It is really made for the tourists, I think, and you should go there if you visit the town. It's just plain fun.

10. Tickner's Moose River Paddling Trails

113 Riverside Lane, Old Forge, NY 13420-0267 +1 315-369-6286
Excellent
83%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Tickner's Moose River Paddling Trails

Canoe or kayak the meandering Moose River. Enjoy the sandy beaches, pristine wilderness and wildlife. Whether you want to go out for an hour, half-day or full day, Tickner's has the right trip for you. From beginner paddlers to advanced, this beautiful river is yours to explore!

Reviewed By Kirk E - Syracuse, New York

The river was nice and has lots of bends. It has a very week current and is fairly calm. They say it's about 4 hours but it was a little bit less. They take you up the river and drop you off to paddle back to them. I like canoes better so we picked up a canoe and for the 2 of us it was only $42 total. It was peace full and calm. We didn't really see any fish in the water. Their is a place before some rapids that you must take the canoe out and carry it 600 feet across a bridge. This was a bit challenging and could be an issue for weaker people. You can also rent a canoe for right their at $8 an hour.

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