25 Best Things to do in Old Forge NY: Fun Experience Guide

There are endless things to do in Old Forge, NY. Old Forge is a quaint Adirondack town brimming with charm and adventure! Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of Upstate New York, Old Forge offers a plethora of activities to suit every taste and preference. 

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, the area known as the Adirondack basecamp has something for everyone. From thrilling outdoor adventures to leisurely strolls through historic streets, let us be your guide to the best “things to do in Old Forge, NY” – because every journey deserves a touch of Adirondack magic!

Things to do in Old Forge NY

There are many things to do in Old Forge NY through all four seasons. We love outdoor recreation and think the Adirondacks provide unlimited access to unique experiences in nature. 

Our list of 25 Things to do in Old Forge includes a little something for everyone. 

1. Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Explore the beautiful scenery of the Adirondacks with a relaxing train ride. From the Thendara station, you can schedule a number of different riding experiences with the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Adirondack Mountains or schedule a themed experience. Many rides correspond with the seasons: there is a Haunted History train ride, Pumpkin train ride, Santa themed ride, and a Princess & Superhero ride.

The Adirondack Scenic Railroad is ran largely by volunteers. The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society has been operated and maintained by volunteers since 1992. Together these volunteers contribute over 15,000 hours annually. These hours consist of ticketing and car-hosting to operating the fleet. These volunteers allow this nonprofit to operate at an affordable price for those seeking a ride! 

2. Calypso’s Cove

Calypso’s Cove is an awesome family fun park in Old Forge. Spend the day, or the afternoon, playing arcade games, rock climbing, racing go-karts, riding zip lines and more. 

This park operates on a ticket system. Each attraction is worth a certain number of tickets, similar to a carnival. This makes Calypso’s Cove one of those things to do in Old Forge, NY that’s easy and affordable for families. Additionally, all Enchanted Forest Water Safari properties, including Calypso’s Cove offer a Military Discount with an active or retired ID.

3. Cross Country Skiing

You can head on over to McCauley Mountain for miles of cross country ski trails. For $10 you can enjoy miles of intermediate and beginner trails. Stop by Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company for your XC Ski rentals! This is a great alternative to downhill skiing that doubles as a phenomenal workout. Enjoy the crisp, peaceful winter woods on a pair of cross country skis. 

Just a short drive up route 28 brings you to Inlet’s Fern Park. This park features a playground, ball field, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, public restrooms, and a network of more than 20 miles multipurpose trails that range from easy to difficult. Winter brings groomed sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing at Fern Park. There are 1.2 miles of lit and groomed trails in the winter for nighttime ski and snowshoe excursions.

4. Enchanted Forest Water Safari 

The fun never stops at Enchanted Forest Water Safari. New York’s largest water park can provide a full weekends worth of fun. With a combination of amusement and water rides, the kids (and adults) will never be bored. This is one of the most popular things to do in Old Forge, NY in the summer season.

Water Safari recently ungraded a number of awesome water slides, providing endless summer thrills. The newest (in 2020) is a 4-lane, 293-foot mat slide racer names the Serengeti Stampede. Whether you’re looking for an exciting ride or the calming, restful lazy river, New York’s largest water theme park has it all! 

5. Fulton Chain of Lakes

The Fulton Chain of Lakes provides endless summertime fun for both local and visiting families. Read up on waterway access, boating safety, rules and expectations before your trip.  Rivett’s Marina and Palmer Point are great options for boat rentals that support water sports like water skiing and tubing. Pontoons and fishing boats are available for hourly, half-day, and full-day excursions. If it’s jet skis you’re looking for, Old Forge Sport Tours is your best bet!

Paddling is also a possibility when looking into getting on the water. Bring your own vessel or rent one. Stand up paddle board, canoe, and kayak rentals are available through Mountain Man Outdoors. These vessels can be used on the Fulton Chain of Lakes or in the Moose River. Spending time on the water is one of the most popular things to do in Old Forge, NY in the summer season!

6. Goodsell Museum

The Goodsell house is where Old Forges history lives. This historic home is home to the Town of Webb Historical Association. Visit the museum if you have any interest in the exhibits displaying artifacts, photographs, postcards, maps and memorabilia from the 19th century to present. 

Head outside and visit the restored Ice House and the old Carriage Barn. These areas offer additional space for large items such as guide boats and a jail cell. There is also an extensive Adirondack and Town of Webb research library available for your use.

7. Hiking the Adirondack Mountains

The Adirondack Park provides unlimited access to incredible hiking trails. Luckily, a handful of incredible hikes are located within a 15 minute drive of Old Forge New York. We’re listing the three most popular area hikes in order from easiest to most difficult. 

• Rocky Mountain
  A short and steep 1 mile round trip hike gains 448 feet right out of the parking lot for stunning views of the lakes below. 
• Bald Mountain
  This 1.8-mile trail gains 500 feet of elevation along a rocky ridgeline to incredible fire tower views at the summit. 
• Black Bear 
  Depending on your chosen route, Black Bear is either 3.6 or 6.2 miles long and gains 702 feet to the summit. The shorter trail is steeper and bears right at about the .7-mile mark while the more gradual trail continues straight on. You can complete a loop going up one trail and down the other.  

Completing all three of these hikes means you’ve earned your Fulton Chain Trifecta. Register to earn you patch and swag! Remember to hike prepared and practice leave no trace on the trail.

8. Main Street Shopping

Old Forge is known for its bustling Main Street! There a number of inviting shops in village of Old Forge but there is one that should be at the top of every visitor’s list. You could get lost in the Historic Old Forge Hardware Store! This Hardware store is unlike any other and has been servicing locals and visitors alike for over 100 years. 

Other downtown shops include souvenir village, Life in the ADK, and rainbow zen. These shops cover all the bases. Clothes, gifts, jewelry, and artwork are available for purchase on Main Street in Old Forge.

9. Montezuma Winery

The award winning Finger Lakes Winery has a tasting room in Old Forge. Stop in for a wine or spirits tasting between 11 AM and 6 PM daily.

Specially labeled wines that showcase the Old Forge location are served here. Local artists, Sandra Hildreth and Wendy Barcus, created the Moose River and Camper’s series labels respectively.

10. Old Forge Lake Cruises

Take an outstanding sight seeing cruise on the Fulton Chain of Lakes! These incredible lake cruises leave from Old Forge pond. The historic lake cruises take place on the Clearwater and Uncas double deck tour boats which boast plenty of room inside and out.

Old Forge Lake Cruises were very popular pre 2020. Since then they’ve seemed to shut down. We would recommend driving 25 miles north to Raquette Lake to ride the W.W. Durant. Enjoy scrumptious food, breathtaking scenery, and a historical perspective of the Adirondacks. 

11. Old Forge Public Beach

Conveniently located in the middle of town, Old Forge Public Beach is a great place to cool off. A playground and public tennis courts are also available here. Occasionally, special events are also hosted near and around Old Forge public beach. 

Located on Lakeview Ave, you can enjoy Old Forge Public Beach June through Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty between 11:00 AM and 5 PM. 

12. The Strand Theater

The historic Strand Theatre is located on Main Street in Old Forge. The Strand movie theater is over 100 years old and full of character. It’s one of the best things to do in Old Forge, NY in poor weather. 

This truly unique experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip. It might also be one of the cheapest movie nights you ever have! A matinee will cost you $6.00 and evening shows will cost you $7.00. No matter what time of day, seniors and children cost $6.00. This hidden Adirondack Gem is certainly one you need to check out while you’re in town!

13. Thendara Golf Club

Thendara Gold Course provides a beautiful 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course. The course carves smooth fairways and challenging greens out of the Adirondack Mountains and great prices.

The clubhouse restaurant and bar are open until 5:00PM and 7:00PM daily. Be sure to check the website for events to make sure the course is open to the public on the day you’re looking to visit. 

14. Fulton Chain Craft Brewery

Fulton Chain Brewery is a great stop during your Old Forge stay! Whether you’re stopping in for a post-hike, bike, ride, or paddle brew, you won’t be disappointed. At any given time there are up to 10 brews on tap sourced from local ingredients for a true Adirondack experience.

Fulton Chain Craft Brewery also offers a basic food menu. Enjoy your flights and snacks at indoor or outdoor seating.

15. McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift

Head to McCauley Mountain in summer and fall to experience gorgeous view with little effort. Take the McCauley Mountain scenic chairlift to the summit to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Fulton Chain of Lakes. On a clear day, you can see Mount Marcy and Whiteface on the horizon!

This scenic chairlift ride holds two people per chair and runs from late June through mid October.

16. Miniature Golf Courses

Head on down to Nutty Putt Miniature Golf for 18 holes! Nutty Putty opens on weekends starting in April and opens for the season mid-June. Putt into the clown’s nose on your last hole to win a free round of golf! 

Operating hours are from 9:30 AM to 10/11 PM (ish). Don’t forget that Nutty Putty’s is also an ice cream bar! Enjoy some of the best ice cream in Old Forge after your round of golf.  It will cost you $7.50 (in the 2021 season) for 18 holes of mini-golf. 

17. Mountain Biking

McCauley Mountain acts as a mountain biking haven in the summer months. With 20 different trails, servicing riders of all skill levels, two skills areas, and more trails being developed, McCauley is a great place to explore on two wheels. 

McCauley has both single and double track trails. There are single tracks that are narrow, rocky, and technical and machine-built flow trails with large berms, rollers, and jumps. Because this is an alpine ski area in the winter, there are also wider multi-use trails that accommodate cross country and alpine skiers during the winter months. Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co. has mountain biking rentals for you to utilize if needed!

18. Rail Bike Adventures

Take the Timber Ridge Rail Bike Adventure from Thendara Station. A 7-mile round trip ride through the forest really shows off the natural beauty and spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains. During this 2 hour excursion, you’ll experience a combination of slight grades and level sections of track. This adventure is suitable for explorers of all ages.

Railbike tickets can be reserved starting in March for the summer season. It’s important to know that if you book a railbike for 2, 3, or 4 people you will not be seated with another party. Closed toe shoes are required and alcohol is not permitted on the ride.

19. Snowmobile 

Old Forge is known as the snowmobile capital of the east! Although this is an expensive hobby to get into, you’ll see tons of snowmobilers enjoying winter in Old Forge. Old Forge loves to celebrate snowmobilers! The Snodeo weekend is the place to be each December for snowmobile lovers of all ages.

You can haul your own snowmobile up to the Old Forge area or you can rent them for the day once you’re here! RPM Snowmobile Rentals, ADK Snowmobile Outfitters, and Old Forge Sport Rentals all offer daily single and double seater rentals. As one of the most popular things to do in Old Forge, NY in winter, we recommend reserving your sled in advance!

20. Skiing and Snowboarding

Ride the McCauley Mountain chairlift to one of my favorite ski and snowboard spots in New York! Small town vibes with big mountain energy. McCauley Mountain ski area is a wonderful place to learn to ski or snowboard. It’s also a great location to hone your skills and test your limits. 

McCauley has a vertical drop of 633 feet with 23 runs, 1 terrain park, a double chair lift, and 2 T-bars. The cozy lodge provides shelter from the cold, bar food, beverages, and a tuning shop! It’s a beautiful mountain that is rarely busy and can provide a full day of family fun on a budget.

21. Ice Skating

Go skating at Old Forge’s outdoor rink! Winter activities in Old Forge are in abundance and ice skating is one of them. Find the weather dependent rink at the intersection of Upper Joy Tract Road and Railroad Avenue.

If it’s an indoor rink you’re hoping for, check out the town of Inlet’s Fern Park. Fern Park’s pavilion offers and indoor skating rink from Mid-December through March.  

22. Old Forge Library

Library services are often underrated. Visit the Old Forge Library while you’re in town! It’s the perfect place to bring the kids on a rainy day for their programming and plethora of reading material. 

Old Forge Public Library is also a great place for adults to escape to. It’s a great opportunity for wifi in the mountains and a calm working space. 

23. White Water Rafting

If you’ve never been white water rafting, you absolutely have to go! If you’re looking for hard core white water rafting, check out ARO Adventures on the Moose River in Old Forge. These trips are only offered during the month of April and will end with a BBQ!

Unfortunately, the only truly local white water experience is pretty intense. If you’re willing to travel a bit away from Old Forge, there are more mellow rapids for you to enjoy with your family. Take a day trip and experience a different area of the Adirondack Park while having a ton of fun on the river!

24. Great Camp Sagamore

Calling all history buffs! You have to visit the only great camp that is publicly owned. Former vacation homes to the elite, the great camps of the Adirondacks now serve a different, more educational purpose that’s open to all.  

This National Historic Landmark offers guests a variety of experiences. Plan a stay and explore overnight, history hike tour, guided paddles, and a summer music series. 

25. View Center

If you’re looking for the premier art experience in the Adirondacks, the View will deliver. Check the site for gallery hours. The View offers exhibitions, performances, and a variety of art classes and events.

It’s definitely worth checking out if you appreciate the arts. With over 40,000 annual visitors, the View is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.

Conclusion

This post shares some of the best things to do in Old Forge NY.  Old Forge is known as the basecamp of the Adirondacks for a reason! It’s an accessible home base explorers can use to access the rest of the Adirondack Park. But Old Forge also has plenty to offer on its own!
 

If our list of fun attractions helps you choose your Old Forge activity, will you tell us about it in the comments below?