Old Forge: Nature, Trails and Art

Old Forge is a starting point for exploring the Central Adirondack Region and the entire Adirondack Park. Recreational opportunities range from mountain bike trails and hikes to arts offerings and public facilities. When choosing what to do, it helps to consider what kind of activity you want to shape your stay: a route, a cultural program, or a seasonal recreational offering.

Biking and Hiking

McCauley Mountain has 15 miles of professionally built mountain bike trails. The chairlift offers views of mountain landscapes and the lush vegetation of the Adirondacks; operating hours may vary. The mountain offers different ways to enjoy your stay: active pursuits on the trails and scenic views from the lift.

The TOBIE Trail is a 14-mile recreational trail connecting Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, and Eagle Bay. The figures describe different offerings: McCauley Mountain is about trails, while the TOBIE Trail is about the length of a route connecting several places. For planning purposes, this distinction is more informative than simply comparing the mileage.

One hiking option leads to the summit of Bald Mountain. From the trailhead, it is just under a mile long and gains about 500 feet in elevation. Distance and elevation gain complement each other as two concrete planning factors. A notice published by the state on May 2, 2019, describes the Rondaxe Fire Tower on Bald Mountain as restored and open to climb.

Art and Public Recreation

View is a community arts center in Old Forge focused on arts programs and high-quality exhibitions. View offers area residents and visitors different ways to experience art and take part in classes, workshops, and exhibitions. The program changes over time; if a particular class or exhibition is a deciding factor for your trip, check the current offering in advance. Classes and workshops emphasize hands-on participation, while exhibitions offer the opportunity to view art.

The Town of Webb Lakefront in Old Forge features a public beach, two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a public playground. The beach operates seasonally, and facility rules may change. If you are planning your visit around the beach or specific courts, check seasonal operating hours and current rules in advance.

When planning your itinerary, it is helpful to distinguish route details from time-dependent offerings: distance and elevation figures describe routes; lift hours may vary, the beach operates seasonally, and View’s program changes. If one of these offerings will shape your stay, factor the relevant operating hours or program information into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Herkimer, Ilion, Big Moose

For the broader travel overview: Herkimer County.