If you're from New England like me you probably have spent a few weekend getaways up north in New Hampshire or Vermont. If you're looking for similar vibes but a new location and a new adventure, look no further than Old Forge. Surrounded by mountains & almost 200 lakes, Old Forge is located in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. It is popular in the summer months for spending time on the water and hiking the nearby mountains. In the winter you may see a lot of people outdoors snowmobiling or even skiing nearby McCauley Mountain.
I have spent a few weekends the last few years in Old Forge & Inlet and have not been able to see it all! Everywhere you go makes you want to pull out your camera and take a picture. The shops & restaurants all have a log cabin charm and make you want to cozy up by a fire under a plaid blanket and drink a hot chocolate (even in the summer!)
Check out my guide below on how to plan out your weekend getaway to Old Forge:
Start your Saturday morning with a coffee at Blue Line Coffee House. Blue Line has cute vibes and always a popular spot to get coffee at their locations in Old Forge and Inlet.
Head past Old Forge and check out downtown Inlet. You can park your car along the street and walk around the town. Make sure to stop in and check out the very quaint & tiny Inlet Library. They even have a section of books in the back that you can buy for just a few dollars- some of them on the shelves were brand new. Next door, is the Fulton Chain Supply Company which is one of the best gift shops in the area for ADK gear and apparel. Also, I happen to know the owner and she's pretty great! If you like dogs, be sure to stop in there and visit Riley.
After your downtown Inlet visit, travel east to Payne's Air Service. Payne's is located on Seventh Lake and takes customers on scenic Seaplane tours over the lakes. The views from above are amazing and it gives you a bird's eye view of the lakes on the Fulton Chain. The rides are quick, they only last about 20 minutes but you definitely get your money's worth. It costs 80$ for adults and it is first come first serve, they do not take reservations. Since the rides are so quick you shouldn't be waiting for too long especially if you stop there earlier in the day.
On your way back towards Old Forge, stop for dinner at Screamen Eagle. They have a huge selection of draft beers & some really good pizza & wings. The drunken buffalo wings are definitely one of the favorite picks on the menu (according to my boyfriend, Sean). It is located back in downtown Inlet by the Fulton Chain Supply Co.
Sunday morning, drive to the Bald Mountain trail head on Rondaxe Rd east of Old Forge. There are about 30 parking spots in the lot so get there early to ensure you have a spot, especially during the late summer- early fall. This mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the Adirondacks. At the top, there is a fire tower which provides even better views of the lakes below.
After your hike, stop by Daikers for a well deserved cold beverage and a rustic local atmosphere. Daikers is a ADK staple and offers great views of the lake while you are enjoying your drink. You can even book daily boat rentals on Fourth Lake through Daikers.
After your drink, hop back in the car for a meal at the Lean-To at Great Pines for a rotating menu & great seats out on the deck that overlook the lake as well.
On your way out of Old Forge be sure to get a bagel at Ozzie's Coffee Bar or a pumpkin pie cold foam latte in the fall months.
Where to Stay in Old Forge:
Water's Edge Inn is located on Old Forge pond with convenient access to downtown Old Forge which includes restaurants, bars and shops. Water's Edge Inn is also directly across from Enchanted Forest Water Safari which is a popular water park destination for kids & families in the summer.
Great Pines is one of the more up scale hotels in the area. The Lean-To restaurant can be found inside the Great Pines resort. They are a little bit more expensive but they offer great views of the lake and even host weddings and other events.
Where to Stay in Inlet:
The Birches is a popular destination in Inlet. There are different types of cabins: lakeside cabins, beachside cabins, the main lodge, hemlock cabin, etc. They each accommodate a different number of people and you can rent the cabins for a week or a month at a time. The only downside is that during the summer months they only rent for a week at a time so it is not optimal for a weekend getaway.
If you're looking to stay somewhere less commercial then The Woods Inn might be your best choice. It is an older style rustic inn located on Fourth Lake in Inlet. They have an older feel, some rooms without TV's.
My personal recommendation would be to book an Air BnB. If you want the total Old Forge lake feel, some of these houses get you right on the water. The homes listed include tree houses, cottages, cabins, or even a chalet. They definitely deliver the"weekend in the mountains" Adirondack ascetic. Check out The Boathouse on Fourth Lake for the ultimate lake house feel if you're traveling with a group or a family.
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