Experience the Adirondacks Fall Foliage Close to Home in Old Forge
Why We Love Old Forge for Fall Foliage Watching
While there are hundreds of fall foliage spots across the Adirondacks, we want to focus on one of our favorite places. Old Forge is an amazing town for a quick visit or a week-long stay. There are many things we love about Old Forge, and a lot of memories we’ve made there.
First, Old Forge is an easy day trip from most places in CNY. Located just beyond the western foothills of the Adirondacks, it’s within a few hours of Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Watertown. It’s the perfect town to get a taste of the Adirondacks without the long drives.
Second, there are plenty of activities for couples, families, and groups. From Enchanted Forest in the summer to skiing on McCauley Mountain. Enjoy one of Old Forge’s family-friendly hikes or trek to the top of Bald Mountain or Black Bear Mountain for the perfect Instagram fall post.
South Shore Rd. to Rt. 28
With all the amazing spots around Old Forge to see the foliage, we’re highlighting one amazing drive. Anyone familiar with the area knows about South Shore Rd. But it’s often neglected during peak fall days. Not only are there great spots to stop and grab a few social media pictures, but you’ll have a chance to see deer or black bears.
You’ll start just off Rt 28 in Old Forge with your first stop. With plenty of free parking, Old Forge Pond is the perfect spot to fire up your passion for photography. Stroll along the shore and take advantage of the piers to capture great photo memories of the orange and red leaves.
Next, you’ll take a little drive up South Shore Rd. Enjoy the crisp fall air with a little music playing. A few miles up the road, you’ll come across Twin Ponds on the right. Use the pull-off to get some great pictures. Pay attention to the shoreline. You can see snakes, turtles, dragonflies, and maybe a deer. A few more miles up the road, take the next pull-off for Quiver Pond. Quiver Pond is wider, offering more views for your foliage pleasure.
At the end of South Shore Rd, you’ll turn left on Rt. 28 in Inlet. Rt. 28 has many great spots to pull over. Additionally, you’ll pass Black Bear and Bald mountains, seeing each from the highway. If you have time, stop in Inlet, Eagle Bay, or Old Forge and check out the shops. Grab a coffee at the Blue Line Coffee House in Inlet. Stop for a donut in Eagle Bay at the Donut Shop. For lunch, Slickers in Old Forge has great burgers. It’s one of our favorites.
Other Old Forge Spots to Check Out the Foliage
If you have more time for foliage viewing, we have a few more options for you. For the perfect weekend trip, Old Forge offers various lodging options. Check out an Airbnb, or if you’re a camping fanatic, check out Nick’s Lake State Campground. For free options, Moose River Plains outside Inlet has many great dispersed camping spots. Or, one of our favorites, Old Forge Camp Resort, provides great spots with water, sewer, and electric sites.
If you enjoy free camping, Moose River Plains is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. Also, you can spend hours exploring and capturing the perfect Instagram shots. Traveling along the 30+ mile road, you’ll find a beautiful spot opening to a dam. And if you’re lucky, there will be a camping spot open there.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Old Forge is perfect for easy but amazing hikes. The Fulton Chain Trifecta offers beginner-friendly hikes with great views of the lakes and Moose River Plains. Rocky Mountain is the shortest at .5 miles. Bald Mountain comes in at .9 miles, but offers great views from Rondaxe Fire Tower at the summit. Finally, Black Bear Mountain offers a 1.9 and 3.1-mile trail with amazing views of the surrounding mountains at the top.
For paid tours, McCauley Mountain’s chair lift is an amazing experience at $10 per adult and $6 for children 6-16. Not only will you capture the foliage and the Fulton Chain, but you can see Whiteface and Mt. Marcy on the horizon.
For a relaxed stroll and a different point of view, the Adirondack Railroad offers rides through the high peaks from Utica and Thendara. Through October, ride the rail bikes for an immersive experience without the traffic and busy points of interest.
Old Forge is Perfect for Your Fall Foliage Weekend Trip
Old Forge is perfect for a day trip or weekend stay. Its location, activities, and overall beauty make it a must for your NY travel bucket list. Let us know what you think about our South Shore Rd adventure.
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