Must-Do Checklist for 2020!

In Old Forge, NY outdoor enthusiasts have no trouble filling the day with snowmobiling, hiking, swimming, and boating. No matter the season Old Forge offers spectacular views, endless recreation, and beautiful accommodations. So when should you come? What should you do? Where do you stay? There is no wrong answer.

Jan 1 2020

In Old Forge, NY outdoor enthusiasts have no trouble filling the day with snowmobiling, hiking, swimming, and boating. No matter the season Old Forge offers spectacular views, endless recreation, and beautiful accommodations. So when should you come? What should you do? Where do you stay? There is no wrong answer.

View from the top of Bald Mountain

✔ Experience Old Forge Checklist for 2020 ✔

2 girls on the Rondaxe Run water ride at Water Safari

Enchanted Forest Water Safari ✔

Enchanted Forest Water Safari Will Killermanjaro seek his revenge? Find out what three new rides will be unveiled in 2020!! Rated Travelers’ Choice by Trip Advisor 2019, there’s something for all ages at Water Safari. Water rides, kiddie rides, classic amusement rides, fun food, cool shops, exciting games, storybook themed characters, a family circus show, barnyard and much more! Book a private cabana to relax and gather with the family. There is so much to do at NY’s largest water theme park, you will want to come back the next day to do it again, and you can! Visit the park after 3pm and get the next day free!

Two adults playing arcade games against themselves and kids watching them

Calypso’s Cove ✔

Calypso’s Cove thrilling Zip-Line, Go-Carts, Rock Climbing Wall and Arcade Games are located right next door to Enchanted Forest Water Safari! Calypso’s Cove offers the area afternoon and evening entertainment at an affordable price! With something for everyone, your adventure to Calypso’s Cove is sure to be a memorable one! Admission to Calypso’s Cove is free. Each attraction requires one ticket.

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company ✔

Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company – Moose River Kayak Trips Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard and Gear Rentals. With over 3,000 lakes and 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, the Adirondack Park is a paddling paradise. Mountainman is strategically located in the heart of it all right on the Moose River at the beginning of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Have your own gear? Bringing in a group? No sweat, whether you want to paddle a few hours, a few days or even longer we can help you get on the water.

View from the top of Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain ✔

Bald Mountain is a great hike for beginners and kids. If you are already an avid hiker, it’s a convenient and approachable hike for inexperienced friends you might want to bring along or for your kids!

A cabin in the background with golf clubs leaning against a picnic table and gold shoes sitting around the clubs in the front of the image

Old Forge Camping Resort ✔

Old Forge Camping Resort takes all the work out of roughing it and just leaves the good bits. Relax in our cabins and cottages or bring along your tent, camper or RV and enjoy the paddleboats & canoes. It’s a great family spot! Swim & play, build a sandcastle or read a book on the beach! There is a large charcoal grill at the beach, so you can even bring a picnic lunch. Open for Year-Round camping, Old Forge Camping Resort caters to all the areas’ event lodging needs. Autumn Adventure is our most popular event with face painting, tie-dye, hayrides, pumpkin carving contest, trick-or-treating costume parade & contest, site decorating contests & more! Snow enthusiasts can stay during the winter and ride your snowmobile right up to your front door.

Snodeo ✔

Snodeo, the official kickoff to snowmobiling season happens each year in December, generating a consistent local following with the influx of snowmobilers and winter travelers alike. You will find there’s so much to do for the entire family from the vintage snowmobile show to the Kitty-Cat/120cc races and a special appearance by Santa & Mrs. Claus on Saturday afternoon. There’s plenty to see and do so stop by during your stay in the Old Forge area.

SnoFest ✔

SnoFest is on by mid-March, while the weekend warriors start putting away their sleds, the die-hard riders are gearing up for next season! The four major dealers premiere their latest models offering demo rides, weather permitting. Thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts take advantage of this opportunity to be the first to preview next year’s line of sleds and gear. It’s also the best time (and the best price) to get your trail permits for the next season!

green grass leading up to the lake where there are boats docked behind the boats the lake is blue leading up to trees that are lush and green

Water’s Edge Inn ✔

Water’s Edge Inn will be your best choice at any time of year for an outstanding hotel with great service. Did you know they also book winter vacation houses? Year-round Water’s Edge Inn hosts events make any getaway complete with onsite entertainment including Hotel Transylvania, Girls Night Out, Breakfast with Santa and the Easter Bunny Activities!

McCauley Mountain Ski Area ✔

McCauley Mountain Ski Area offers “BIG mountain fun with small mountain attitude.” From long cruisers to steep bumps and glades, to double-black diamond challengers, McCauley has it all. Twenty-one slopes and trails up to a mile long, a double chairlift, two T-Bar lifts, and rope tows. Skiers moving out of the beginner ranks get a big bonus: McCauley offers accommodating trails from the summit. Everyone gets up in skier country to enjoy the views which extend all the way to Whiteface and Mt. Marcy in the high peaks region. When riding vertical isn’t enough try McCauley’s Cross Country Trails.

Also at McCauley, the Summer Scenic Chairlift is a peaceful ride to the summit, open June 21st through October 14, when McCauley is also primed for hiking, biking, and picnicking with two playground areas. McCauley is a wonderful place to fly solo, bring the family or dates! It’s tucked away from the crowds but only takes cash, follow the signs!

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Adirondack Scenic Railroad ✔

Adirondack Scenic Railroad is 100% operated by volunteers and offers an experience like the one you would have at your grandmother’s house. Warm, inviting and surprising in all the right ways. Take your date or best friend on a tasting tour, or invite the grandkids for the Super Hero and Princess Trek into the Adirondack wilderness. Wondrous tracks with breezy glimpses into the backwoods, game farms and old stations will leave you with an exciting perception of Adirondacks rail travel.

The Strand Movie Theater ✔

The Strand Movie Theater holds history in its lobby, which is worth a peek even if you aren’t planning on seeing a show. This four-screen cinema offers daily showings of new releases for unbeatable prices.

View Arts

View Arts Center ✔

View Arts Center is the place to immerse yourself in art exhibits, workshops, performances, and a little yoga. Classes range from Basketry to Glass, Wellness to Woodworking, Jewelry Making, Pottery, Writing, Culinary, Creative, Fine Arts, Holiday and classes for youth. View offers a number of opportunities to participate in exhibitions ranging in nature, national exhibitions, open regional exhibitions, solo, and group shows.

picture from the outside of the hardware store in old forge on a sunny day

Old Forge Hardware Store ✔

Old Forge Hardware Store – As a kid, it feels like the shelves are stacked from ceiling to floor and you wander a maze of modern, vintage, antique and definitely unique things. You’ll never forget it. Here you can pick up something for everyone! Sometimes, even the owners are surprised to hear about the interesting items people find! Ever heard of an egg squarer? Yeah, neither had we. But they have it. There’s a bookstore, and you can also get your fishing license here! The Old Forge Hardware Store is only closed 4 days a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.