It’s summer (finally). Time to get outside and have some fun with friends and family. Whatever your plans are, make this the best summer ever! Believe it or not, you don’t have to go broke enjoying the sunny season. Here are just a few suggestions:

Play a sport with your friends. Nothing says outdoors like getting together for some friendly athletic competition. Grab the gang for an afternoon of touch football, basketball or soccer. If you want to take the intensity down a notch, try something simpler like horseshoes or lawn darts. Just remember, it’s all for fun and there are no losers. Remember to bring water, having fun in the sun can really tire you out. Water will help get you back in the game!

Go for a walk or ride a bike. There are limitless trails for bike riding and you can walk just about anywhere. Try walking in a park, along some water or even along railroad tracks. The serenity, as well as the exercise, creates something memorable. Summer evenings are a little bit cooler than the daytime and are the perfect time for getting out. It is also a fantastic way of getting in some exercise. With everyone busy working or having fun a little exercise can go a long way towards a healthy lifestyle.

Visit a park. Enjoy the outdoors as you grab a blanket, and have a picnic, play games and have fun. Always respect the rules of the park, and don’t leave any trash when you clean up. Bring a bag with you to collect paper plates, cups, and napkins to throw away either at the park or at home. The Adirondacks are filled with protected forests and magnificent parks that are a perfect place to spend the day.

Become a local tourist and explore your own town. After living in an area for a while, we all lose sight of its beauty and offerings and merely seems like a place to go to work and go grocery shopping. Look around with new eyes and you’ll discover what you’ve been missing.

Finally, you owe it to yourself to do nothing. Give yourself a break and dedicate some time to relaxing and recharging your inner battery. This is often overlooked but some downtime is vital to have energy when you need it most.

As always, stay safe, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen!

Wherever the Summer months may take you have a blast and share some lifelong memories.

For more than a century, the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan has been the subject of thousands of exploits that are treasured among generations in the United States. It is said that he once dragged his ax across the Southwest and created the Grand Canyon. Americans have created thousands of folk stories about Bunyan making him a national icon for the great outdoors and all it has to offer. Old Forge, New York sits right in the heart of the Adirondacks and it only makes sense to have their own personal take on Paul Bunyan.

In New York’s largest water theme park Enchanted Forest Water Safari, “Tall Paul” has been the subject of millions of snapshots that are treasured in family albums and now countless social media posts. The much-photographed Paul is the 19-foot high statue that has greeted visitors to the Enchanted Forest since its opening in 1956. 62 years of memories have been created by the larger than life rendition of Paul. By the way, did you know that phonetically “Bunyan” is similar to the Québécois expression, “bon yenne!” expressing surprise or astonishment.

Though the park has changed considerably over the years, Paul Bunyan is the one constant and most popular attraction. He is practically impossible to miss, as visitors enter the gates he is there to welcome one and all. Generations of people have been photographed with Paul. Those who were first photographed as children now proudly pose with their grandkids, and even great-grandkids.

“We have guests come to the park with their kids and even their grandkids because their parents posed with them when they were kids. We’ve seen photos that include at least four generations of families creating this wonderful family tradition,” said Katie Wojdyla Vice President and Director of Marketing.

Continue the tradition or start one this year. Have your photo taken by one of Water Safari’s Safari Snapshot park photographers or take your own (Paul loves selfies). Pack in as many family and friends as you can, don’t worry Paul has plenty of room for all to take part in making memories.

People always ask us- “What is a perfect day in the Adirondacks?” Well, we have the answer! A perfect spring day starts when you wake up at Water’s Edge Inn, Old Forge’s premier lodging destination, stand on your balcony, sip your coffee while looking at the lake then enjoy a leisurely complimentary continental breakfast before heading out.

Take your time, go for a walk and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Adirondacks, catch the sight of some loons on the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and make a stop at Old Forge Hardware, the Adirondack’s most general store. Located on the busy corner of Crosby Boulevard, Fulton Street and Route 28, The Old Forge Hardware has served as a bustling center of commerce for more than 100 years. From gourmet foods to books, clothing to housewares and hardware, the expansive options at Old Forge Hardware seem practically endless.

For lunch, wander over to Walt’s Diner, Walt’s has been a popular destination for locals and visitors for more than 25 years. Known for giant omelets, chilis, soups, delicious sandwiches, fresh fish fries and mouth-watering desserts, Walt’s is open for every day for breakfast and lunch and Friday nights for dinner. The friendly and attentive staff at Walt’s works hard to provide you with the best service and food available.

Now you’re ready for an adventure. Take in all the beauty the area has to offer with a trip on the McCauley Mountain Scenic Chairlift. Enjoy the incredibly beautiful view of the historic Fulton Chain of Lakes as it stretches to the east with the line of High Peaks rising beyond. On a clear day, Whiteface Mountain and Mount Marcy are visible on the horizon. Gray Lake lies to the north between McCauley Mountain and the village of Old Forge. Riding the chairlift allows you and your family to view the mountain scenery, magnificent foliage and gorgeous views without the trouble of hiking to find the best location.

Now it’s dinner time….and the place to go is the Thendara Pine Restaurant to enjoy casual dining with an American menu and Mexican specialties. The extensive menu features prime rib, fresh haddock, scallop and salmon entrees, chicken, shrimp and vegetable riggies, Mexican specialties, vegetarian entrees and more.

It’s been a full day and you’re ready to relax, so make your last stop of the day Slicker’s Tavern. Choose from a wide variety of bottled and draft beers, wines and specialty drinks. You might even catch some live entertainment.

Now it’s time to head back to the Water’s Edge Inn to relax and reflect on your perfect Adirondack Spring Day.

If you gracefully glide down a mountain with the dexterity of a gazelle or you spend most of the time falling on your back, we can help you figure out what your skiing skill level is.

For those of you in-between, you can determine your skill level with these basic guidelines.

Beginner

• You are a first-time skier, or you have skied before but cannot yet snow plow

• You skied at least once before, ski at a slow pace, stop using a snow plow and trying changes in direction

• You can ski linked snow plow turns, but easy blues remain a challenge

Intermediate — Advanced

• You begin exploring more in a parallel stance, may use snow plow in trouble. You Like to travel faster and enjoy skiing a series of turns. Prefer not to ski reds or moguls just yet

• You are gaining confidence and are starting to feel the skis carve at times, you are comfortable on reds and are trying the odd black and some easy moguls

• You can make strong parallel turns in various conditions with the ability to make short and long radius turns, enjoying speed and carving turns.

• You are enjoying trying blacks and moguls but want to progress more.

Advanced — Expert

• You are a confident skier and have skied many different resorts, you are more aware of equipment and what it can do for you. You want to ski either high-speed carving turns, develop all mountain freeride technique, or explore doing tricks in the park.

• You have the ability to ski on and off piste (groomed run) and probably looking to own your own all-mountain skis to take you anywhere because you are confident and comfortable doing so.

• You can deal with any terrain and conditions, you are possibly an instructor or professional, or backcountry powder hound.

McCauley Mountain’s 633 vertical foot drop contains all the skiing boasted by ski areas three times its size. 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. It’s “big mountain” skiing without the long lift lines and high prices.

We invite you to Come Play in our Snow and take advantage of Old Forge Camping Resorts Winter Stay N Play Package, which includes overnight accommodations at a discounted rate!

Book Two Nights Sunday – Thursday in a Cabin or Cottage, get One Night FREE!, Book One Night Sunday-Thursday in a Cabin or Cottage, get One Night 50% off!, or Book with us Friday and Saturday in a Cabin or Cottage and get 50% off on Sunday!

Click HERE for Promo Codes

What Type Of Skier Are You?

Take this short Quiz!

While others dread the arrival of snow, we love it here in Old Forge! Snow brings with it the best snowmobiling in the Northeast! More than 500 miles of groomed trails cascade along twist through blanketed forests and frozen lakes, creating a breathtaking winter panorama.

Here are just a few reasons why snowmobiling in Old Forge is the best:

1. Snowmobilers get to see places that can’t be accessed other times of the year.

2. The trail system is well marked and connects with all major snowmobile trail systems in Central and Upstate New York

3. Old Forge has an average annual snowfall of 177.3 inches, which is 692% more than the national average. This makes the Old Forge trail conditions one of the best in the North East.

4. There are a variety of riding conditions with an incredible number of places to stop, eat, drink, or stay, not to mention maintenance shops for all major sled brands within 15 minutes of Old Forge. Whether it’s breakfast at Ozzie’s Coffee Bar or dinner at Slickers Adirondack Tavern– you are guaranteed a delicious meal in Old Forge!

5. It’s only 200 miles from most major cities in New York, New Jersey and Ontario, Canada.

6. Hit the trails as early as possible by filling up your snowmobile in the Enchanted Forest Water Safari parking lot across from Waters Edge Inn at Enchanted Gas, which is open 24/7 and is easily accessible from Trails 1 and 5. Only credit and debit cards are accepted, so be sure to bring your card!

7. Packages & Offers exclusively for Snowmobilers! Old Forge Camping Resort offers many great packages to help you make the most of your day in Old Forge! You can see our full list of winter packages HERE.

Our sister property, Water’s Edge Inn offers many great plans and packages also!

Purchase a Full Season Permit, Weekday Season Permit, or a Seven Consecutive Days Permit to fit your needs at a reasonable price! Prices are per snowmobile and can be purchased during the Inn’s operational hours at the Tourism Information Center, making it easy to get your snowmobile on the road!

Water’s Edge Inn also offers a Snowmobile Park & Ride offer. The discount package includes a two weeknight stay for two guests in your choice of a Lakeview Double or Standard Double room. Also, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area, and a complimentary continental breakfast every morning of your stay. What’s better than a warm breakfast before a cold, snowy day on the trails?!

NEW for 2018 — Town of Webb Snowmobile Permit sales will be on location at both Old Forge Camping Resort & Water’s Edge Inn!

Whether you are riding a Polaris, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat or even a vintage sled-Come join us…winter won’t last forever!

The Adirondacks are a beautiful year-round destination. The winter, with the snow, brings new and exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors. With so many options and places to check out, we have compiled the top 10 activities to try this winter!

Snowmobiling

Old Forge, New York is the snowmobile capital of the east! Old Forge Camping Resort and Water’s Edge Inn have direct access to the trails and offer a discount for all NYSSA members come winter into spring.

Winter Hiking

Hiking is one of the most well-known activities the Adirondacks offer, and the best part is, it can be enjoyed all year long! With several trails open during the winter, it is a whole new hiking experience. Just remember to dress warm!

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is another great way to enjoy winter hiking because it can be done anywhere! Being cheaper and easier to learn than skiing and snowboarding, it is a great activity for groups! At the  Wild Center, you can try out snowshoeing for free! With their 31-acres and nature guides, you can enjoy a beautiful day in the Adirondacks with the whole family!

Skiing/Snowboarding

With freshly packed snow, skiing and snowboarding are always a favorite in the Adirondacks. McCauley Mountain Ski Center is a wonderful place for the whole family to get out and enjoy a day on the slopes.

Ice Fishing

The Adirondacks are home to a region of lakes, making it the perfect destination for ice fishing! The Fulton Chain of Lakes, surrounding the Inlet and Old Forge area have been known to be the home of several kinds of fish, all varying in size. Once the water freezes, you’ll be sure to see tons of people coming out to see what they can catch!

Winter Camping

Winter camping is the perfect getaway for a family weekend! At Old Forge Camping Resort, they have heated bathrooms, and kitchen facilities, all to make your camping trip safe and enjoyable all year round! So instead of being stuck in the house this winter, grab the kids and head out to the Adirondacks.

Ice Skating

When those lakes freeze and the snow begins to fall, you can be sure to find ice skating on everyone’s ‘winter to do list.’ Whether you go in a group or solo, ice skating is a super fun way to enjoy the cold weather. Go skating at Old Forge’s outdoor rink or at Inlet’s Fern Park, if you prefer the added warmth of an indoor rink.

Sledding

When you think winter and snow, you think sledding, snowball fights, snow forts, and so much more. The Adirondacks, when covered in snow, are a great place to spend the day outside and bask in all the winter fun! Whether you are camping at Old Forge Camping Resort or visiting for the day, be sure to get out there and build a snowman!

Cross-Country Skiing

Along with snowshoe packages, Old Forge Camping Resort also offers a cross-country skiing package. With nearby access to hundreds of miles of the Adirondacks most pristine trail systems for either the snowshoer or nordic skier, what’s not to love?!

Winter Carnivals

The Adirondacks are the host of nearly 14 winter carnivals every winter! With fireworks, snowmobile rides, bonfires, music and more, the Adirondacks are your go-to winter destination! Check out McCauley Mountain Ski Area in Old Forge this winter, to have a blast at one of these snow loving carnivals!

It’s winter, and when you live in the northeast you have two options: complain about it, or enjoy it!

If you’re the type who chooses to enjoy it, you’re in the right place. The Adirondack region is the ideal spot for all things good about the cold and snow (and yes, there are plenty)

Let’s start at the top and go down, literally. Being mountains, the Adirondacks are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The Adirondacks offer the best skiing in the northeast, for those who’ve never been on skis to lifelong enthusiasts. McCauley Mountain, in the heart of Old Forge, boasts a 633-foot vertical foot drop with long cruisers to steep bumps and glades, to double-black diamond challengers, twenty-one slopes and trails up to a mile long, a double chairlift, two T-Bar lifts, and rope tows.

Maybe you’re into something more powerful. To you, winter means firing up your snowmobile and heading out. Old Forge, with hundreds of miles of trails, calls itself the “Snowmobile Capital of the East.” Trails, groomed twice daily during the winter, connect with all of New York’s other major trail systems and the Canadian border. Trails open in early December and stay open as long as conditions permit.

In Old Forge, most of the trails are loops, allowing riders to begin and end their trip in Old Forge. Snowmobiling is allowed on trails in nearby Fulton Chain and Moose River Plains Wild Forests. Some of the trails in the region are mapped for GPS and smartphone users.

If you’re coming from out of town, Old Forge provides serval options for dining. The Thendara Pine Restaurant serves steaks, chops, and seafood. Pine Knoll Lodge with direct access to the trail system.

After dinner at any of the restaurants in the Old Forge area, you can always grab some shuteye at the cozy Old Forge Camping Resort or the luxurious Water’s Edge Inn.

Sometimes, gift giving can make the holiday’s a bit stressful, but not to worry! These gifts are all perfect for the loved one in your life who can’t get enough of the Adirondacks. Whether they like the outdoors, history, or everything Adirondack, we have got the gift for them!

View, a multi-arts center in Old Forge, is packed with culture and possible gifts for so many! Purchase tickets for any of their lovely events or performances, or sigh both you and your friend up for one of their workshops and enjoy the gift of learning together. Their workshops include creative arts, wellness, and youth classes. View also has a gift shop, with everything from books, clothing and jewelry, and home décor.

The Town of Webb Historical Society is a great place for the gift of history. At their gift shop, they have old maps of areas around Old Forge, map pins of mountains and lakes within the Adirondacks, and beautiful postcards. They also have several books written about the Adirondacks, including, Haunted Old Forge, Adirondack Logging, and Old Forge Gateway to the Adirondacks.

Located in Inlet, New York, is Jack Greco Custom Furniture. They have a whole Adirondack Lodge Collection. All their furniture is made right here in the USA, making it the perfect gift for the friend who wants to bring the Adirondacks home with them. From porch chairs, lighting fixtures, and custom frames, Jack Greco is the go-to place for all Adirondack furniture.

Book an overnight stay at Old Forge Camping Resort and gift them with the peace of the great outdoors. Open all year long, they can enjoy camping of any season. With snowmobiling in the winter, boat rentals in the spring and summer, and beautiful nature trails, OFCR is the is a great gift for all Adirondack lovers.

Book a sightseeing lake cruise in Old Forge and give the gift of a scenic, serene outing for your loved one. Open through the summer, Old Forge Lake Cruises offers Sightseeing Cruises that follow historic steamboat routes in Old Forge. About 2 hours long, they travel through First, Second, Third, and Fourth Lakes and provide an unforgettable window into the Adirondack’s history.

Have a film lover on your list? Buy a couple of tickets to a blockbuster at the Strand Theatre! Opened in 1923, the Strand is a vintage theater that shows recent releases at fantastic prices. With film memorabilia and old-fashioned décor, your loved one will take a step back in time for a nostalgic visit. An old world theater committed to satisfying guests of all ages, the Strand Theatre is a go-to for families!

Shopping for a wine connoisseur? Old Forge has many different wineries that offer a variety of delicious, high-quality wine. Book a trip for a group and head to Montezuma Winery for a taste of Old Forge at fantastic prices. A small, cozy winery in the middle of Old Forge, Montezuma Winery offers wine tasting and bottles of wine to satisfy anyone’s taste. Looking to impress a wine-lover in your life? Purchase a bottle of Montezuma’s Old Forge wine, specifically labeled for their location in Old Forge. The wines are exclusive to Old Forge and exhibit a feeling of the Adirondacks.

There’s no doubt that the best snowmobiling in the Northeast is here in Old Forge. Did you know that it is referred to as ‘The Snowmobile Capital of the East’?! Snowmobilers rush up North in troves to ride on the powdery, groomed trails that provide endless fun and breathtaking views of Old Forge. Here are some tips and tricks to take advantage of your time snowmobiling in the Adirondacks.

Trail Access:

The Old Forge snowmobile trails connect with all major trail systems in Central and Upstate New York. The trails are groomed daily to ensure prime riding conditions. You can also access trail reports that evaluate different trails as marginal, good, great, and fair depending on their coverage and bumps, giving you a variety of conditions to choose from!
Did you know? Old Forge Camping Resort has direct access to Trail 5, as well as miles and miles of groomed trails through the town of Webb and Inlet, which accommodate any level or desire of snowmobilers. What’s better than having trail access right in your backyard?!
You can also fill up your snowmobile in the Enchanted Forest Water Safari parking lot across from Waters Edge Inn at Enchanted Gas, which is open 24/7 and is easily accessible from Trails 1 and 5. Only credit and debit cards are accepted, so be sure to bring your card! Take the hassle out of filling up your snowmobile and hit the trails as early as possible!

Parking:

Who enjoys hitching and hauling their snowmobile up North because you are unable to stay the whole season? Park your snowmobile trailer at the Old Forge Camping Resort for the winter season and use it as you please. The grounds are maintained and monitored daily, providing security to your snowmobile. Even more convenient, you can securely access your sled at any time! At $300 per site for the season, this option saves you time, money, and traveling – leaving you with only the best aspects of snowmobiling to enjoy in Old Forge!

Packages & Offers:

Water’s Edge Inn offers many great plans and packages to help you make the most of your stay in Old Forge. Purchase a Full Season Permit, Weekday Season Permit, or a Seven Consecutive Days Permit to fit your needs at a reasonable price! Prices are per snowmobile and can be purchased during the Inn’s operational hours at the Tourism Information Center, making it easy to get your snowmobile on the road!
Water’s Edge Inn also offers a Snowmobile Park & Ride offer. The discount package includes a two weeknight stay for two guests in your choice of a Lakeview Double or Standard Double room. Also, enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area, and a complimentary continental breakfast every morning of your stay. What’s better than a warm breakfast before a cold, snowy day on the trails?!

Food:

After a long day of snowmobiling fun, we imagine you will have worked up quite the appetite. Luckily, Old Forge has a plethora of restaurants for you to pick from. Most restaurants have a wide variety of options to satisfy everyone in your party’s needs. Try a delicious hot dog from the Adirondack Dog House, a delicious breakfast from Walt’s Diner, or a warm cup of coffee from Ozzie’s Coffee Bar. No matter where you stop in, you can’t go wrong!

Kickoff the weekend by getting a peek at 2018 Snowmobile models by the 4 major manufacturers at the Hiltebrant Recreation Center Pavilion in Old Forge!

Come Saturday to experience the history of snowmobiles with the Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet beginning at 8am. Then head over to watch the Annual Kitty-Cat Snowmobile Races, followed by an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Take advantage while these special guests are here, capture this memorable photo op available 1-4pm. Be sure to swing back over to the snowmobile show to find out who takes home the win in 17 different categories at 2pm.

Plus Enjoy the AmSnow Dynotech Research New York Shootout on Saturday, December 9th, 2017, at Chip and Cindy Sauer’s Track, behind The Ole Barn – The Ole Barn is located at 74 Limekiln Road, Inlet, NY. Gates open at 8 a.m. The shootout starts at 11 a.m. – snow or no snow! The spectator fee is $10. Trail riders can run 660 feet for $10. This event will host the four snowmobile manufacturers: Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Yamaha, and Polaris, as well as shop-modified runs. Water’s Edge Inn & Old Forge Camping Resort are proud to be a sponsor of this event!

We put the newest stock snowmobiles on the radar gun for the first time to see which one can claim bragging rights as the 2017-18 snowmobile season gets underway. But that’s not all! You’ll also witness some of North America’s top performance shops showcasing their products down Chip & Cindy Sauer’s quarter-mile track behind The Ole Barn restaurant. Plenty of food, beverages, and fun to be had. This is one wild snowmobile party you don’t want to miss!

On Sunday, come on out for your chance to win in the raffle! Drawings for the youth raffle and a raffle for a new 2018 snowmobile of your choice and cash prizes, starts at 1pm. It’s sure to bring in the crowd!