The summit of McCauley Mountain, opened in 1958, is at an altitude of 2,200 feet. The mountain features a 633-foot vertical drop, 21 ski trails of between 3,000-5,000 feet, two T-bar tows, two rope tows, and one double chairlift, making it one of the Northeast’s premier ski destinations.

Wait, but you don’t ski? You can still enjoy. Visit in summer or fall and enjoy hiking and bicycling on numerous trails.

For a presentation of nature’s breathtaking panorama try the McCauley Mountain Scenic Chair Lift. Marvel at the 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–New York’s highest peak– are visible on the horizon. 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.

During the fall you can witness nature’s amazing show as the colors of the Adirondacks change. Pack a lunch for a picnic at the top and watch the deer as they wander in and out of the trees. Enjoy the tranquil beauty that is distinctly found in the center of the Adirondack Mountains.

By the way, McCauley Mountain also has facilities to rent. The newly remodeled chalet has a modern, new bar with a view of the slopes and windows that offer a view of the sun setting behind the Adirondacks. This is a little mountain that skis like it is big.

The Scenic Chair Lift is open late June through Columbus Day, Wednesday through Monday, 9:30AM to 4:30PM
315-369-3225 or 315-369-6983
www.McCauleyNY.com

Vacationing with a toddler can be fun and exciting, not daunting. All you have to do is make sure you are prepared and have a plan in place before packing everyone in the car and going on your merry way. Here we have some tips on how to best prepare for your upcoming trip.

Pack Extra Clothes

You want to be able to experience as much as you can each day while you are on vacation so that means you are rushing to head out to get a jump-start on the day. Save some time and get yourself moving quickly by rolling your toddler’s clothes instead of folding them. This allows you to be able to grab their clothes and put them in your day bag quickly for those “uh oh” moments. Plus, their clothes will have fewer creases and wrinkles when you unroll them, so it will look like you never changed their clothes.

Schedule Short Breaks Throughout The Day

Toddlers have short attention spans so it is important to make sure they are entertained and moving throughout the day. Take some breaks in less crowded spaces each day and allow them to run around and explore. Eventually, they will tire out which means you can go back to what you were doing and not have to worry about them getting antsy and frustrated.

Have an Abundance of Snacks and Beverages

Sure, toys and games are great for keeping your toddler busy throughout the day but eventually, they will get bored with them. Giving them a variety of snacks and beverages throughout the day keeps them consistently busy and content. Each snack and drink gives them something new to examine and enjoy which allows you to relax and enjoy whatever it is you are doing each day.

Keep a Medical Kit On-Hand

You never know when your toddler is going to take a tumble so it is important to make sure you are prepared for ‘bumps’ in the road. Key necessities include: band-aids, Neosporin, disinfection wipes, children’s ibuprofen, Tylenol, Vaseline, hand sanitizer, breakable ice packs, gauzes, a thermometer, allergy medicine, cough and cold medications, cough drops, sunscreen, aloe, bug spray, bug bite relief products, medical tape, tweezers and anything else you think you may need. When you are prepared it makes dealing with the medical issues easier, but if you do forget something you can always head to the store quickly to grab what you need.

Stay Calm and Keep a Smile on Your Face Even If You Are Frustrated

It is true, the energy we project is the energy we attract. Toddler’s pick up on every little thing so if you project positivity you are more likely to have a happy toddler on your hands. Interact with them and praise them when they do something good. If they make a mistake or are not behaving well try not to get too upset, deal with the situation as calm as you can.

Great Family-Oriented and Toddler-Friendly Things to Do in Old Forge

Enchanted Forest Water Safari
With over 50 rides and attractions, there is an abundance of opportunities to explore with your toddler! The sawmill, with waterslides and water sprays, an immersive kid wash, and kid-friendly boats allow them to get wet and have some fun. Exciting rides such as the carousel, helicopters, and flivver cars lets them get their energy out and explore something new, while Storybook lane features all of you and your little one’s favorite storybook theme characters, igniting their imagination. Check out Dawson city when your toddler gets hungry. They have candy and food galore so there is sure to be something you both like. Before you leave, make sure you take a picture of your youngster with Paul Bunyan and take a ride on the Enchanted Forest Express that gives a glimpse of everything the park has to offer.

Check out their website for more information: https://www.watersafari.com/

Calypso’s Cove

Spend the first half of your day at Water Safari and then head on over to Calypso’s Cove in the afternoon to continue the fun! Bumper boats, mini golf, arcade games and much more entertains and continues the day’s fun for your little one. Calypso’s Cove also offers great kid-friendly foods on their kid’s menu including mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and cheese pizza so you do not have to worry about making sure they have a good meal.
Note: Some attractions at Calypso’s Cove have age and height requirements so be sure to check out their website for more information.

Check out their website for more information: https://www.calypsoscove.com/

The Wild Center

The Wild Center has both indoor and outdoor activities to keep your toddler entertained. Outdoor excursions include a winding river, a trout-filled pond, and walking trail walks. If you want to peak your tyke’s interest, even more, check out The Wild Center’s new Wild Walk – a trail elevated above the Adirondack treetops. All of these activities allow you and your youngster to explore and experience new adventures in the great Adirondack outdoors. If you are looking to stay indoors, no problem! Indoor activities include a mini aquarium, an animal museum with an array of animals, and a planetarium. There is no better way to help educate your toddler than letting them explore nature’s creations in a unique and exciting way.

Check out their website for more information: https://www.wildcenter.org/

McCauley Mountain

Give your little one the experience of a lifetime by heading to McCauley Mountain. Take a ride on the scenic chairlift to the top of the mountain and watch as they soak in the beauty of the Adirondacks.

Check out their website for more information: http://www.mccauleyny.com

View Arts

Head over to View Arts during your Old Forge trip to catch a show, enjoy the outdoors or get your youngster’s creative juices flowing with the abundance of creative activities they offer for all ages no matter their artist experience. While you are there, enjoy a picnic on their beautiful lawn and let your tyke exalt their energy, or give them their first hiking experience!
Be sure to check out their website for up-to-date information on what View Arts is offering. There is something new to explore each day: https://www.viewarts.org/

Local Parks

Some popular local parks that toddlers and families alike enjoy include: North Street Playground, Town of Webb School Playground, Fern Park Playground and Arrowhead Park Playground in Inlet. Teach your toddler how to fly a kite and fish off the docks at the Old Forge Lake Front, or let them draw with chalk and explore playground equipment. Have a picnic and enjoy the great Adirondack air while you are at the parks as well.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad

Take in all the Adirondacks has to offer train side with a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. The hour and a half ride departs from Thendara Station and features silly Dolly the Clown. Dolly is sure to entertain and bring a smile to your toddler’s face with her balloon artistry, face painting, stories, and fun and games.

Local Food and Entertainment

Whether you are looking for a place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner there are many family-friendly restaurants where you and your toddler can grab a delicious bite to eat. Some favorites include Billy’s Italian American Restaurant, Walt’s Diner, and Keyes Pancake House and Restaurant. While you are in the area be sure to grab some ice cream too! Benny’s Ice Cream, Pied Piper, and Adirondack Pizzeria have great ice cream your little one will love!

OLD FORGE, NY…Enchanted Forest Water Safari (EFWS) part of Water Safari Resort has been named as a winner in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® Attractions awards as one of the top 25 water parks in the United States for the fifth year in a row. Based on an algorithm that takes into account both the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings of amusement and water parks over a 12-month period, Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge was named No. 10 on the list.

EFWS also won the 2018 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame. The achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have consistently achieved great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients includes accommodations, restaurants, and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.

EFWS is New York’s largest water theme park with more than 50 rides and attractions, including 32 water rides. The park also features classic amusement rides for all ages, fun food, exciting games storybook characters, a family circus show and more.

“We are thrilled to receive this award for the fifth year in a row! It takes a great team to make this award possible, including our team members and our guests. Thank you to everyone for putting us at the top!” said Katie Wojdyla, Vice President and Director of Marketing for EFWS. “We strive to provide safe, clean, family fun with unprecedented value and service as our main goals.”

The Water Park is part of Water Safari Resort, which includes Water’s Edge Inn, Old Forge Camping Resort and Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park. Past visitors to the park have expressed their experience with reviews on TripAdvisor, “Another wonderful family adventure” “Best waterpark in the area” “Always a fun experience!” “Best day with grandkids” “A family tradition”.

The Travelers’ Choice Attractions awards honor the top 1% of attractions worldwide based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers. TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top attractions using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for amusement parks and water parks worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, enables travelers to unleash the full potential of every trip. With over 630 million reviews and opinions covering the world’s largest selection of travel listings worldwide – covering approximately 7.5 million accommodations, airlines, experiences, and restaurants — TripAdvisor provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowds to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do and where to eat. TripAdvisor also compares prices from more than 200 hotel booking sites so travelers can find the lowest price on the hotel that’s right for them. TripAdvisor-branded sites are available in 49 markets, and are home to the world’s largest travel community of 455 million average monthly unique visitors**, all looking to get the most out of every trip. Travelers can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #travelerschoice.

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!