Hiking Moss Lake with Kids — and Yes, We Brought the Stroller

A real mom’s guide to tackling one of the Old Forge area’s most beautiful family hikes with three boys, including a baby.

One of my favorite things about spending time in Old Forge is that there’s always another outdoor adventure waiting just a few minutes away. But hiking looks a little different when your crew includes three boys — and one of them is still riding in a stroller.

Recently, we decided to take on Moss Lake Trail near Eagle Bay, a beautiful 2.5-mile loop through the Adirondack woods. Before we went, I had the same question I’m sure plenty of parents visiting the Old Forge area have:

Can you actually hike Moss Lake with a stroller?

The short answer: Yes — but bring the right stroller and expect a little adventure.

Our Moss Lake Adventure with Three Boys

We headed out with our two older boys walking the trail and the baby riding along in our jogging stroller.

The beginning of the trail can give you a false sense of confidence. There are stretches of relatively smooth, packed dirt and gravel where pushing the stroller is easy. The woods are beautiful, the kids can explore, and there are plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy being outside.

Then you hit the roots.

And the rocks.

And the uneven sections.

That’s when this turns from a leisurely stroller walk into a real Adirondack family hike.

There were definitely places where we had to push harder, carefully maneuver the stroller around roots or over rough terrain, and occasionally work together to get through a tricky section. With three boys, though, that’s part of the fun.

Is Moss Lake Stroller Friendly?

I would call Moss Lake partially stroller friendly — not traditionally stroller friendly.

A regular umbrella stroller or lightweight travel stroller would be a definite no for the full loop.

If you’re going to attempt it, I strongly recommend a rugged jogging stroller with large wheels, ideally with air-filled tires. Even with ours, there were sections that required some effort.

The trail is primarily packed dirt and gravel, but families should be prepared for:

If you have a very young baby or don’t want the added workout of maneuvering a stroller, a baby carrier is probably the easier option.

But if your baby is happier in the stroller — as ours was — it can absolutely be done with the right equipment and realistic expectations.

Why Moss Lake Works So Well for Families

What I loved most about this hike was that it felt like a genuine Adirondack adventure without committing our family to an all-day mountain hike.

At approximately 2.5 miles, the loop is manageable for kids, while still giving them plenty to see and explore. There are wooded sections, water views, and little discoveries along the way that kept our older boys interested.

And that’s one of my biggest recommendations when visiting the Adirondacks with kids: don’t assume you have to stop hiking because you have a baby.

You may move a little slower. You may need more snacks. You may find yourself pushing a stroller over a tree root wondering why you thought this was a good idea.

But then you look around and realize all three kids are outside, exploring the Adirondacks together — and it’s completely worth it.

Tips Before You Go

Pack water and snacks, wear good shoes, and check the weather before heading out. If it has recently rained, expect the trail to be muddier and considerably more challenging with a stroller.

For babies, I would bring both a rugged jogging stroller and a carrier if you have room. That gives you a backup option if trail conditions aren’t cooperating.

Most importantly, don’t rush it. With kids, the goal doesn’t have to be finishing the loop as quickly as possible. Let them stop. Let them look at the water. Let them investigate the woods.

That’s the experience.

Moss Lake Trail at a Glance

Location: Near Eagle Bay, NY, a short drive from Old Forge

Distance: Approximately 2.5-mile loop

Terrain: Packed dirt and gravel with roots, rocks, and uneven sections

Kid Friendly: Yes

Baby Friendly: Yes, with preparation

Stroller Friendly: Partially — rugged jogging stroller strongly recommended

Best Alternative for Babies: Hiking carrier

Our Verdict: A great family adventure and absolutely doable with three kids — stroller included.

For families staying in or visiting Old Forge and the Central Adirondacks, Moss Lake is an easy adventure to add to your itinerary. It’s close enough to fit into a day of exploring the area but wild enough to give kids a true taste of the Adirondacks.

The hike was part of the perfect three-night family getaway in Old Forge. We stayed at Water’s Edge Inn for three nights, spent a full day making memories at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, and after our Moss Lake hike, headed back to Water’s Edge to relax and let the boys swim in the indoor pool. It was the perfect mix of Adirondack adventure, family fun and downtime — and exactly the kind of easy family trip we’ll do again

And from one mom who brought three boys and a stroller along: don’t be afraid to try it. Just leave the umbrella stroller at home.