Alder Creek.
Alder Creek is one of several small waterways feeding the Old Forge pond chain — a network of lakes and streams that defines the southwestern corner of the park. The name suggests typical lowland Adirondack headwater character: slow current, alder thickets on the banks, beaver activity, and brook trout if the gradient and gravel are right. Without formal fish surveys or maintained access points, it's the kind of stream that shows up on the map but stays off the weekend agenda — more likely to appear in a paddler's journal or a local's brook trout log than in a guidebook. If you're exploring the tributaries around Old Forge by canoe, bring pruning shears for the alders.
Alder Creek has public access.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
12 parking areas· 1 accessible
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Sand Pond ParkingTrailhead2.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Moshier Parking Lot3.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Mccarthy Road Road Parking Lot3.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Francis Lake Accessible Parking Lot3.9 mi
- 05Sunday Lake Parking Area4.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Raven Lake Parking Area4.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Basket Factory Road Parking Lot5.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Smith Road Parking Lot5.6 miunpavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The waters.
The trails.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- Big Moose Station Restaurant13.0 mi
Website under development
- The SteakHouse16.4 mi
The Steak House is a family-owned and operated restaurant since 1971, offering a classic Adirondack dining experience with handcrafted steaks, quality meats, seafood, homemade dishes, and a cocktail lounge.
- Walt's Diner16.4 mi
A working diner on Route 28 in Old Forge running for 25-plus years, with breakfast and lunch most days and a Friday fish fry until 8 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack16.4 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack is a family-friendly restaurant offering homemade traditional and thin-crust pizzas, signature Whiskey Wings, steamers, and "Raquette Cheesesteaks". They feature a full bar with microbrews, high-definition…
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House16.4 mi
A coffee shop on Route 28 in Old Forge selling drinks, Adirondack-themed apparel, handcrafted mugs, and shipped coffee subscriptions. Order drinks for pickup or shop the gift line online.
- Blue Line Coffee House20.7 mi
Blue Line Coffee House offers Adirondack-inspired apparel, handcrafted mugs, and mountain-themed gifts, along with pre-packaged coffee and coffee accessories. Products are available for nationwide shipping, and local customers can order dr…
- Tamarack Cafe20.7 mi
Tamarack Cafe in downtown Inlet serves a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional favorites and specialty bowls to creative salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The cafe also features an 18-hole mini-golf course.
— 16.4 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
3- Benny’s Ice Cream16.3 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper16.3 mi
A circa-1950s soft-serve and frozen-custard stand locals treat as a permanent fixture — the walk-up window after a day on the Fulton Chain or at the water park. Three daily soft-serve flavors plus around 20 hard flavors.
- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.21.3 mi
An Inlet institution for 40-plus years, a short walk from Arrowhead Park on Fourth Lake — soft serve, homemade gelato, floats, flurries, and specialty sundaes.
— 16.3 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
3- Slickers Adirondack Tavern16.4 mi
Slickers Adirondack Tavern, established in 1984, offers a classic tavern experience with a focus on quality ingredients. They are well-known for their signature French Dip Sandwich.
- Old Forge Brewing Company16.4 mi
Old Forge Brewing Company, established in 2008, is a brewpub committed to crafting quality beer and food while prioritizing local ingredients and community support. They offer a diverse menu, a range of craft beers, and host regular events.
- Daiker's17.4 mi
Daikers is an Adirondack pitstop in Old Forge, NY, offering seasonal and local dining with a deck overlooking Fourth Lake. Their caring and committed staff ensure a fantastic experience for guests.
— 16.4 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Norridgewock Lodge11.7 mi
NORRIDGEWOCK LODGE, an oasis in the Adirondack Mountains. Our lakeside resort is the perfect remote vacation in the wilderness of the Beaver River. Book online!
- The Waldheim15.2 mi
A rustic resort with log-cottages featuring porches with lake views, plus 3 included meals a day.
- Covewood Lodge15.9 mi
A Great Camp-style lodge on Big Moose Lake in Eagle Bay, with 19 housekeeping cottages and Main Lodge apartments and rooms. Open May through October, with kids' programming and weekly campfires from late June to Labor Day.
- Water's Edge Inn16.4 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
See.
3- Enchanted Forest Water Safari16.3 mi
Located in Old Forge, Enchanted Forest Water Safari offers a blend of water park experiences and traditional theme park attractions. Visitors can access various slides, pools, and dry rides.
- Calypso's Cove16.3 mi
Calypso's Cove is a family fun park in Old Forge, NY, located next to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. It features attractions like go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and a ropes course with a zipline, offering afternoon and evening entertai…
- Adirondack Railbike16.4 mi
Adirondack Railbike Adventures offers unique railbike tours in the Adirondack Mountains. Riders can explore scenic routes from Old Forge (Thendara) and Tupper Lake, experiencing natural beauty and spectacular views on railbikes made in New…
— 16.3 mi to the nearest sight on file; fold it into the drive.
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- Where is Alder Creek located?Alder Creek is a stream in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Alder Creek open to the public?Yes, Alder Creek has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Alder Creek?Within roughly seven miles of Alder Creek: 46 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.