Cary Lake.
Cary Lake is a 20-acre water tucked into the Old Forge township — small enough to stay off the standard touring circuit, large enough to hold a canoe or kayak for an hour of quiet paddling. The lake sits in working Adirondack country, where camp roads and forest access blend into one another and local knowledge still matters more than trailhead kiosks. No fish species data on file with DEC, which usually means either wild brookies that nobody bothers reporting or a pond that winterkills and gets restocked inconsistently. Access details are lean; ask at the Old Forge Visitor Center or check the latest DEC launch inventory if you're planning a paddle.
Cary Lake has public access. Summits nearby include Bottle Mountain and Bald Mountain.
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.
- 01Rodaxe Fire Tower ParkingTrailhead0.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Third Lake Creek Parking1.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Bub & Sis Lakes Trail Parking2.8 mipavedDirections →
- 04Moss Lake Parking3.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Moss Lake Accessible Parking3.6 mi
- 06Cascade Lake Trail Parking3.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Windfall Pond Parking4.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Orvis Schoolhouse (Safford Pond Trail) Parking4.7 miunpavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
On the water.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
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- The Lean-to at Great Pines1.8 mi
The Lean-To is our casual lakeside restaurant, open to guests and the public. It offers a full-service bar and a craft beer menu, along with a food menu inspired by local ingredients and regional influences.
- Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill2.4 mi
Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill offers delicious smoked meats, homemade BBQ sauces and desserts, with smoking done on-premise using apple wood. They also provide catering and meeting space.
- The Tavern4.0 mi
Located at 5520 state route 28 in Eagle Bay, NY.
- Big Moose Station Restaurant4.8 mi
Website under development
Sip.
4- Blue Line Coffee House4.8 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 House5.0 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 Cafe5.0 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.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop24.2 mi
Seasonal coffee shop inside the 1895 schoolhouse that houses Blue Mountain Designs. Espresso, locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf tea, baked goods, avocado toast, sandwiches, and soups. May through October.
Sweet.
3- Benny’s Ice Cream4.8 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper4.8 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.5.4 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.
Drink.
4- Daiker's0.8 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern4.7 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 Company4.9 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.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake24.2 mi
Hex and Hop is a craft brewery and meadery located in Bloomingdale, New York. They offer full-flavored, high-quality craft beer and mead, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing community and craft.
Stay.
4- Fulton House Cottages0.7 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
- Great Pines Resort1.8 mi
Airy quarters, some with balconies, in a relaxed lakeside retreat offering a private beach & dining.
- Viking Village on Fourth Lake2.8 mi
A family cottage resort on Fourth Lake near Old Forge, with waterfront cabins and boating on the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
- Palmer Point Boats & Cottages2.8 mi
Palmer Point offers pontoon boat rentals and charming cottages in Old Forge, NY, perfect for enjoying Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks.
See.
4- Calypso's Cove4.5 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari4.5 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.
- Adirondack Railbike6.7 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…
- Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise12.6 mi
Raquette Lake Navigation Company offers dining, sightseeing, and special event cruises on Raquette Lake in New York. This family-owned and operated business has been providing scenic experiences aboard the W.W. Durant since 1991.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Cary Lake located?Cary Lake is a lake in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Cary Lake?Cary Lake has a surface area of approximately 20 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- Is Cary Lake open to the public?Yes, Cary Lake 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 Cary Lake?Within roughly seven miles of Cary Lake: 31 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.