Halfmoon Lake.
Halfmoon Lake is a 16-acre water in the Old Forge area — small enough that it doesn't pull the Fourth Lake crowds, but accessible enough that it's not a backcountry commitment. The name likely comes from the crescent shape visible from the shoreline, a common naming pattern in the central Adirondacks where glacial scouring left dozens of curved, kidney-shaped ponds. No fish stocking records on file, which usually means it's either a marginal fishery or simply under-sampled by DEC surveys. Worth checking local access status before planning a visit — many smaller Old Forge waters sit in mixed public-private ownership zones where shoreline access can be limited.
Halfmoon Lake reaches a maximum depth of 20 feet, with a mean depth of 9 feet. Halfmoon Lake has public access.
The water, surveyed.
- Peak foliage from the water — the best seats in the Park are in a canoe this month.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
11 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.
- 01Halfmoon Road Parking LotTrailhead0.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Beech Mill Parking Lot1.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Payne Lake Parking Lot2.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Stoney Lake Mt Tom Parking Lot4.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Smith Road Parking Lot4.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Francis Lake Accessible Parking Lot5.1 mi
- 07Branaugh Road Parking Area5.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Sand Pond Road Parking Lot5.2 miunpavedDirections →
+3 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- The SteakHouse15.1 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.
- Frankie's Taste of Italy15.5 mi
Frankie's Taste of Italy is Old Forge's original Italian restaurant — 24 years on Route 28, fresh pasta brought in from Boston's North End, a serious menu of pasta, chicken, veal, and seafood, and one of New York State's largest selections of rare premium Kentucky bourbons. Homemade gelato and bread pudding.
- Walt's Diner15.9 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 Shack15.9 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…
— 15.1 mi to the nearest table out here; plan the drive to dinner.
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House15.9 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 House23.4 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 Cafe23.4 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.
— 15.9 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
3- Benny’s Ice Cream15.9 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper15.9 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.23.9 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.
— 15.9 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
3- Old Forge Brewing Company15.9 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern16.0 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.
- Daiker's19.4 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.
— 15.9 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge15.4 mi
Step into Adirondack charm, reimagined. At Adirondack Lodge, rustic knotty-pine details meet modern comfort, creating a year-round base for snowmobile rides, lakeside picnics, and sweeping mountain views just outside your window. Each of…
- Water's Edge Inn16.1 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort16.4 mi
A year-round campground on Route 28 in Old Forge in the Water Safari Resort family, with deluxe cabins, cottages, RV sites, and tent sites. Stay-and-Play packages for Water Safari.
- Norridgewock Lodge18.2 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!
— 15.4 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike15.0 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari16.0 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 Cove16.1 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…
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- Where is Halfmoon Lake located?Halfmoon Lake is a lake in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Halfmoon Lake?Halfmoon Lake has a surface area of approximately 16 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- How deep is Halfmoon Lake?Halfmoon Lake has a maximum depth of 20 feet, with a mean depth of 8.5 feet.
- Is Halfmoon Lake open to the public?Yes, Halfmoon 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 Halfmoon Lake?Within roughly seven miles of Halfmoon Lake: 20 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.