Hiawatha Lake.
Hiawatha Lake is a five-acre pond tucked into the Old Forge network — small enough that it doesn't show up on most regional itineraries, but accessible enough that locals know it as a quiet paddle or a winter skating spot when conditions hold. The water sits in second-growth forest typical of the working woodland west of the Fulton Chain, without the dramatic relief or named-peak context of the High Peaks corridor. No fish data on file with DEC, which usually means either light stocking history or a pond that winters hard and doesn't hold trout reliably. Worth a look if you're based in Old Forge and want something off the main lake traffic — but verify access and parking locally before you load the canoe.
Hiawatha 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
10 parking areas
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 Road Parking LotTrailhead1.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Branaugh Road Parking Area1.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Sand Pond Road Parking Lot1.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Little Otter Parking Area2.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Payne Lake Parking Lot4.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Centennial Ski Trails Parking Area4.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Ten Mile Road Parking Lot4.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Beech Mill Parking Lot5.6 miunpavedDirections →
+2 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 SteakHouse15.9 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 Italy16.5 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 Diner17.1 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 Shack17.2 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…
— 15.9 mi to the nearest table out here; plan the drive to dinner.
Sip.
1— 17.3 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
2- Benny’s Ice Cream17.2 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper17.2 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.
— 17.2 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
3- Old Forge Brewing Company17.2 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 Tavern17.3 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's21.9 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.
— 17.2 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge16.3 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 Inn17.4 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort17.9 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.
- Fulton House Cottages21.3 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
— 16.3 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike15.7 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari17.4 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 Cove17.5 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…
— 15.7 mi to the nearest sight on file; fold it into the drive.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Hiawatha Lake located?Hiawatha Lake is a pond in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Hiawatha Lake?Hiawatha Lake has a surface area of approximately 5 acres, a small pond.
- Is Hiawatha Lake open to the public?Yes, Hiawatha 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 Hiawatha Lake?Within roughly seven miles of Hiawatha Lake: 8 designated campsites. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.