Johns Pond.
Johns Pond is a five-acre pond in the Old Forge area — small enough that it lives in the shadow of the bigger-name waters that define the Fulton Chain corridor, and specific enough in its access and history that without confirmed details it's better left as a named dot on the map than a paragraph of guesswork. What's certain: it's on record, it's five acres, and it's in Old Forge territory, which means it sits somewhere in the network of ponds, bogs, and connector streams that radiate out from the Moose River Plains and the western edge of the park. If you know it, you know it — and if you're looking for it, start with the local DEC office or a good topo map.
Johns Pond has public access. Summits nearby include Fernow Mountain and Pico Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
6 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.
- 01Third Lake Creek ParkingTrailhead3.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Rodaxe Fire Tower Parking4.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Bub & Sis Lakes Trail Parking5.7 mipavedDirections →
- 04Black Bear And Rocky Mtn Parking Area6.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Cascade Lake Trail Parking6.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Nick'S Lake Trail Pullof6.9 miunpavedDirections →
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
The waters.
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 Pines5.1 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.
- Archie's Alley5.3 mi
Archie's Alley, established in 2022 in Inlet, NY, is a restaurant offering Mexican-inspired cuisine, a bar, and family dining with outdoor options. It is open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with specific hours listed on its website.
- Screamen Eagle5.3 mi
Gift certificates available, please give us a call! (315) 357-6026
- Tony Harpers Pizza and Clam Shack5.4 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack offers family-friendly dining with pizza, wings, and seafood across four Adirondack locations: year-round in Old Forge and Lowville, and seasonal spots in Inlet and Raquette Lake. The Raquette Lake location…
Sip.
4- Blue Line Coffee House5.4 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 Cafe5.4 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.
- Blue Line Coffee House6.4 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.
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop24.1 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- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.5.3 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.
- Benny’s Ice Cream6.4 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper6.4 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.
Drink.
4- Daiker's4.7 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 Tavern6.3 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.
- Old Forge Brewing Company6.4 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.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake24.0 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 Cottages4.5 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
- Viking Village on Fourth Lake4.8 mi
A family cottage resort on Fourth Lake near Old Forge, with waterfront cabins and boating on the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
- Great Pines Resort5.1 mi
Airy quarters, some with balconies, in a relaxed lakeside retreat offering a private beach & dining.
- Marina Motel5.2 mi
A family-run motel on a hill in Inlet overlooking Fourth Lake, with king or double-XL rooms, complimentary breakfast, and walking access to Arrowhead Park and the village.
See.
4- Calypso's Cove6.2 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 Safari6.3 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.
- Adirondack Railbike7.9 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…
- Great Camp Sagamore12.4 mi
Great Camp Sagamore is a historic Adirondack Great Camp offering multi-day programs, overnight stays, and daily activities focused on history, arts, outdoor recreation, and wellness.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Johns Pond located?Johns Pond is a pond in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Johns Pond?Johns Pond has a surface area of approximately 5 acres, a small pond.
- Is Johns Pond open to the public?Yes, Johns Pond 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 Johns Pond?Within roughly seven miles of Johns Pond: 64 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.