Lake Gay.
Lake Gay is a 9-acre pond in the Old Forge township — small enough that it doesn't appear on most recreational maps, and remote enough that local knowledge matters more than DEC signage. No fish stocking records on file, and no documented public access trail, which usually means private shoreline or a bushwhack approach through working forest. The name appears in historical tax maps and USGS surveys, but contemporary trip reports are thin — one of several dozen "forgotten" ponds in the Old Forge / Inlet corridor that saw more use in the logging era than they do now. If you know where it is, you probably grew up nearby.
Lake Gay has public access. Summits nearby include Party Hill.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
3 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.
- 01Stone Dam Trail ParkingTrailhead6.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Vista Trail Parking Lot6.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 03River Road Parking Area7.0 miunpavedDirections →
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 SteakHouse23.3 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 Italy23.5 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 Diner24.1 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 Shack24.1 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…
— 23.3 mi to the nearest table out here; plan the drive to dinner.
Sip.
1— 24.3 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
2- Benny’s Ice Cream24.3 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper24.3 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.
— 24.3 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
2- Old Forge Brewing Company24.2 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 Tavern24.3 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.
— 24.2 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
3- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge23.4 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 Inn24.4 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort24.7 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.
— 23.4 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike23.2 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 Safari24.5 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.
- Calypso's Cove24.5 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…
— 23.2 mi to the nearest sight on file; fold it into the drive.
Add to the record.
Free, takes thirty seconds. Yours forever.
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Add a shot.
Sunrise on the dock, a cairn at the summit, a bend on the trail. Your camera roll, our archive.
Add a photo →File a report.
Trail conditions, water level, bug pressure, blowdown. The kind of detail that helps the next person plan.
Write a field note →Spot something off?
Wrong elevation, outdated access notes, a coordinate that's drifted. We'd rather hear it than miss it.
Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Lake Gay located?Lake Gay is a pond in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Lake Gay?Lake Gay has a surface area of approximately 9 acres, a small pond.
- Is Lake Gay open to the public?Yes, Lake Gay 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 Lake Gay?Within roughly seven miles of Lake Gay: 1 designated campsite. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.