Moose River.
The Moose River flows through the southwestern Adirondacks as one of the park's major drainages — a broad, slow-moving system that defines the Old Forge plateau before eventually feeding the Black River and the Mohawk watershed. The river corridor has been a logging highway since the 1800s, and the upper stretches still carry that working-forest character: wide, tannic water; seasonal flow swings; and long stretches of state land broken by private inholdings. Paddlers know it as a multi-day flatwater route with portages around dams and remnant log drives, though spring runoff can push current hard enough to complicate what looks like lazy water on the map. Access is scattered — some roadside bridges, some formal launches — and the fishing pressure stays light compared to the trout streams pulling traffic north toward the High Peaks.
Moose River has public access.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
9 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.
- 01Parking LotTrailhead3.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Brandy Lake Trail Parking4.0 mipavedDirections →
- 03Long Lake Parking4.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Mckeever West Parking5.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Steam Mill Parking Lot5.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Centennial Ski Trails Parking Area6.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Nelson Lake Trail Parking6.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Trail Parking6.5 miunpavedDirections →
+1 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 SteakHouse11.3 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 Italy11.9 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 Diner12.8 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 Shack12.8 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…
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House13.0 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 House22.1 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 Cafe22.1 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.
Sweet.
3- Benny’s Ice Cream13.0 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper13.0 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.22.3 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.
Drink.
3- Old Forge Brewing Company12.9 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 Tavern13.1 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's18.4 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.
Stay.
4- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge11.7 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 Inn13.2 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort13.8 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 Cottages17.6 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike11.1 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 Safari13.2 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 Cove13.3 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 Moose River located?Moose River is a river in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Moose River open to the public?Yes, Moose River 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 Moose River?Within roughly seven miles of Moose River: 6 designated campsites, 5 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.