Mud Pond.
Mud Pond is a nine-acre water in the Old Forge township — small enough that it rarely shows up on regional recreation lists, and common enough as a name (there are at least a dozen Mud Ponds across the Adirondack Park) that it tends to blend into the background noise of the local hydrography. No fish data on record, which usually means either unstocked and surveyed cold, or simply too small and shallow to hold a year-round population. Worth checking DEC town parcel maps if you're looking for access — ponds this size in the Old Forge area are a mix of private shoreline, paper-company legacy parcels, and the occasional state easement or trail connection that doesn't make it onto the standard recreational maps.
Mud Pond has public access. Summits nearby include Fernow Mountain and Burnt Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
9 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.
- 01Third Lake Creek ParkingTrailhead2.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Rodaxe Fire Tower Parking4.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Bub & Sis Lakes Trail Parking5.0 mipavedDirections →
- 04Black Bear And Rocky Mtn Parking Area5.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Cascade Lake Trail Parking6.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Nick'S Lake Trail Pullof6.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Moss Lake Parking6.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Moss Lake Accessible Parking6.6 mi
+1 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
On the water.
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 Pines4.4 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.
- Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill4.7 mi
Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill offers delicious smoked meats, homemade BBQ sauces and desserts, with smoking done on-premise using apple wood. They also provide catering and meeting space.
- Archie's Alley5.1 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 Eagle5.1 mi
Gift certificates available, please give us a call! (315) 357-6026
Sip.
4- Blue Line Coffee House5.1 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 Cafe5.1 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.
- Blue Line Coffee House5.7 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 Shop24.2 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.5.1 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 Cream5.7 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper5.7 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's3.9 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern5.6 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 Company5.8 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 Lake24.1 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 Cottages3.6 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 Lake4.2 mi
A family cottage resort on Fourth Lake near Old Forge, with waterfront cabins and boating on the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
- Great Pines Resort4.4 mi
Airy quarters, some with balconies, in a relaxed lakeside retreat offering a private beach & dining.
- Palmer Point Boats & Cottages4.9 mi
Palmer Point offers pontoon boat rentals and charming cottages in Old Forge, NY, perfect for enjoying Fourth Lake in the Adirondacks.
See.
4- Calypso's Cove5.5 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari5.6 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 Railbike7.3 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 Sagamore12.6 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 Mud Pond located?Mud Pond is a pond in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Mud Pond?Mud Pond has a surface area of approximately 9 acres, a small pond.
- Is Mud Pond open to the public?Yes, Mud 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 Mud Pond?Within roughly seven miles of Mud Pond: 66 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.