North Branch Moose River.
The North Branch Moose River drains west from the Moose River Plains Wild Forest toward Old Forge — a backcountry waterway that sees more hunters and paddlers than hikers, threading through mixed hardwood and wetland corridors in one of the park's quieter corners. Access typically requires forest roads or longer paddles from established put-ins along the main Moose River system; this isn't a roadside stop. The watershed connects to the broader Moose River network — a region defined by remote ponds, old logging routes, and fall moose sightings that justify the name. Fish data is sparse, but the system historically held brook trout in its cleaner tributaries.
North Branch Moose River has public access. Summits nearby include Sugarloaf Mountain and Bald Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
11 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.
- 01Rodaxe Fire Tower ParkingTrailhead2.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Third Lake Creek Parking3.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Nick'S Lake Trail Pullof4.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Nick'S Lake Trail Parking4.7 mipavedDirections →
- 05Bub & Sis Lakes Trail Parking5.1 mipavedDirections →
- 06Moss Lake Accessible Parking5.6 mi
- 07Moss Lake Parking5.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Orvis Schoolhouse (Safford Pond Trail) Parking5.7 miunpavedDirections →
+3 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
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Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack3.1 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…
- Walt's Diner3.1 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.
- Frankie's Taste of Italy3.9 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.
- The Lean-to at Great Pines4.2 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.
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House2.9 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 House7.4 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 Cafe7.4 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.
Sweet.
3- Benny’s Ice Cream2.9 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper2.9 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.7.8 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- Slickers Adirondack Tavern2.9 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 Company3.1 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.
- Daiker's3.2 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- Old Forge Camping Resort2.3 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 Cottages2.7 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
- Water's Edge Inn2.7 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge4.1 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…
See.
4- Calypso's Cove2.7 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 Safari2.7 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 Railbike4.7 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…
- Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise15.0 mi
Raquette Lake Navigation Company offers dining, sightseeing, and special event cruises on Raquette Lake in New York. This family-owned and operated business has been providing scenic experiences aboard the W.W. Durant since 1991.
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- Where is North Branch Moose River located?North Branch Moose River is a river in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is North Branch Moose River open to the public?Yes, North Branch 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 North Branch Moose River?Within roughly seven miles of North Branch Moose River: 28 designated campsites. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.