Panther Lake.
Panther Lake is a 45-acre water tucked into the western edge of the Old Forge township — far enough from the main Fulton Chain corridor to stay off most visitors' radar, but close enough to be worth the detour if you're working your way through the region's backwater ponds. No formal fish stocking records on file, which typically means natural brook trout populations or nothing at all; local anglers will know which. Access details are sparse in the DEC database, so expect either a short bushwhack or a seasonal logging road depending on the shoreline you approach from. Worth a call to the Old Forge Visitor Center before you commit the afternoon.
Panther Lake has public access. Summits nearby include Panther Mountain and Little Moose Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
7 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.
- 01Nick'S Lake Trail PullofTrailhead3.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Third Lake Creek Parking3.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Nick'S Lake Trail Parking4.0 mipavedDirections →
- 04Rodaxe Fire Tower Parking4.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Scusa Access Trail6.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Remsen Falls Ada Parking Area6.9 mi
- 07Bub & Sis Lakes Trail Parking7.2 mipavedDirections →
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
On the water.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The peaks.
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- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack3.3 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 Diner3.4 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 Italy3.7 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 SteakHouse4.2 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.
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House3.3 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 House8.1 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 Cafe8.1 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- Pied Piper3.3 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.
- Benny’s Ice Cream3.3 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.8.2 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 Tavern3.3 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 Company3.3 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's5.3 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 Resort3.1 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.
- Water's Edge Inn3.2 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge3.8 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…
- Fulton House Cottages4.6 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
See.
4- Calypso's Cove3.3 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari3.3 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 Railbike4.4 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 Sagamore15.9 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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- Where is Panther Lake located?Panther Lake is a lake in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Panther Lake?Panther Lake has a surface area of approximately 45 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- Is Panther Lake open to the public?Yes, Panther Lake 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 Panther Lake?Within roughly seven miles of Panther Lake: 45 designated campsites, 2 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.