South Branch Moose River.
The South Branch Moose River drains west out of the Moose River Plains Wild Forest — a system of old logging roads, primitive campsites, and sandy-bottom tributaries that attracts more pickup trucks and canoes than hikers. The river splits off from the main stem near the Cedar River Flow and cuts through low rolling terrain before joining the main Moose River downstream — backcountry paddling territory, not roadside access. The Plains themselves are a dispersed camping zone with minimal crowds outside fall hunting season, and the South Branch corridor is part of that stillwater-and-sand ecosystem. Check water levels if you're planning to paddle; by late summer it runs thin.
South Branch Moose River has public access.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
6 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.
- 01Brooktrout Lake Trail ParkingTrailhead3.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Indian Lake Road Parking Area4.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Sagamore Road Parking6.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 047Th Lake Boat Launch Parking6.5 mi
- 05Blue Ridge Parking6.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Cascades Trail Parking Lot6.8 miunpavedDirections →
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
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The peaks.
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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- Seventh Lake House7.5 mi
Rustic space with a lake view preps classic & contemporary American dishes from seasonal goods.
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack9.3 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack is a family restaurant and bar with four Adirondack locations, offering homemade pizza, wings, and seafood. Guests can enjoy sports on high-def TVs, a full bar, and live music.
- Archie's Alley9.5 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 Eagle9.5 mi
Gift certificates available, please give us a call! (315) 357-6026
Sip.
4- Tamarack Cafe9.5 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 House9.5 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…
- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop16.5 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.
- Blue Line Coffee House16.9 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.
Sweet.
4- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.8.9 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 Cream16.9 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper16.9 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.
- Speculator Creamery18.2 mi
A family-run village creamery anchoring Speculator's tiny downtown near Lake Pleasant — a genuine community summer hub. Wide-ranging soft-serve flavors, the 16oz Nor'Easter blend, and hand-dipped hard ice cream. Roughly May through September.
Drink.
4- Daiker's13.1 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.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake16.3 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern16.8 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 Company17.0 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.
Stay.
4- Kamp Kill Kare5.5 mi
Kamp Kill Kare is a historic Adirondack Great Camp on 1,000 acres featuring a private 500-acre lake, offering a luxurious and customized guest experience.
- Lake Kora5.6 mi
Originally Kamp Kill Kare, built in 1898 by William West Durant for Lt. Gov. Timothy Woodruff. One-thousand acres, a private 500-acre lake, sixteen bedrooms, all-inclusive — booked as an exclusive buyout for groups up to 35.
- Deer Meadows Motel & Cottages7.9 mi
A motel and cottage operation on Seventh Lake in the Fulton Chain, 1.5 miles north of Inlet, with a private beach, swim and boat access from the property, and a bonfire setup.
- Marina Motel9.5 mi
A family-run motel on a hill in Inlet overlooking Fourth Lake, with king or double-XL rooms, complimentary breakfast, and walking access to Arrowhead Park and the village.
See.
4- Great Camp Sagamore6.4 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.
- Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise9.7 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.
- Camp Pine Knot10.2 mi
William West Durant's 1877 compound on Raquette Lake — the camp that invented the Adirondack Great Camp style. Now SUNY Cortland's Huntington Memorial Camp, an outdoor-education center with occasional public programs.
- BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER14.5 mi
Blue Mountain Center is a working community of writers, artists, and activists set in the heart of the Adirondacks, the largest state park in the continental U.S.
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- Where is South Branch Moose River located?South Branch Moose River is a river in the Raquette Lake region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is South Branch Moose River open to the public?Yes, South 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 South Branch Moose River?Within roughly seven miles of South Branch Moose River: 102 designated campsites, 17 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.