South Branch Moose River.
South Branch Moose River drains a remote stretch of forest north of the Moose River Plains Wild Forest — a system more commonly encountered by paddlers running the main stem than hikers bushwhacking its upper reaches. The branch flows west through beaver meadows and second-growth hardwoods before joining the main Moose River near the hamlet of McKeever. Access is sparse: most of the corridor is landlocked state forest with no formal trails, meaning this is a water you trace on a map rather than visit on foot unless you're comfortable with compass navigation and blowdown. For most anglers and paddlers, the main Moose River (further downstream) is the practical destination; the South Branch remains a drainage line on the topo, not a destination.
South Branch Moose River has public access. Summits nearby include Manbury Mountain and Round Mountain.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
10 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.
- 01Payne Mountain Trail ParkingTrailhead3.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Wakely Dam4.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Moose River Recrieation Area4.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Wakely Mountain Trailhead Parking Lot5.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Wakely Pond Accessible Fishing Dock5.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Wakely Pond Accessible Launch5.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Wakely Pond5.7 mi
- 08Pillsbury Mountain Trail Parking6.1 miunpavedDirections →
+2 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
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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- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack10.9 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.
- Seventh Lake House12.6 mi
Rustic space with a lake view preps classic & contemporary American dishes from seasonal goods.
- Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner13.6 mi
Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner: the best Diner in Indian Lake, NY. Order directly online today for takeout or delivery. Save money, support local business!
- Charlie Johns Store14.0 mi
Opened in 1939, Charlie Johns Store is Speculator's anchor general store — 12,000 square feet of full grocery selection, produce, fresh meats, a full deli, bakery, and hardware. Purchased from Charlie Johns in 1971 by Dean Lane, the Lane family has owned and operated it since.
Sip.
4- Schoolhouse Grounds Coffee Shop13.9 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.
- The PERKS of Speculator14.4 mi
Speculator coffee shop and bakery at 2855 NY-30. Specialty coffee, espresso, fresh-baked bagels and pastries, plus breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Gluten-free options across the bakery case.
- Tamarack Cafe14.7 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 House14.7 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…
Sweet.
4- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.14.1 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.
- Speculator Creamery14.3 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.
- Custard’s Last Stand21.2 mi
Custard's Last Stand is a historic ice cream shop in Long Lake, established in 1958, serving a variety of soft frozen custard & hard ice cream, sundaes, specialty shakes, floats, and ice cream sodas. They also offer merchandise and gift cards.
- The Park21.3 mi
Trying to find a fast food restaurant in Long Lake? Pay a visit to The Park. We offer a range of burgers, sides, ice cream, drinks and coffee options.
Drink.
4- Acorn Pub & Eatery at Oak Mountain13.5 mi
Acorn Pub & Eatery is a dining option at Oak Mountain, offering a place to eat and drink.
- Hex and Hop Tasting Room - Blue Mountain Lake13.7 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.
- Lemon Tree Brewery14.4 mi
Lemon Tree Brewery is a brewery and taproom located in Speculator, NY, steps from Lake Pleasant. It offers house brews like SASQUATCH HAZY IPA and Blueberry Wheat, along with other local NY State micro-brewed beers and wines in a relaxed s…
- Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store15.0 mi
Indian Lake Restaurant, Tavern and Liquor Store offers a full bar with an extensive bottle selection and local drafts, alongside a menu featuring appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees. The restaurant is currently closed for mud season and wi…
Stay.
4- Lake Kora6.5 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.
- Kamp Kill Kare6.7 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.
- Timberlock8.4 mi
Since 1899, Timberlock has been a family camp offering rustic cabins, lakeside activities, and unforgettable summers in upstate New York.
- Snowy Mountain Inn10.5 mi
Snowy Mountain Inn offers Bed & Breakfast lodging and secluded cottages with lake and mountain views, plus a "guests only" dining room featuring Real Pit Southern BBQ.
See.
4- Great Camp Sagamore8.4 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.
- Camp Pine Knot11.6 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.
- Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise11.9 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.
- BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER12.6 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 stream 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: 57 designated campsites, 11 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.