South Branch Moose River.
The South Branch Moose River drains a sprawling backcountry basin south and west of Old Forge — a major tributary system that feeds into the main Moose River before it joins the Black River and eventually exits the park. Access is scattered: old logging roads, informal put-ins, and seasonal hunting camps mark the upper reaches, while the lower section closer to McKeever sees occasional paddlers during high water in spring. The South Branch doesn't pull the canoe traffic of the main stem or the Middle Branch, but it threads through some of the quieter state forest in the southwest Adirondacks — second-growth hardwood, beaver meadows, and long stretches where you won't see another person all day. Spring runoff only; by July it's mostly too shallow to paddle.
South Branch Moose River has public access. Summits nearby include Woodhull Mountain and Rose Mountain.
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.
- 01Nick'S Lake Trail PullofTrailhead4.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 02Nick'S Lake Trail Parking4.7 mipavedDirections →
- 03Remsen Falls Ada Parking Area5.1 mi
- 04Scusa Access Trail6.2 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Third Lake Creek Parking6.3 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Nelson Lake Trail Parking7.0 miunpavedDirections →
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Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
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4- Frankie's Taste of Italy4.9 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.
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack5.0 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 Diner5.0 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.
- The SteakHouse5.1 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 House5.1 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 House10.4 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 Cafe10.4 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- Pied Piper5.1 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 Cream5.1 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.10.4 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- Old Forge Brewing Company5.0 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern5.0 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.
- Daiker's8.0 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- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge4.9 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…
- Water's Edge Inn5.1 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort5.2 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 Cottages7.3 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 Cove5.1 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…
- Adirondack Railbike5.2 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari5.2 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.
- Great Camp Sagamore17.7 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 South Branch Moose River located?South Branch Moose River is a river in the Old Forge 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: 32 designated campsites, 8 lean-tos or shelters. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.