West Ponds.
West Ponds sits in the Old Forge town parcel — a pair of connected wetland basins totaling 12 acres, more bog than open water depending on the season. No fish stocking records and no formal trail access in the DEC inventory, which keeps it off the recreational radar but potentially interesting for anyone mapping the lesser-known waters in the Fulton Chain corridor. The ponds drain northeast toward the Middle Branch of the Moose River system; likely a paddler's curiosity or a winter bushwhack destination rather than a fishing or camping base. If you're looking for named Old Forge ponds with established access, start with Big Moose Lake or the Fulton Chain and work outward from there.
West Ponds has public access.
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.
- 01Francis Lake Accessible Parking LotTrailhead3.5 mi
- 02Halfmoon Road Parking Lot3.8 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Moshier Parking Lot4.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Smith Road Parking Lot5.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Sand Pond Parking5.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Beech Mill Parking Lot5.7 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Mccarthy Road Road Parking Lot5.9 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Sunday Lake Parking Area6.4 miunpavedDirections →
+3 more on the map above
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
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- Big Moose Station Restaurant16.2 mi
Website under development
- The SteakHouse17.1 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.
- Frankie's Taste of Italy17.4 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.
- Walt's Diner17.5 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.
— 16.2 mi to the nearest table out here; plan the drive to dinner.
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House17.6 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 House23.6 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 Cafe23.6 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.
— 17.6 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
3- Benny’s Ice Cream17.5 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper17.5 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.24.1 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.
— 17.5 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
3- Old Forge Brewing Company17.6 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 Tavern17.6 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's19.9 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.
— 17.6 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Norridgewock Lodge16.1 mi
NORRIDGEWOCK LODGE, an oasis in the Adirondack Mountains. Our lakeside resort is the perfect remote vacation in the wilderness of the Beaver River. Book online!
- Adirondack Lodge Old Forge17.3 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 Inn17.6 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort17.8 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.
— 16.1 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike17.0 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 Safari17.6 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.
- Calypso's Cove17.6 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…
— 17.0 mi to the nearest sight on file; fold it into the drive.
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- Where is West Ponds located?West Ponds is a pond in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is West Ponds?West Ponds has a surface area of approximately 12 acres, a smaller backcountry water.
- Is West Ponds open to the public?Yes, West Ponds 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 West Ponds?Within roughly seven miles of West Ponds: 22 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.