Woodwardia Pond.
Woodwardia Pond is a three-acre pocket water in the Old Forge town — the kind of small pond that appears on the topo map but doesn't pull weekend crowds or make the guidebook circuit. No fish stocking records and no established trail infrastructure means this is local knowledge territory: likely accessed by bushwhack or old logging trace, and likely holding whatever wild brookies or sunfish colonized it decades ago. The name suggests ferns — *Woodwardia* is a genus of chain fern common in Adirondack wetlands — which often signals a boggy shoreline and shallow basin. Worth scouting if you're already in the Old Forge backcountry with a canoe and a taste for exploration.
Woodwardia Pond reaches a maximum depth of 17 feet, with a mean depth of 10 feet. Woodwardia Pond has public access.
The water, surveyed.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
12 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 LotTrailhead0.6 mi
- 02Moshier Parking Lot1.4 miunpavedDirections →
- 03Smith Road Parking Lot2.5 miunpavedDirections →
- 04Mccarthy Road Road Parking Lot2.6 miunpavedDirections →
- 05Sunday Lake Parking Area3.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 06Basket Factory Road Parking Lot5.0 miunpavedDirections →
- 07Halfmoon Road Parking Lot5.1 miunpavedDirections →
- 08Sand Pond Parking5.6 miunpavedDirections →
+4 more on the map above
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Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- Big Moose Station Restaurant12.8 mi
Website under development
- The SteakHouse14.3 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 Italy14.5 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 Diner14.6 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.
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House14.6 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 House20.2 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 Cafe20.2 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- Benny’s Ice Cream14.5 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper14.5 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.20.8 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 Company14.6 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 Tavern14.6 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's16.5 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- Norridgewock Lodge13.1 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 Forge14.5 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 Inn14.6 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
- Old Forge Camping Resort14.8 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.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike14.2 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 Safari14.6 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 Cove14.6 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…
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- Where is Woodwardia Pond located?Woodwardia Pond is a pond in the Old Forge region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- How big is Woodwardia Pond?Woodwardia Pond has a surface area of approximately 3 acres, a small pond.
- How deep is Woodwardia Pond?Woodwardia Pond has a maximum depth of 17 feet, with a mean depth of 9.5 feet.
- Is Woodwardia Pond open to the public?Yes, Woodwardia Pond 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 Woodwardia Pond?Within roughly seven miles of Woodwardia Pond: 32 designated campsites, 1 lean-to or shelter. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.