Squaw Lake Trail.
A brief, established path offers a direct approach to the tranquil waters of Squaw Lake, its yellow-circle blazes guiding hikers along a route that spans less than half a kilometer. The trail is often favored for its immediate reward—lakeside contemplation with minimal effort—and provides a gentle introduction to the area's quiet beauty.
- Leg-stretcherShort and nearly flat — an hour or less
- Family-friendlyShort, easy, and gentle enough for young legs
- Good for snowshoeingNon-technical grade that carries a snowshoe track
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,238 ft · live closures appear above
- lwnNetwork
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Raquette Lake.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
Read the Region→
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.
- Archie's Alley8.7 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 Eagle8.8 mi
Gift certificates available, please give us a call! (315) 357-6026
- Tony Harpers Pizza and Clam Shack8.9 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack offers family-friendly dining with pizza, wings, and seafood across four Adirondack locations: year-round in Old Forge and Lowville, and seasonal spots in Inlet and Raquette Lake. The Raquette Lake location…
Sip.
4- Blue Line Coffee House8.8 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 Cafe8.8 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 House13.4 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.
- The PERKS of Speculator20.5 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.
Sweet.
4- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.8.3 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 Cream13.4 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper13.4 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 Creamery20.3 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.
Drink.
4- Daiker's11.0 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.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern13.3 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 Company13.4 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.
- Acorn Pub & Eatery at Oak Mountain20.1 mi
Acorn Pub & Eatery is a dining option at Oak Mountain, offering a place to eat and drink.
Stay.
4- Deer Meadows Motel & Cottages7.7 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 Motel8.7 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.
- The Woods Inn9.0 mi
A restored historic waterfront inn on Route 28 in Inlet, on Fourth Lake of the Fulton Chain. The only full-service hotel in the Inlet/Old Forge area, with main-inn rooms, a Carriage House, and a Lakefront Cottage. Three on-site dining options.
- Viking Village on Fourth Lake10.0 mi
A family cottage resort on Fourth Lake near Old Forge, with waterfront cabins and boating on the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
See.
4- Great Camp Sagamore10.4 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 Cruise12.9 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.
- Calypso's Cove13.2 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…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari13.3 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.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Squaw Lake Trail?The Squaw Lake Trail is approximately 0.22 miles (0.4 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Squaw Lake Trail?Most hikers complete the Squaw Lake Trail in about 5 minutes at a steady pace. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Squaw Lake Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Squaw Lake Trail is an easy hike — gentle grades suitable for most fitness levels and families. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.