West Side Trail?.
A flat 0.8-mile walk along Long Pond with just 23 feet of elevation gain—call it 24 minutes if you're moving. This is the trail for an afternoon leg-stretch when you don't want to earn your views, or for breaking in kids who aren't ready for real climbs. The "easy" rating undersells it. You could do this in trail runners after a rainstorm.
- 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
- Peak foliage window — color starts up high and works down the valleys through mid-October.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~1,401 ft · live closures appear above
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.
Old Forge.
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- Big Moose Station Restaurant17.8 mi
Website under development
- The SteakHouse21.5 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.
- Walt's Diner21.5 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.
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack21.5 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…
— 17.8 mi to the nearest table out here; plan the drive to dinner.
Sip.
1— 21.5 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
2- Benny’s Ice Cream21.5 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Pied Piper21.5 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.
— 21.5 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
3- Slickers Adirondack Tavern21.5 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 Company21.5 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.
- Daiker's22.4 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.
— 21.5 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Norridgewock Lodge15.4 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!
- The Waldheim19.7 mi
A rustic resort with log-cottages featuring porches with lake views, plus 3 included meals a day.
- Covewood Lodge20.5 mi
A Great Camp-style lodge on Big Moose Lake in Eagle Bay, with 19 housekeeping cottages and Main Lodge apartments and rooms. Open May through October, with kids' programming and weekly campfires from late June to Labor Day.
- Water's Edge Inn21.5 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
— 15.4 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
3- Adirondack Railbike21.5 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 Safari21.5 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 Cove21.5 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…
— 21.5 mi to the nearest sight on file; fold it into the drive.
Add to the record.
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Trail conditions, water level, bug pressure, blowdown. The kind of detail that helps the next person plan.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the West Side Trail??The West Side Trail? is approximately 0.79 miles (1.3 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the West Side Trail??Most hikers complete the West Side Trail? in about 25 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 23 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the West Side Trail??Based on its length and elevation gain, the West Side Trail? is an easy hike (23 ft of climbing over the route) — 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.