In Old Forge, outdoor activities and arts offerings meet community recreation facilities. McCauley Mountain has mountain bike trails and a chairlift with mountain views; Bald Mountain is known for its summit hike and the restored Rondaxe Fire Tower. View rounds out the options with art programs, classes, and exhibitions. Which aspect you focus on depends on whether you’re looking for trails, hiking, views, sports facilities, or culture.
Mountain Bike Trails and a Recreational Trail
McCauley Mountain has 15 miles of professionally built mountain bike trails. The 14-mile TOBIE Trail is a recreational trail connecting Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, and Eagle Bay. The offerings differ in focus: McCauley Mountain is for mountain biking, while the TOBIE Trail connects several communities. So when choosing, consider not only the distance but also whether you’re looking for trails on a mountain or a recreational trail between communities.
A Hike with Elevation Gain
The hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is just under a mile from the trailhead and gains about 500 feet in elevation. Distance and elevation gain are two different planning considerations: distance tells you how long the hike is, while the climb gives you another factor to consider. So when planning your outing, keep both in mind rather than focusing only on the mileage.
Mountain Views and the Rondaxe Fire Tower
The Rondaxe Fire Tower is on Bald Mountain and has been restored. A notice published by New York State in 2019 describes the tower as open to climbing. If you plan to climb it, check the current access conditions before your visit.
The chairlift at McCauley Mountain offers views of mountain landscapes and the lush vegetation of the Adirondacks. Operating hours may vary. If you want the ride to be a fixed part of your day, check the current operating hours in advance.
Recreation at the Lakefront
The Town of Webb Lakefront in Old Forge has a public beach, two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a public playground. These recreation options are available side by side: a beach, tennis, pickleball, and a public playground. The beach is open seasonally, and facility rules may change. If the beach or courts are important to your visit, it’s worth checking the current conditions in advance.
Art Programs at View
View is a community arts center in Old Forge focused on art programs and high-quality exhibitions. Local residents and visitors can experience art in a variety of ways and take part in classes, workshops, and exhibitions. The formats offer different ways to engage: exhibitions focus on viewing, while classes and workshops also offer the opportunity to participate. The specific program changes over time. If a particular topic, class, or exhibition will shape your visit, it’s best to check the program for your travel dates.
Old Forge as a Regional Starting Point
Old Forge is a starting point for exploring the Central Adirondack Region and the entire Adirondack Park. You can plan around the town itself or use Old Forge as a base for exploring the broader region. These are two different scales: what you want to experience in Old Forge and which part of the Adirondacks you want to explore.
Discover more destinations: Herkimer, Ilion, Big Moose.
Return to the main travel overview: Herkimer County.
