Pack Forest
Discover serene old-growth forests, accessible trails, and historical charm at Pack Forest, a peaceful natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer bugs, pleasant temps
Pack Forest
Best Time
Fewer bugs, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene old-growth forests, accessible trails, and historical charm at Pack Forest, a peaceful natural escape.
"A magical 1-mile wheelchair trail winds through an old-growth forest, offering stunning bog and pine grove scenery."
Bug Spray is Your Friend
Essential for late spring and summer visits to ward off mosquitos and other biting insects. :bug:
Stroller Savvy
The main trail is great, but some sections can be tricky for strollers. Consider a carrier for infants. :baby_carrier:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 92 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wheelchair Accessible Trail
Main Trailhead
A magical 1-mile loop through old-growth forest, perfect for all abilities. Features explanatory signs and stunning bog scenery.
Ancient Pine Grove
Near the Bog
Experience the breathtaking beauty of a meticulously preserved pine grove, resembling a living diorama.
Mountain Views Trek
Mountain Trail
For a more challenging hike, ascend to enjoy panoramic mountain vistas. A rewarding experience for those seeking elevation.
Historical Significance
Throughout the Forest
Discover the legacy of the Pack family and the educational efforts by SUNY and NYSDEC in this preserved natural space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Trail Accessibility & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bug Spray is Your Friend
Essential for late spring and summer visits to ward off mosquitos and other biting insects. :bug:
Stroller Savvy
The main trail is great, but some sections can be tricky for strollers. Consider a carrier for infants. :baby_carrier:
Explore Beyond the Loop
Combine the main trail with walks on the paved road for a more extensive exploration. 🚶
Forage for Flora
A fantastic spot for collecting micro plants and moss for terrariums. :seedling:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Spray is Your Friend
Essential for late spring and summer visits to ward off mosquitos and other biting insects. :bug:
Stroller Savvy
The main trail is great, but some sections can be tricky for strollers. Consider a carrier for infants. :baby_carrier:
Explore Beyond the Loop
Combine the main trail with walks on the paved road for a more extensive exploration. 🚶
Forage for Flora
A fantastic spot for collecting micro plants and moss for terrariums. :seedling:
Check Camp Schedules
Avoid minor disruptions by checking for summer camp activities. :school_satchel:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pack Forest is lauded for its serene atmosphere and beautiful, well-maintained trails, particularly the accessible 1-mile loop. Visitors appreciate the tranquility, historical significance, and the opportunity to explore old-growth forest. Some minor challenges exist for strollers on steeper or wetland sections, and bug spray is recommended in warmer months.
"This place is great. We didn’t see anybody else on the trails. Other than summer camp staff when we walked through to get to the mountain trail. The forest is beautiful. Lots of lakes/ponds. A bit of history. A very old tree. And Mountain views if you make the trek up."
Katie Robb
"I've lived here for 6 years and this was my first time going to PAC forest , a great.place to forage micro plants and moss for my terrariums."
Phillip Hytower
"What a beautiful trail, my granddaughter (age 3.5) loved finding the signs and crossing the bridges, only had two rough spots that were difficult to handle with a jogging stroller (carrying an infant), 1st trail sign going down a steep hill should direct others back to the “y” in the road for easier access, and about 3/4 through the trail some planks were laid to cross a wetland area, 3 planks instead of 2 would work better for a 3 wheeled stroller, other than that we enjoyed the trip thanks for the quiet time"
Mitzi Stogsdill
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pack Forest is accessible by car. It's located in the Adirondack region of New York. Specific directions can be found via GPS or mapping services. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, Pack Forest is open to the public for recreational use, including hiking and nature observation.
Public transportation options to Pack Forest are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
Well-marked trails guide visitors through the forest. A map is recommended for exploring beyond the main loops.
Absolutely! Pack Forest is an ideal destination for a peaceful day trip, offering various trails and scenic spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to enter Pack Forest. It's a free public access area.
Pack Forest is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's advisable to check for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
Parking at Pack Forest is typically free of charge.
Reservations are not necessary for general public access to Pack Forest.
While generally open, be aware of potential temporary closures for events or maintenance. It's always good to check local advisories.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The 1-mile wheelchair-accessible trail is a must-see for its beauty and ease. For more challenge, the Mountain Trail offers rewarding views.
The diverse forest ecosystem makes Pack Forest a good location for bird watching, with various species likely present.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, it's generally recommended to check local regulations for pet policies in state-managed forest areas. Leashed dogs are often permitted.
Expect to see common forest wildlife. The reviews mention opportunities for observing micro plants and moss, suggesting a rich biodiversity.
Information on restroom facilities is not consistently available in reviews. It's advisable to come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient pine grove and the bog area offer stunning, picturesque scenes. The mountain views from the higher trails are also spectacular.
Yes, Pack Forest is excellent for nature photography, with its old-growth trees, diverse flora, and scenic landscapes.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural and protected areas. It's crucial to check with the NYSDEC or relevant authorities before flying a drone.
The contrast between the old-growth trees, the bog, and the potential mountain vistas offers unique photographic opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit