
Moss Lake
A serene Adirondack gem offering a beautiful 4-mile shaded trail, primitive backcountry camping, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid fall parking crowds

Moss Lake
Best Time
Avoid fall parking crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Adirondack gem offering a beautiful 4-mile shaded trail, primitive backcountry camping, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
"Beautiful walk around Moss Lake. Found that there are eight backcountry campsites, with latrines and picnic tables!"

๐ Beat the Parking Rush
Parking at Moss Lake can be tough in fall. Arrive early or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. ๐
๐ฅพ Trail Ready
The Moss Lake Trail is generally well-maintained, but expect some elevation. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 ยท 46 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moss Lake Trail Loop
Moss Lake
A scenic 4-mile hike with shaded paths, gentle elevation changes, and glimpses of the lake. Perfect for a peaceful outdoor escape.

Backcountry Camping
Moss Lake
Experience primitive tent or hammock camping on a beautiful sand shore with secluded vibes.

Kayaking & Wildlife Viewing
Moss Lake
Paddle the calm waters and spot loons and ospreys in this tranquil setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Timing
Camping & Kayaking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Good swimming areas near/around or on the way to Old Forge?
Hi everyone, Does anybody have some good swimming spots they would like to share near or around the Fulton Chain area? Iโm not really looking for places in the Fulton chains but more secluded. Somewhere I can bring my dogs and kill the afternoon. We donโt mind if itโs a hike inโฆ
๐ Beat the Parking Rush
Parking at Moss Lake can be tough in fall. Arrive early or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. ๐
๐ฅพ Trail Ready
The Moss Lake Trail is generally well-maintained, but expect some elevation. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
looking for recommendations for hikes near old forge
I'm looking for some easy to moderate hikes in old forge area. Any good places?
never been to old forge what to do for my fist trip
Moss lake is a nice hike in like 20 mins, there is also the viking village to stay at. Its a summer camp style vacation place with many activities. The owners are 4 friends who are awesome people. Tell Allie, Trae, Catherine and Tim that Haley sent you from Gorham 2018
๐๏ธ Campsite Reservations
Eight backcountry campsites are available. While primitive, they offer essential amenities for a great stay. โบ
๐ถ Paddle Paradise
Bring your kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle on the lake. Great for spotting wildlife like loons and ospreys. ๐ถ
Waterfalls and other hikes within 45 minutes of Old Forge
Looking for recommendations for hikes that a few reasonably fit adults that might take no more than a two-thirds of a day from beginning of end. Already did Rondaxe a few years ago. Views (either summits, falls,โor both) would be strongly desired. Thanks a ton in advance!!
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ Beat the Parking Rush
Parking at Moss Lake can be tough in fall. Arrive early or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. ๐
๐ฅพ Trail Ready
The Moss Lake Trail is generally well-maintained, but expect some elevation. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
๐๏ธ Campsite Reservations
Eight backcountry campsites are available. While primitive, they offer essential amenities for a great stay. โบ
๐ถ Paddle Paradise
Bring your kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle on the lake. Great for spotting wildlife like loons and ospreys. ๐ถ
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moss Lake is praised for its beautiful, shady 4-mile trail and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy the sandy shore, swimming, and kayaking opportunities. However, parking can be a significant issue during peak fall season.
"Beautiful walk around Moss Lake. Found that there are eight backcountry campsites, with latrines and picnic tables! Beautiful little hike that was not strenuous a little bit of an elevation change. The trail opens up to get glimpses of the lake at different points very shady."
Karan Witham-Walsh
"Great hike. Nice trail. Great condition. No mud or flys today"
Tim Trayer
"What a wonderful place. Very peaceful. Saw several loons and ospreys. Ran into a few people who were camping there. We put the kayaks in and had a great afternoon."
Sandi Benati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Moss Lake is accessible via the Moss Lake Trail, typically found in the Adirondack region. Driving is the most common way to reach the trailhead, but parking can be limited, especially during peak seasons like fall.
Yes, Moss Lake offers a beautiful 4-mile loop trail that is considered a great hike. It's known for being shady and having some elevation change, making it a pleasant but not overly strenuous experience.
Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point, but Moss Lake is generally located within the Adirondack Park. Use GPS navigation to the 'Moss Lake Trailhead' or a nearby access point.
Public transport options to remote trailheads like Moss Lake can be very limited. It's best to plan for a private vehicle or consider carpooling with others.
The Moss Lake Trail is a well-known hiking route. You can find it by searching for 'Moss Lake Trailhead' on mapping services or by consulting local hiking guides for the Adirondacks.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Typically, hiking trails in state parks and forests like those around Moss Lake do not require specific permits for day use. However, for backcountry camping, permits or reservations might be necessary. It's always wise to check with the local park authority.
Moss Lake and its surrounding trails are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Backcountry campsites may have specific check-in and check-out times.
Day use of the Moss Lake Trail and lake area is usually free. However, if you plan to use the backcountry campsites, there might be a fee or reservation requirement.
Reservations for the eight backcountry campsites at Moss Lake are often managed through a state park reservation system. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular times.
While the primary access is via the Moss Lake Trail, some areas might be reachable by water if you have a boat or kayak. However, the trail offers the most direct and common access.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Onsite Experience
The Moss Lake Trail is a 4-mile loop that is mostly shaded and features some elevation changes. It's described as a beautiful and peaceful hike, not overly strenuous.
Yes, the backcountry campsites at Moss Lake are equipped with latrines. There may also be facilities at the trailhead, depending on the specific access point.
Visitors have reported seeing loons and ospreys at Moss Lake, indicating a healthy ecosystem for birdwatching.
Yes, Moss Lake is a great place for swimming, especially during the summer months. The sandy shore adds to the appeal.
Moss Lake offers eight primitive backcountry campsites. These sites come with latrines and picnic tables, providing basic amenities for a comfortable camping experience.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
Moss Lake is a natural area, and dining options directly at the lake are limited to what you bring. Nearby towns in the Adirondacks will have restaurants, but plan for a picnic or to eat before/after your visit.
Absolutely! Moss Lake is a perfect spot for a picnic. Many of the backcountry campsites have picnic tables, and you can also find suitable spots along the trail or by the lake.
For a day trip, pack plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch. Consider items that are easy to carry and don't require much preparation, like sandwiches, fruit, and trail mix.
Typically, trailheads for natural areas like Moss Lake do not have food services. It's best to come prepared with all your food and drinks.
For backcountry camping, focus on non-perishable, lightweight food items. Think dehydrated meals, pasta, rice, canned goods, and plenty of snacks. Remember to pack out all your trash.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Moss Lake offers beautiful scenery for photography, including the lake itself, the surrounding forest, and potential wildlife sightings like loons and ospreys. The trail provides various vantage points.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This is also a good time for wildlife viewing.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive lake views, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The trail offers glimpses of the lake at different points, and the sandy shore provides excellent opportunities. Keep an eye out for clearings that offer wider vistas.
Each season offers unique photographic opportunities. Fall is renowned for its vibrant foliage, while summer provides lush greenery and clear waters. Winter can offer a serene, snow-covered landscape.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit