Moss Lake - Image 1
1 / 3

Moss Lake

4.8
ยท46 reviewsยท, United States

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid fall parking crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Moss Lake - Image 1

Moss Lake

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Avoid fall parking crowds

CrowdLow

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.

4.8
(46 reviews)

"Beautiful walk around Moss Lake. Found that there are eight backcountry campsites, with latrines and picnic tables!"

Vertical photo
TIP

๐Ÿš— Beat the Parking Rush

Parking at Moss Lake can be tough in fall. Arrive early or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. ๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿฅพ Trail Ready

The Moss Lake Trail is generally well-maintained, but expect some elevation. Good walking shoes are recommended. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

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 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.

Reddit
Backcountry Camping

Backcountry Camping

Moss Lake

Experience primitive tent or hammock camping on a beautiful sand shore with secluded vibes.

Reddit
Kayaking & Wildlife Viewing

Kayaking & Wildlife Viewing

Moss Lake

Paddle the calm waters and spot loons and ospreys in this tranquil setting.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Timing

Moss Lake Trail offers a beautiful, shady 4-mile loop with some elevation change. While generally well-maintained, check recent conditions for mud, especially after rain. Parking can be challenging during peak fall season, so arrive early or consider weekdays. Reddit

Camping & Kayaking

Discover eight backcountry campsites with amenities like latrines and picnic tables for a peaceful Adirondack experience. Kayaking and swimming are popular activities, offering secluded enjoyment close to civilization. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Avoid fall parking crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for swimming & paddling
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall weekdays
Why
Beautiful foliage, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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? Iโ€™m not really looking for places in the Fulton chains but more secluded. Somewhere I can bring my dogs and kill the afternoon. We donโ€™t mind if itโ€™s a hike inโ€ฆ

๐Ÿš— Beat the Parking Rush

Parking at Moss Lake can be tough in fall. Arrive early or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. Reddit ๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿฅพ Trail Ready

The Moss Lake Trail is generally well-maintained, but expect some elevation. Good walking shoes are recommended. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

looking for recommendations for hikes near old forge

I'm looking for some easy to moderate hikes in old forge area. Any good places?

reddit.com

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

๐Ÿ•๏ธ Campsite Reservations

Eight backcountry campsites are available. While primitive, they offer essential amenities for a great stay. Reddit โ›บ

๐Ÿ›ถ Paddle Paradise

Bring your kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle on the lake. Great for spotting wildlife like loons and ospreys. Reddit ๐Ÿ›ถ

reddit.com

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,โ€˜or both) would be strongly desired. Thanks a ton in advance!!

Tips

from all over the internet

๐Ÿš— Beat the Parking Rush

Parking at Moss Lake can be tough in fall. Arrive early or visit on a weekday to secure a spot. Reddit ๐Ÿš—

๐Ÿฅพ Trail Ready

The Moss Lake Trail is generally well-maintained, but expect some elevation. Good walking shoes are recommended. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

๐Ÿ•๏ธ Campsite Reservations

Eight backcountry campsites are available. While primitive, they offer essential amenities for a great stay. Reddit โ›บ

๐Ÿ›ถ Paddle Paradise

Bring your kayak or canoe for a peaceful paddle on the lake. Great for spotting wildlife like loons and ospreys. Reddit ๐Ÿ›ถ

What Travellers Say

4.8
(46 reviews)

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

Beautiful shady trail
Peaceful atmosphere
Great for camping

What People Dislike

Parking can be horrendous

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿž๏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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing loons and ospreys at Moss Lake, indicating a healthy ecosystem for birdwatching. Reddit

Yes, Moss Lake is a great place for swimming, especially during the summer months. The sandy shore adds to the appeal. Reddit

Moss Lake offers eight primitive backcountry campsites. These sites come with latrines and picnic tables, providing basic amenities for a comfortable camping experience. Reddit

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ ๐Ÿฝ๏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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
Moss Lake (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide