So you want to have a fun time but you’re strapped for cash? Not to worry, Old forge features northern New York in all its natural splendor, and best of all, you can enjoy it for free!

Take a Dip
The greater Old Forge area is home to numerous lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers in the Adirondacks. Your options include public beaches and swimming holes fed by underground springs. Old Forge Pond, Moose River, 4th Lake –your Google Map can help you locate and research a few.

Can you Canoe?
If a canoe is your favored mode of transportation the area offers nearly unlimited miles of water. The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a string of eight lakes containing nearly 6.8 billion gallons of water.

The chain begins in Old Forge and ends before Raquette Lake. The lakes are named for Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat, who proposed connecting the lakes to create an Adirondack canal. The chain is part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which begins on First Lake and ends in Maine.

The Fulton Chain is the start of the Adirondack Canoe Classic, a three-day, 90-mile (140 km) canoe race. This canoe race is for anyone from beginners to experts, and although many people train very hard for this 90-mile race, some just go out there for the comradery of it all and just to have fun with friends.

By the way, while you’re in your canoe, drop a line as the lakes feature some of the best fishing in the northeast.

Take a Hike (seriously)
Hiking is a very popular activity in the Old Forge area because of the vast numbers and varieties of hikes available. Some of the varieties of hikes include anything from the High Peaks to level trails. Bald Mountain (also known as Rondaxe Mountain,) is one of the most popular mountains to hike largely due to the amazing views of the lakes. At the top of this mountain, there is the Rondaxe Fire Tower that has been restored to allow hikers to climb to the top of it in order to enhance the incredible views. It has some inclination however it is nothing too drastic. This hike is good for families with younger children because it is not very rigorous or challenging.

Stroll
So, you want to take a hike, but a mountain is too strenuous and you’re not exactly a nature lover, fear not! Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Old Forge’s main street. Window shop along the number of shops and art galleries, while you also enjoy the company of visitors and locals.

By the way, wherever you are, keep your eyes open for limitless beauties of nature, including the flowers, landscapes, and wildlife on the ground and in the air…. that’s all amazing, and free.