About Old Forge, NY: Western Adirondack Hamlet Overview
Old Forge is a hamlet in the Town of Webb, Herkimer County, on the west edge of Adirondack Park along Route 28, about 90 minutes north of Syracuse. It's the largest hamlet in the historic Town of Webb, which also includes Eagle Bay, Big Moose, and Stillwater.
The hamlet sits at the start of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, a 16-mile stretch of eight lakes beginning at Old Forge Pond.
Old Forge History
Old Forge takes its name from an early iron venture. Charles Herreshoff mined iron ore and built a forge near the dam, but the ore was poor quality and too expensive to process. After his death in 1819, the settlement became known as the "forge" and eventually the hamlet of Old Forge.
The Fulton Chain was named for Robert Fulton, who surveyed the region in 1811.
Life & Recreation in Old Forge
Old Forge's economy centers on tourism and outdoor recreation. In summer, visitors paddle the Fulton Chain and spend the day at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York's largest water theme park with more than 50 rides and attractions.
Nearby hikes include Bald Mountain, Nicks Lake Loop Trail, and Gull Lake Trail.
In winter, hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails wind through the region, with annual events like Snodeo Weekend, SnoFest, and the Old Forge Winter Carnival. McCauley Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels.
The hamlet's Main Street area includes local restaurants, Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, and Montezuma Winery's Old Forge tasting room, along with cultural stops like The View Arts Center and the Strand Theatre.
