Old Forge is a classic Adirondack resort village at the western end of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. It is not wild backcountry, and that is part of its appeal: this is where families come for lake cruises, ice cream, summer rides, easy mountain views, and a Main Street that still feels built for vacation evenings.
The village has more to do than its size suggests. Enchanted Forest Water Safari is the big family draw, McCauley Mountain gives skiers and chairlift riders a view over the lakes, and the railroad at nearby Thendara adds a slower, old-fashioned way into the woods.
Use Old Forge as a soft landing in the Adirondacks. It is busy in summer and during fall colour, quieter in shoulder seasons, and practical in winter if you want snowmobiling or a smaller ski hill without the Lake Placid price tag.