Old Forge, known as the "Snowmobile Capital of the East," offers an extensive network of trails for snowmobile enthusiasts. With hundreds of miles of trails that connect to New York's major trail systems and even the Canadian border, it's a prime destination for winter adventure. Let's delve into what makes snowmobiling in Old Forge and the surrounding Adirondack region so special.
Trail Systems and Connections
Town streets in Old Forge are open to snowmobilers, offering easy access to over 500 miles of trails that link the village to nearby towns. Most of these trails are designed as loops, ensuring riders can start and finish their journey in Old Forge. New York State also permits snowmobiling on trails within the Fulton Chain and Moose River Plains Wild Forests, expanding the riding possibilities.
Inlet is the gateway to the Moose River Recreation Area, a 34-mile corridor of state-owned land that is groomed each day and connects with trails in Indian Lake. The Town of Inlet system, which connects to the Town of Webb system, winds through forests, goes around lakes, and climbs along mountains on well-marked and groomed trails.
All of our accommodations, restaurants, and services are easy to reach right via our trail system. All of the Town of Inlet's snowmobile trails, which are not on New York State Land or on a ridable County Road are part of a joint system with the Town of Webb which requires a permit.
Trail Maps and Navigation
Several resources are available to help you navigate the trails. Some trails in the region are mapped for GPS and smartphone users. Clubs and area businesses sell paper maps, while Mohawk Valley GIS maintains an interactive map online showing points of interest such as towns, lodging, and dining.
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A digital map of the Towns of Webb and Inlet Trail Systems was created by a user. This map can be saved to your Google Maps app on your smartphone or you can download the KMZ or KML file to upload the map onto a GPS system to be used in real-time on the trails. In the event of an emergency on the trails, knowing your exact location will allow our 911 dispatchers to guide first responders to you without unnecessary delay.
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NYSSA Interactive Trail Map
NYSSA presented in November of 2018 their new project known as the NYSSA INTERACTIVE WEBMAP as available for viewing - FREE. The NYSSA Trails Committee and Trail Coordinator spent many hours with the selected GIS webmap developer to produce this new interactive webmap for NYSSA clubs and New York State riders to use.
Anyone may view these snowmobile trails and Points of Interest (POIs) from their computer or smart phone when cell service or WiFi is available. The new Interactive Webmap will allow club reps to show their own trail systems (or segments within) as OPEN or CLOSED, and also allows the clubs to enter closed-down sections of trail for whatever reason (logging, bridge out, landowner issues, etc.) and edit in the reroutes of those closed segments as well as to enter ALERTS on trails to notify riders of specific areas of potential hazards via text boxes describing the issue(s).
Clubs can also edit in their own “Unfunded Club Trails” and label them with their assigned NYSSA Club Trail ID #s. POIs will include Park & Ride lots; Parts/Service locations; business locations such as food, fuel, lodging, and other retail businesses that snowmobilers want/need to know all about.
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Viewers can hover over or click on any trail for more detailed information about each trail, such as Maintaining Club; Trail ID #; club membership page; and club address. As mentioned, all of these POIs, reroutes, club trails, and other features will be entered by club reps…which means the NYSSA Interactive Webmap is the only webmap of NYS snowmobile trails where the trail maintenance entities enter their trails’ information and POIs into the data. It is always going to be a WORK IN PROGRESS as new edits are made daily throughout each season.
Other important features available on the webmap are:
- Current Weather Radar Loop
- New York County borders.
- Feedback is appreciated
Trail Markers and Signs
The International Association of Snowmobile Administrators has established uniform signage regulations for trails across the United States with heavy snowmobile usage. Many signs, like stop and yield signs, are smaller versions of highway markers and are fairly intuitive.
Here's a quick guide to common trail markers:
- Orange Diamond: Indicates a designated trail.
- Brown and Yellow Signs: Show the trail number.
- Additional Signs: Warn of logging truck crossings, temporary closures, and other potential hazards.
Permits and Regulations
New York State requires out-of-state snowmobilers to carry a NYS registration and insurance. All of the Town of Inlet's snowmobile trails, which are not on New York State Land or on a ridable County Road are part of a joint system with the Town of Webb which requires a permit.
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A Town of Webb Trail Permit is required. Town of Webb Snowmobile Trail Permits are currently on sale for the upcoming winter season. The Pre-Season Permit sale price is $80 per snowmobile until November 15, 2025 and then the price will be $100. To order online, click "Purchase Your Permit". There is also a Seasonal Weekday permit for $60 per snowmobile that gives a discount to the visitors and local residents who like to ride during the week but not on weekends. That special permit is good for the entire season from 5pm Sunday evenings to 5pm Friday evenings.
Permits should be purchased by or in the name of the owner of the snowmobile whose name appears on the New York State registration. Replacement stickers can only be issued (one time only) if the old sticker with the number visible is presented. (Old stickers can be removed by applying heat, as with a hair dryer.) A replacement permit will not be issued without receiving the old sticker first. You will need your snowmobile's Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). You can register up to 6 snowmobiles per online submission form.
Adirondack Snowmobile Trails by County
The Adirondacks offer a diverse range of snowmobiling experiences across different counties. Here's a breakdown of what to expect in each area:
| County | Explore Trails In | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin County | Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Lake Clear, St. Regis, Tupper Lake | A vast network of groomed and ungroomed trails maintained by local snowmobile clubs. |
| Hamilton County | Dolgeville, Indian Lake, Inlet, Long Lake, Raquette Lake, Old Forge (Herkimer County), Piseco, Speculator | With 700 miles of interconnecting trails, this is a snowmobiler's paradise! Highlights include Moose River Plains and Old Forge. |
| Essex County | Port Henry, Saranac Lake, Minerva, Schroon Lake | Access to miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, some running parallel to the scenic Lake Champlain shoreline! |
| Warren County | Brant Lake, Thurman, Chestertown, Pottersville, Lake Luzerne, Warrensburg | Over 100 miles of trails connecting Lake George, Glens Falls, and beyond, with plenty of groomed options. |
| Fulton County | Stratford, Oppenheim, Mayfield | Fulton County boasts 150 miles of groomed trails linking the Mohawk Valley to the Adirondack mountains. |
| Washington County | Whitehall, Hampton, Fort Ann, Granville, Greenwich | A mix of private and club-maintained trails, with over 80% on private land thanks to local landowners. |
| Saratoga County | Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills | Easy access to the Adirondack trail network, with groomed and ungroomed routes just outside Saratoga Springs. |
Additional Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Check Trail Conditions: Contact local snowmobile clubs for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and closures.
- Safety First: Always ride within your abilities and be aware of potential hazards.
- Respect Private Land: Stay on marked trails and respect the generosity of landowners who allow access to their property.
- Explore Local Amenities: Take advantage of the many accommodations, restaurants, and services accessible via the trail system.
Whether you're an experienced snowmobiler or a beginner, Old Forge and the Adirondacks offer an unforgettable winter adventure. With well-maintained trails, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community, it's the perfect destination for your next snowmobiling trip.
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