Moss Lake

July 25, 2010

After our hike to the Bald Mountain Fire Tower, we headed for the town of Inlet where we had our picnic lunch overlooking the public beach on Arrowhead Park. It was a little chilly by the water but we still could not forego of the mandatory homemade gelato treat from Northern Lights Ice Cream, negating all the caloric expenditure from the earlier hike.

Back on Route 28, we turned on Big Moose Road by Eagle Bay hoping to explore the area of Big Moose Lake. Unable to find a good vantage point to the lake, we turned around and were drawn to the trailhead for Moss Lake where some people were unloading their kayaks from their cars.

An easy 0.1 mile walk gave us a good view of this serene lake. We quickly lost site of the couple carrying their kayaks just ahead of us. The easy portage is likely one of the reasons this is a popular destination for canoers and kayakers.




We decided to do the 2.5 mile loop around the 115 acre lake. Not only hikers and bikers are allowed here but horses as well, so we had to watch out for the occasional droppings. This path, originally built in 1924, was after all, the bridle path of the Moss Lake Camp for Girls which operated between 1923-1972.

Later, the camp was briefly occupied by the Ganienkeh people, of the Mohawk nation (1974-1978). Ever since the remaining buildings were razed in 1979,  no new development has been built around the lake and is now a recreation site managed by the NY State DEC. There are 8 campsites scattered around the lake. Permits are only required if camping for more than 3 days and for groups of more than 10.

We checked out one of the 8 campsites, each apparently with its own privy.  This one has its own trail to the lake but is not one of the 3 sites with direct boat access. 

The trail mostly goes through the forest and only touches the lake at the southwest corner. We saw our kayakers here which they claimed is their favorite swimming spot.

Near this spot, one can turn towards Bibb Lake and Sis Lake which for us would have to wait another time.  The trail remained relatively flat and easy and we quickly made it back to our starting point.  We missed the
observation deck where nesting ospreys and loons are frequently spotted.

Moss Lake will certainly will be in our list of future kayak destinations.