Adirondack Park Old Forge to Inlet Sand Plains Track

This forgotten track cuts through the ancient lakebed of glacial Lake Algonquin, crossing miles of open sand plains dotted with jack pine and blueberry barrens. The route follows old tote roads between Thendara and Inlet, passing the ruins of Camp Uncas and crossing the infamous “Singing Sands” section where your tires whistle through deep, loose sand. The trail threads between private camps and state land, requiring careful navigation through unmarked junctions near the Fulton Chain outlet.

Moderate difficulty demands high-clearance 4WD for the sand sections and occasional mud holes. Summer months offer the best conditions, though black flies are brutal until August. No permits required, but respect posted private property boundaries. Stock up on fuel in Old Forge — it’s 28 miles of remote country with no services. Dispersed camping available on state land. This route rewards with solitude and a taste of the Adirondacks’ glacial geology.