Black River Trail to Moose River Plains
Historic Adirondack logging road adventure
This historic logging route cuts through some of the most remote terrain in the Adirondack Park, following old timber roads that once hauled massive white pine logs to the mills. The trail starts near the Black River and winds through dense hardwood forests before opening into the vast Moose River Plains Wild Forest, where you’ll cross multiple creek systems and navigate through boggy sections that can swallow a tire if you’re not careful. The route passes the ruins of old logging camps and includes a tricky ford at Indian Lake Outlet that’s been washing out rigs since the 1980s.
This is moderate terrain that requires high-clearance 4WD and good recovery gear – those creek crossings aren’t optional, and the mud holes are legendary among Adirondack wheelers. Best tackled from late spring through early fall when water levels are manageable, though expect bugs that’ll drain your blood supply by July. No permits needed, but dispersed camping is allowed throughout the Wild Forest areas. You’ll earn solitude few find in the Northeast and some of the best brook trout fishing in New York.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Old Forge, NY |
| Land manager | New York State DEC |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Black River Trail to Moose River Plains?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum you want here. Lifted rigs are more comfortable on the rougher sections, but it's not a requirement — just don't attempt this in a 2WD or low-clearance crossover.
When does the trail open and is it accessible in early spring?
Best season is May through October. Early May can still have mud, standing water, and soft ground from snowmelt that'll swallow you if you're not careful — late May through September is the sweet spot for predictable conditions.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on this trail?
No permit is required to drive the trail, but you're on New York State DEC land, so you must follow Adirondack backcountry camping regulations — that means camping at least 150 feet from water, roads, and trails, and no stays longer than 3 consecutive nights in one spot.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The water crossings are where things get real — they're not massive, but depth and flow vary significantly by season and recent rainfall. The trail surface is mostly manageable dirt road, but expect embedded rocks, rutted sections, and soft shoulders that demand attention rather than autopilot driving.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service on this trail — plan accordingly and have paper maps or offline GPS loaded before you leave. Old Forge is your last reliable fuel stop, so top off there; it's roughly 20–30 miles to the trailhead depending on your approach.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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