Webb is a Central Adirondacks town with plenty of nature to explore
Webb is made for adventurers. “It’s like Lake George or Lake Placid before they became what they are,” says David Bradt, an agent with Benn Realty who has lived in Old Forge, Webb's principal hamlet, for over a decade. “There are lakes, mountains and snowmobile trails.” The community has a mix of full-time residents and part-timers who come for a summer getaway or weekend ski trips. Those who stay year-round should be prepared; the region gets a lot of snow and freezing temperatures. Though the area has seen an increase in visitors since 2020, Bradt says, it hasn’t lost the charm that makes it special to residents. “I don’t think we’re ever going to have a traffic light in town, or have two lanes [going the same way],” Bradt says.
Seek thrills at McCauley Mountain Ski Center or relax at the beach
McCauley Mountain Ski Center is one of several places in the Adirondacks to ski when there’s snow on the ground. “It’s my favorite on the planet,” says Bradt. “It’s a small mountain, so it’s never overcrowded. And small mountains can be boring, but McCauley is not. The terrain is so different. There’s tree skiing, moguls, trails and all of this scenery.” The mountain also has a mountain biking complex and hosts special events like weddings. The Ha-De-Ron-Dah, Five Ponds and Pepperbox wilderness areas allow hunting, trapping, hiking and camping. White-tailed deer season is in the fall and winter, and turkey season opens in the spring and fall. Thendara Golf Club takes public tee times for its 18-hole course.
Several lakes in the community are open for fishing, boating or swimming, including Fourth Lake. Inlet’s Arrowhead Park provides nearby access to it. The Old Forge Public Beach, along Old Forge Pond, has tennis and pickleball courts and a playground. Enchanted Forest Water Safari is the state’s largest water park with more than 50 rides and attractions. Old Forge’s Strand Theatre shows new Hollywood releases. Its walls are lined with vintage photographs, film cameras and other movie memorabilia.
Small cottages and large luxury homes can meet a wide range of budgets
The Adirondacks provide a backdrop of mountains, valleys, trees and lakes. The area’s colors pop in the fall, adding reds and oranges to its usually green visage. Smaller cottages and cabins off the water can range from $200,000 to $430,000, while larger camps near lakes and rivers often run from $465,000 to $720,000. Luxury homes on the Fulton Chain of Lakes usually sell for between $900,000 and $3 million. Large parcels of land are also available, often from $7,000 to $75,000 per acre. The car-dependent community’s roads are winding. Main thoroughfares like New York State Route 28 are well-paved and have sidewalks, but more minor roads can be dirt or gravel. The area’s grassy yards are typically filled with trees, bushes and other plants.
Ride snowmobiles during the annual "Snodeo" or join a holiday parade
The Old Forge Farmer’s Market is held every Friday at the George T. Hiltebrant Recreation Center during non-winter months. Each December, the center hosts the “Snodeo,” the area’s kickoff of snowmobile season. Adirondack Christmas on Main Street brings a parade, family activities and an appearance from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
Casual eateries and bars with easy access to groceries and clothing
Old Forge and Thendara have many restaurants, though there are also options in Big Moose and Eagle Bay. In Old Forge, Slickers is a tavern known for its signature French Dip sandwich. The Front Door Diner, which serves American classics for breakfast and lunch, shares a space with the Back Door Bar, which has dinner entrees and drinks. In Big Moose, The Little Fox provides a fine dining experience and hosts live music on the second Saturday of each month. Old Forge and Thendara have DiOrio’s Supermarket locations. For other things, Bradt says, he heads to Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company, which sells clothing, boots and gear needed for outdoor adventures. “I do my Christmas shopping there, even as a local,” Bradt says.
The Town of Webb School is undergoing renovations
Students are served by the Town of Webb Union Free School District. All prekindergarten through 12th-grade students attend the Town of Webb School, which earns a C-plus Niche score. In 2025, the school began updating its boilers, heating units and ventilation system and repaired its drainage system. The renovations are expected to be completed by September 2026.
Heavy snow each winter and access to Lewis County General Hospital
The community usually receives heavy snowfall, and some businesses shut down from October to March. Bradt says residents occasionally shovel snow off their roofs to prevent the risk of collapse. “People moving here have to be mountain people and tough out the weather,” Bradt says. “But most know what they’re getting into.”
New York State Route 28 runs through several hamlets. The town is close to 100 miles from Syracuse Hancock International Airport and about 145 miles from Albany. Lewis County General Hospital is around 45 miles from Old Forge. A railroad cuts through areas like Thendara and Big Moose.
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Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
