Great Pines Resort Review – The Best Hotel in Old Forge

Staying at Great Pines in Old Forge, New York!

This beautiful, laid-back lodge is set in a wooded area along Fourth Lake between Old Forge and Inlet. Its location on the lake and close proximity to either town make it a popular location for boaters, snowmobilers, and those seeking lowland Adirondack adventure. 

Book a Room at Great Pines Resort

The Great Pines Resort provides luxury accommodations in the Adirondack Park. It’s an absolutely gorgeous resort with the most perfect rustic decor. Currently, the check-in process is quite simple; Great Pines will send you check-in instructions on the day of your stay and a number to contact in the event that you require some assistance.

This board, right outside the lodge main doors, provides guests with tons of pertinent information! There are steps for checking in, a map of the property, food menus, and information on local activities. It doesn’t hurt that you can enjoy a beautiful view while checking out all Great Pines has to offer!

What Kinds of Rooms are Available at Great Pines Resort?

There is a style of room for every traveler at Great Pines Resort!

We stayed in room number 1, which is a Lodge Lake View Room with a King Size Bed. This room includes an access point from inside the lodge via the stairs in the great room and an entrance on the walk-out shared porch.

Our room included an incredibly comfortable King size bed, flat-screen television with full Direct TV, and an en suite bathroom. Our room was also equipped with a mini-fridge and Keurig coffee machine. Additionally, there were two Adirondack chairs outside our door on the porch to match the rustic, cabin decor of Great Pines.

Room Styles At Great Pines Resort 

• Lodge Mountain View King
• Lodge Mountain View King Suite (Twin Pull Out)
• Lodge Mountain View King Suite (Queen Pull Out)

All rooms starting with “Lodge” are attached to the main lodge. You can access your room through the stairs in the great room. If your Lodge room has a lake view, you can also access your room from the shared, second-story walk-out porch.

• Courtside Two Double Beds
• Courtside Two Double Bed Lakeview
• Courtside King Jacuzzi Suite
• Courtside King Jacuzzi Suite Lakeview

Courtside rooms are part of two buildings that run perpendicular to the lake. These buildings include a covered porch with Adirondack chairs which allow you to view the lake.

• Lake View Two Double Beds
• Mountain View Two Queen

There is an additional building that runs parallel to Fourth Lake. This building houses Lake View Double rooms and Mountain View Queen rooms.

• Honeymoon Cabin
• One Bedroom Cabin
• Two Bedroom Cabin

Additionally, Great Pines offers three different Cabin Options. Each cabin provides slightly different amenities and views from the next! As a result, cabins are a great option for families traveling to the area or for those looking for more seclusion during their stay. 

Are Pets Allowed at Great Pines Resort?

Great Pines Resort loves animals and even keeps a stash of treats at the front desk for their furry visitors! Up to three dogs of any size can join in on your vacation fun for an additional $50 per pet, per stay. You are required to bring proof of current vaccinations for your stay. 

Pets are not permitted to stay in Lodge rooms. It’s important to mention that pets may not be left unattended in rooms. It’s a wonderful place for people and pets alike!

Does Great Pines have Great views?

Great Pines boasts beautiful views in all directions. You’re in the Adirondacks! All of the views are something special. To the south, you can enjoy views of Fourth Lake, the largest of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Looking North, past route 28, you’ll notice a small ridge line; surrounding the resort, you’ll find beautiful vegetation native to the Adirondacks. 

Dining at Great Pines Resort

The Lodge at Great Pines

Spencer and I have decided that our Lodge Dining Experience was one of the best we’ve ever experienced. We had a 5 P.M. reservation for the Greenhouse, fireside 6-course dinner. It was the most perfect, intimate meal experience overlooking Fourth Lake.

In the summer, this unique dining experience takes place lakeside and is referred to as The Green House. You won’t want to miss out on this private dining experience; it’s the best fine dining you’ll encounter in the area and you will not be disappointed in your decision to treat yourself to the most luxurious dinner Old Forge has to offer.

Great Pines Lean-to Menu

The lean-to is a themed Adirondack eating experience. You can find these Adirondack-style shelters throughout the park; this three-sided shelter can provide a great night’s sleep in the backcountry or a great place to eat lunch on the trail.

The Lean-to at Great Pines is designed to look and feel like this rustic piece of architecture. They feature a casual dining menu influenced by local ingredients and a full-service bar.

During our stay I went for a hat trick and ordered the Maple Moscow Mule, Maple Scout Wings, and the Maple Chicken Sandwich… Do we see a common theme here? I loved it all. Spencer ordered the special, Chicken Asiago. This dish was unbelievable! Not only was it a pretty big portion,but it was full of flavor as well. So much so that I made him share… 

The Lean-to is located on the Great Pines Resort property, only a few steps from your ‘front door’. It has an outdoor dining area out on the deck for perfect summer eats (and drinks!). It provides easy access for boaters as it is only a few steps up from the docks. 

Dining in the Old Forge/Inlet Area

There are quite a few options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert in the Old Forge and Inlet area. If you’re looking to leave the Resort for a meal here and there, there are definitely some really great options for you! There’s a breakfast option for everyone! Diner-style breakfast, quick coffee fixes, and deli sandwiches are available in both towns. Some of the most sought-after diner spots include Mister’s Bistro and Tony Harper’s in Old Forge; Screamen Eagle, The Caboose, and Seventh Lake House provide great meals in Inlet. 

What is there to do at Great Pines Resort?

Great Pines Resort loves to foster community; they partner with the town of Inlet and other local businesses to create exciting events for locals and visitors alike.

During our stay, Starlight Night at Fern Park was scheduled as an evening ski and snowshoeing event. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing would take place from 7-9 PM on the lighted loop at Fern Park.

Great Pines, alongside Fourth Lake Wine & Spirits and other local businesses, planned on having booths where they would serve hot cocoa, a warm cocktail, or a tasty snack for visitors to enjoy. Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled due to weather. Spencer and I still took a drive over to snowshoe the mile-long lit loop after dinner; it would have been a magical experience had it come together.

Luckily, Great Pines and other local businesses are committed to seeing more events like this take place in the area! They’ve already hosted and co-hosted similar events which have included brunch with llamas at a nearby farm and barn parties with evening trail walks. Follow the Great Pines Facebook page for information on upcoming events; the Inlet, NY Information and Events facebook page would be a great place to find exciting local events as well. 

Fun Activities Near Great Pines Resort

There are so many amazing things you can do as a family in the Old Forge area. Old Forge is known as a four-season destination for those who seek adventure and relaxation. After some time relaxing at Great Pines, you’ll be ready for some action!

Try your hand at the Fulton Chain Trifecta hiking challenge in any season! Hike 3 of the area’s most popular hiking trails and earn a patch for your efforts. This hiking challenge is a great way for individuals, families, and their pets to get in some great exercise while taking in the beautiful scenery from the area’s high points. 

What can I do near Old Forge in the Winter?

If it’s winter fun you’re looking for, take a visit to McCauley Mountain. McCauley is a great place for downhill skiing and snowboarding as well as cross country skiing. The alpine skiing area includes terrain that is suitable for all levels and has a fantastic ski school if you or your littles are looking to learn! This is our favorite ‘local’ mountain seeing as we live about an hour away; we try to make it here every winter for at least one day of riding. It radiates big mountain fun while embracing its cozy, small-town ambiance. 

Just a few miles down route 28, in Inlet, you can enjoy Fern Park. Fern Park is home to a number of recreational options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. The cross country ski, mountain biking, and hiking trails at Fern Park are always free; there is even a 1-mile lit loop and sledding hill open until 10PM all winter long. Additionally, there’s an ice skating rink at Fern Park with a warming hut and restrooms. 

What’s the Best Summer Activity in Old Forge, New York?

In the summer month’s, Old Forge is known for having the largest water park in the state of New York! It’s a true family fun location that improves every year. I am a teacher and our Middle School does an end-of-the-year trip to Enchanted Forest Water Safari every June. It is a really awesome day for all; the only people having more fun than the kids are the chaperones! It is truly a family-friendly gem nestled into the lower Adirondack Mountains. 

Believe it or not, the list of family fun spots continues! There are over 15 exciting activities you can enjoy with your family near Great Pines Resort. 

Great Pines Resort is A Great Stay!

We can’t wait to return in the warmer months! Great Pines resort is absolutely beautiful in winter; I can’t even imagine how stunning it would be in summer and fall. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the food is made with love! There’s nothing I would change about our stay at Great Pines Resort.