Hidden down in the south west corner of the Adirondacks is the town of Arietta, better known as Piseco. But, if you're just driving through on Route 8, you might miss most of what Piseco has to offer. If you take a cruise around the back side of the lake on Old Piseco Road, you'll find businesses like The Piseco Lake Lodge, the state campgrounds, and The Irondequoit. And if you take a scenic drive down winding Route 10, you'll stumble upon The Forever Wild Tavern in lower Arietta.
The Forever Wild Tavern and Balsam Inn
The Forever Wild Tavern and Balsam Inn is located in lower Arietta on Route 10. This hidden gem, which used to be known as The Arietta Hotel, has been revived in recent years. They regularly have live music scheduled, and also hold other events throughout the year, like their Poker Paddle!
The Inn on Piseco Lake - The Irondequoit Inn
The Inn on Piseco Lake, the Irondequoit Inn, offers year-round lodging in beautiful rooms and cabins, as well as seasonal campsites on their lovely property. They also have a restaurant that is regularly open to the public. Their private beach is a great spot to launch a kayak from and check out the enormity of Piseco Lake. The Irondequoit is also a great spot to grab a sandwich to take on your hike!
Piseco Lake Lodge
The Piseco Lake Lodge is a seasonal store and year-round motel with 3 fully remodeled units. It is located right down the road from Piseco’s two state campgrounds. They have firewood, basic camping supplies, and the best donuts and breakfast sandwiches around!
The Oxbow Inn
If you’re looking for a cold beer and a delicious sit down meal, head to the Oxbow Inn, situated right on Oxbow Lake. Grab a seat around their horseshoe-shaped bar, or head to the dining room for a table. You can find a variety of foods on their menu, including pizza made with their homemade dough.
The Oxbow Lake Motel
The Oxbow Lake Motel is right next door to The Oxbow Inn. These lakefront accommodations are the perfect place to stay during your visit. They have standard motel rooms as well as efficiencies with kitchenettes. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddle board, or a small motor boat right on property and set off to explore!
Foxy Brown Trail
The Foxy Brown Trail is located right at the Piseco Airport and is a loop that is just over 6.2 miles. This trail was recently rehabbed and it makes a great spot to hike in the summer time, and to cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter. This trail is free to use and has minimal elevation gain, so it is great for all levels of hikers and skiers!
Panther Mountain
This is a hike I recommend everyone do at least once! It is even a local favorite. Panther Mountain is an out and back hike that comes in at just under 2 miles. Most of the trail is a gradual trek uphill, until the last bit of the ascent. It then becomes a little more of a difficult rock scramble, but the views of Piseco Lake are more than worth it!
Poplar Point Day Use Area
The Poplar Point Day Use Area is home to the only free boat launch in Piseco. Motor boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are welcome. Piseco Lake is a great spot to fish for land-locked salmon, lake trout, and bass! While camping is not allowed here, it is a great spot for a picnic.
Northville Lake Placid Trail-Piseco to Whitehouse (Wells)
As a one-way hike, this stretch of the Northville-Lake Placid Trail covers about 6 miles. If you are doing this as a one-way hike, remember that you will need to have a car parked on the far end to make the drive back from Wells to Piseco! On the Wells end, the trail crosses over an impressive suspension bridge. The trailhead can be found next to the Arietta Town Barn on Route 8, just down the road from The Oxbow Inn.
Campgrounds
Piseco is also home to two NYS DEC run campgrounds - Little Sand Point and Point Comfort. Little Sand Campground has 78 campsites, and Point Comfort has 76. Both campgrounds have a boat launch, hot showers and bathroom facilities, and have beaches for swimming.
Plan your trip to Piseco today! There is so much to do and see. Check out all of our amazing lodging properties.