Easy Adirondack Hikes in Eagle Bay- Cascade Lake Waterfall Loop Trail (Inlet Outdoor Family Challenge)

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At the trail register to the Cascade Lake trail, Eagle Bay (Inlet, NY)
My family is always looking for those easy Adirondack hikes that still give us a workout and view, but still gets us back to town at a relatively early hour. We still love camping and racking up the 46ers, but we always have time to introduce friends to beautiful easy hikes that are fun for all ages, levels and abilities. 

 One such hike is the loop trail around Cascade Lake in Eagle Bay (Inlet). It is also an opportunity to cross one activity off the list that gets you closer to earning a badge and your name added to the Inlet Outdoor Family Challenge list*.


trail map for Cascade Lake trail loop and Cascade Falls, Inlet NY
This 4.9-mile loop hike is located near Eagle Bay and just a few miles south of Inlet, NY. Sometimes a bit muddy, the trail is relatively level path that can be down in two shorter excursions or a longer loop trail.

The first 1.1-mile section is a multi-use trail. We encounter bicyclists and horseback riders along the trail. At the first junction the trail splits. The trail to the left will reach the northern shoreline of Cascade Lake. passing the junction to Queer Lake and onto the old Camp Cascade. 
 If you want a quick and easy hike to a nice swimming spot, take the trail to the left, pass the Queer Lake junction in an additional mile and reach the northern shore and sandy beach in 1.5-miles.


Sandy beaches along the northern shore of
Cascade Lake
According to A Paradise For Boys and Girls: Adirondack Children's Camps, Camp Cascade was started by George H. Longstaff, the same entrepreneur who started nearby Moss Lake Camp for Girls in 1922. Now all that remains of the former children's camp is some old foundations and a beautiful sandy beach. 
Checking out the top of Cascade Falls
If you want to take the 3.8-mile loop trail, take the trail to the right to reach Cascade Falls in 2.5-miles and continue along the red marker trail that loops around Cascade Lake, leading to the same sandy beach. 

 Traditionally the trail can be muddy so be prepared to jump over water and pass through some wet spots.


Directions: From Inlet, NY drive 2- miles south on Rt. 28 to Eagle Bay. Turn onto Big Moose Rd and drive for 1.8-miles. The trailhead and parking area will be on the right. Enjoy!
Muddy trail conditions can be found at the Cascade Lake loop trail



* The Inlet Outdoor Family Challenge is the opportunity to explore all the the Inlet, NY area has to offer. Hike, bike or paddle 12 out of 17 "challenges" and you can register to receive a special patch.

© Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook series. Adirondack Family Time™guidebooks have easy, short Adirondack family hikes for ADK kids, parents, retired, seniors, dog-owners, Adirondack swimming holes, Lake Placid Olympic activities, Adirondack trivia, Adirondack horseback rides, Adirondack snowshoe family trails and more. Look for the Adirondack family guidebooks online or bookstores/museums/sporting good stores. Diane is currently working on the next Adirondack Family Activities™ guide.

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