Date and Time
Saturday Jun 28, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Location
Moore West Trailhead
647 Inlet Road
Star Lake, NY 13690
Fees/Admission
Free with donations accepted
Contact Information
Carlene Bermann: (315) 386-8133; carlene@slcha.org or engagement@slcha.org

Description
Pride Outside: Moore Trail Hike at Inlet
Hosted by St. Lawrence Center for History & Culture and Potsdam Pride
Registration Required
This hiking tour will cover the general history of Inlet and Wanakena, which have long been popular recreational areas. Highlights include Sternberg’s Hotel in Inlet, which operated from approximately 1889 to 1940, and Knollwood, a historic private camp from the 1920s that features a beautiful suspension bridge. The history of nearby Star Lake and Benson Mines will also be discussed.
The history portion of this tour will take place early in the hike. After the initial guided portion is over, the remainder of the hike is a chance to spend time getting to know fellow participants as you walk on the Moore Trail.
About the Hike:
- Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium. Easy and flat terrain, however, there are some swampy areas along the trail.
- Approximately 2-miles of hiking (option to complete 4-mile entire route)
- This hike is part of the Pride Outside Series and runs from Inlet to Wanakena.
- Those interested should ensure they wear waterproof shoes or shoes that can get wet, apply sunscreen and bug spray, and dress appropriately for hiking in the woods, as ticks are common this time of year.
- If anyone feels they may not be able to complete the full hike, they are welcome to turn around and walk back to Inlet at any point.
- Parking is recommended on the Inlet side of the trail, as that is where the program will begin. Once you reach the Wanakena side of the trail, you will need to walk back to Inlet (approx. 2 miles). However, you might be able to coordinate with other participants who are willing to park at the Wanakena end and then drive you back to Inlet.
- Inlet offers a lovely, pet-friendly field and a picnic table, making it an ideal lunch spot.
- Leashed dogs are welcome on the hike.
- On the Wanakena side of the trail, you’ll find a small store named Otto’s Abode, where you can purchase snacks and beverages.
- The Wanakena Historical Association’s History Center is nearby and will be open to visitors from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Participants may continue the history tour by driving to the following locations:
- Former site of Benson Mines, a long-operating iron-ore mine
- Former site of Jones & Laughlin Steel, one of the largest manufacturing companies in the area, which later became a Superfund site – located near Benson Mines
- Star Lake
- Newton Falls Paper Co. abandoned site – the remains are still there, including a giant brick smokestack,