Fulton Chain of Lakes

Eight lakes from Old Forge to Inlet, and the 90-Miler start.

A string of eight numbered lakes on the dammed Moose River, from Old Forge Pond up through Fourth Lake to Inlet, then quieter Fifth to Eighth Lakes with two short carries. The big lakes fill with pontoons and motorboats in summer, so paddlers go early, stick to the coves, or take a shuttle float down the gentle North Branch of the Moose. It’s the start of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and an easy trip from the Utica and Rome area.

At a glance

Lakes

8, First through Eighth Lake

Carries

2: Fifth to Sixth, Seventh to Eighth Lake

Trail

Start of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Easy float

North Branch of the Moose, 2–3 hr, Rondaxe to North Street

Motors

Allowed; busy with pontoons and motorboats in summer

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Multi-day trips
• Boat rentals
• Paddleboarding
• Fishing
• Swimming

Rentals, guides and shops

• Mountainman Outdoor Supply Co.

  Canoe and kayak rentals, Moose River trips and boat sales from its Route 28 shop in Old Forge.

• Woodcraft Camps Moose River Canoe Trips

  Self-guided canoe and kayak floats on the North Branch of the Moose, with boats, paddles, life jackets and the shuttle included.

• Adirondack River Outfitters

  Guided whitewater rafting, listed among Old Forge’s guides and outfitters.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• RaceWeekend after Labor Day (usual)Usually

  Adirondack Canoe Classic (90-Miler)

  Three days and 90 miles of canoe, kayak and guideboat racing from Old Forge to Saranac Lake along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The 2026 race ran Sept 11–13; registration opened July 1 and filled.

Where to stay

• cabinOld Forge Camping Resort

  Large campground near Old Forge with woodland cabins, lakeview camping cottages and tent and RV sites.

  15 min drive
• hotelThe Forge Motel

  Large, central motel on Old Forge’s Main Street, an easy walk to restaurants.

  15 min drive
• innThe Woods Inn

  Historic inn at the head of Fourth Lake in Inlet, the last of the village’s old hotels still open year-round.

  On Fourth Lake

Nearby

• Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower) · 10 min drive

  Short, popular climb to a fire tower with a view down the Fulton Chain.

• McCauley Mountain chairlift · 15 min drive

  Chairlift rides at Old Forge’s ski hill for a view over the Fulton Chain to the High Peaks, including fall foliage rides.

• View · 15 min drive

  Old Forge arts center with galleries, classes and events.

• Adirondack Railroad · 20 min drive

  Scenic train rides from the station in Thendara, just outside Old Forge.

Getting there

• Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) · about 1 hr 50 min drive
• Verona, NY · about 1.25 hr
• Syracuse · about 1.75 hr
• Albany · about 2.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps