Paddle two days from Old Forge to Raquette Lake across all eight of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and hike or bike your way back to Old Forge!
The Fulton Chain Circuit provides trekkers with two great options. The first two days are the same for both options and consist of scenic paddling through the entirety of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. In the paddle and hike option, trekkers paddle two days from Old Forge to Raquette Lake and then spend two days hiking back over rolling terrain to Old Forge to complete the loop. In the paddle and bike option, trekkers likewise paddle two days from Old Forge to Raquette Lake and then spend one day biking from Raquette Lake to Old Forge.
On Day One you’ll paddle First Lake through Fourth Lake, from Old Forge to Inlet, where you’ll enjoy the views of the mountains and hills that rim the lakes while checking out the varied architecture of the homes and camps along the way. Once in Inlet, you can savor a fancy dinner or some of the best pizza in the Adirondacks at Screamen Eagle and catch a dazzling sunset at Arrowhead Park while treating yourself to a frozen treat from Northern Lights Creamery.
You’ll paddle to gorgeous Raquette Lake on Day Two via Fifth through Eighth lakes and the winding Brown’s Tract. There are three portages along this section that will provide you opportunities to stretch your legs. The cozy feel and tasty cooking of the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom will make you feel at home at this popular “have-it-all” local establishment. Or, you can choose to hop aboard the W.W. Durant and enjoy a highly-recommended dinner cruise on Raquette Lake courtesy of the Raquette Lake Navigation Company.
At Raquette Lake on Day Three you’ll switch travel modes and either hike or bike back to Old Forge.
For the Paddle and Hike option, hikers on Day Three make their way up and over Black Bear Mountain with its awesome views to the southeast en route to Inlet. During your return to Inlet, you can choose to switch it up and treat your taste buds to other culinary offerings by checking out a different place to dine.
On the fourth and final day, hikers travel 13 miles from Inlet back to Old Forge, including climbs up Rocky Mountain and Bald (Rondaxe) Mountain with their impressive views of some of the lakes you previously paddled.
For the Paddle and Bike option, bikers cruise the Dillon and Uncas roads on Day Three, the third and final day of this trip, to Eagle Bay, with the recommended side hike up and down Black Bear Mountain along the way. Upon meeting up with the TOBIE Trail (Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, and Eagle Bay) in Eagle Bay, bikers head south to Old Forge and are encouraged to do the side hike up Bald Mountain with its fire tower and fabulous views.
We recommend that trekkers doing the Paddle and Bike option hike Rocky Mountain from Inlet in the afternoon of Day One upon arriving in Inlet, following the paddle from Old Forge. The total biking mileage from Raquette Lake to Old Forge is approximately 27.5 miles and, if trekkers choose to hike both Black Bear and Bald Mountains, they add 5.0 hiking miles to their robust day. Bikers can opt to add another 6.5 miles by looping through Thendara and visiting Elise Lookout.
We suggest you plan to spend an extra day in Old Forge before or after your trek to enjoy all this thriving village has to offer, including the scenic chairlift ride and mountain biking at McCauley Mountain. Take on the thrills and spills at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park.
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Photo by Johnathan Esper | Wildernesscapes Photography
Fulton Chain Circuit Paddle and Hike
Old Forge
Arrive in Old Forge.
Click through the tabs at the top to see the full itinerary.
Welcome to Old Forge, the southwest gateway to the Adirondacks!
Inlet
On Day One you’ll paddle First Lake through Fourth Lake, from Old Forge to Inlet, where you’ll enjoy the views of the mountains and hills that rim the lakes while checking out the varied architecture of the homes and camps along the way. Once in Inlet, you can savor a fancy dinner or some of the best pizza in the Adirondacks at Screamen Eagle and catch a dazzling sunset at Arrowhead Park while treating yourself to a frozen treat from Northern Lights Creamery.
Raquette Lake
You’ll paddle to gorgeous Raquette Lake on Day Two via Fifth through Eighth lakes and the winding Brown’s Tract. There are three portages along this section that will provide you opportunities to stretch your legs. The cozy feel and tasty cooking of the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom will make you feel at home at this popular “have-it-all” local establishment. Or, you can choose to hop aboard the W.W. Durant and enjoy a highly-recommended dinner cruise on Raquette Lake courtesy of the Raquette Lake Navigation Company.
Inlet
For the Paddle and Hike option, hikers on Day Three make their way up and over Black Bear Mountain with its awesome views to the southeast en route to Inlet. During your return to Inlet, you can choose to switch it up and treat your taste buds to other culinary offerings by checking out a different place to dine.
Old Forge
On the fourth and final day, hikers travel 13 miles from Inlet back to Old Forge, including climbs up Rocky Mountain and Bald (Rondaxe) Mountain with their impressive views of some of the lakes you previously paddled.
Old Forge
We suggest you plan to spend an extra day in Old Forge before or after your trek to enjoy all this thriving village has to offer, including the scenic chairlift ride and mountain biking at McCauley Mountain. Take on the thrills and spills at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park.
Click to enlarge image
Fulton Chain Circuit Paddle and Bike
Old Forge
Arrive in Old Forge.
Click through the tabs at the top to see the full itinerary.
Welcome to Old Forge, the southwest gateway to the Adirondacks!
Inlet
On Day One you’ll paddle First Lake through Fourth Lake, from Old Forge to Inlet, where you’ll enjoy the views of the mountains and hills that rim the lakes while checking out the varied architecture of the homes and camps along the way. Once in Inlet, you can savor a fancy dinner or some of the best pizza in the Adirondacks at Screamen Eagle and catch a dazzling sunset at Arrowhead Park while treating yourself to a frozen treat from Northern Lights Creamery.
We recommend that trekkers doing the Paddle and Bike option hike Rocky Mountain from Inlet in the afternoon of Day One upon arriving in Inlet, following the paddle from Old Forge. The total biking mileage from Raquette Lake to Old Forge is approximately 27.5 miles and, if trekkers choose to hike both Black Bear and Bald Mountains, they add 5.0 hiking miles to their robust day. Bikers can opt to add another 6.5 miles by looping through Thendara and visiting Elise Lookout.
Raquette Lake
You’ll paddle to gorgeous Raquette Lake on Day Two via Fifth through Eighth lakes and the winding Brown’s Tract. There are three portages along this section that will provide you opportunities to stretch your legs. The cozy feel and tasty cooking of the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom will make you feel at home at this popular “have-it-all” local establishment. Or, you can choose to hop aboard the W.W. Durant and enjoy a highly-recommended dinner cruise on Raquette Lake courtesy of the Raquette Lake Navigation Company.
Inlet
For the Paddle and Bike option, bikers cruise the Dillon and Uncas roads on Day Three, the third and final day of this trip, to Eagle Bay, with the recommended side hike up and down Black Bear Mountain along the way. Upon meeting up with the TOBIE Trail (Thendara, Old Forge, Big Moose, Inlet, and Eagle Bay) in Eagle Bay, bikers head south to Old Forge and are encouraged to do the side hike up Bald Mountain with its fire tower and fabulous views.
Old Forge
We suggest you plan to spend an extra day in Old Forge before or after your trek to enjoy all this thriving village has to offer, including the scenic chairlift ride and mountain biking at McCauley Mountain. Take on the thrills and spills at Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park.
Click to enlarge image
Route Highlights:
- Nine lakes: First Lake through Eighth Lake of the Fulton Chain of Lakes and Raquette Lake
- The variety in architecture of camps along the shore
- Old growth White Pine trees in the Cathedral Pines grove along Seventh Lake
- The winding waterway of Brown’s Tract
- Fine dining at Misters Bistro in Old Forge and The Woods Inn and The Seventh Lake House in Inlet
- Pizza at the Screamen Eagle, voted the best pizza in the Adirondacks by Adirondack Life readers
- Hikes up three peaks with great views: Black Bear Mountain, Rocky Mountain and Bald (Rondaxe) Mountain, with its fire tower
- The TOBIE bike trail
Fulton Chain Circuit Paddle and Hike Option
Click the map to view larger
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Fulton Chain Circuit Trip Availability Calendars
Please Note: These self-guided trips are scheduled for mid-week to bypass our affiliates’ two-night minimum stays on the weekends (Friday and Saturday). If you are interested in incorporating a weekend stay in Old Forge to begin your Hamlets to Huts trip—you can, for example, spend your Saturday at Enchanted Forest Water Safari Park or mountain biking at McCauley Mountain—please contact us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to explore the scheduling possibilities.
Fulton Chain Circuit Paddle and Hike Trip Availability Calendar
| Trip Code FCCH |
FULTON CHAIN CIRCUIT PADDLE AND HIKE |
Night 1 Old Forge |
Night 2 Inlet |
Night 3 |
Night 4 Inlet |
Day 5 Old Forge |
| FCCH1 | The evening of Sunday, June 26 – morning of Friday, July 1 |
Sunday, June 26 |
Monday June 27 |
Tuesday, June 28 |
Wednesday, June 29 |
Thursday, June 30 |
| FCCH2 | The evening of Sunday, July 10 – morning of Friday, July 15 |
Sunday, July 10 |
Monday, July 11 |
Tuesday, July 12 |
Wednesday, July 13 |
Thursday, July 14 |
| FCCH3 | The evening of Sunday, July 17 – morning of Friday, July 22 |
Sunday, July 17 |
Monday, July 18 |
Tuesday, July 19 |
Wednesday, July 20 |
Thursday, July 21 |
| FCCH4 | The evening of Sunday, July 24 – morning of Friday, July 29 |
Sunday, July 24 |
Monday, July 25 |
Tuesday, July 26 |
Wednesday, July 27 |
Thursday, July 28 |
| FCCH5 | The evening of Sunday, July 31 – morning of Friday, August 5 |
Sunday, July 31 |
Monday August 1 |
Tuesday, August 2 |
Wednesday, August 3 |
Thursday, August 4 |
| FCCH6 | The evening of Sunday, August 7 – morning of Friday, August 12 |
Sunday, August 7 |
Monday, August 8 |
Tuesday, August 9 |
Tuesday, August 10 |
Tuesday, August 11 |
| FCCH7 | The evening of Sunday, August 14 – morning of Friday, August 19 |
Sunday, August 14 |
Monday, August 15 |
Tuesday, August 16 |
Wednesday, August 17 |
Thursday, August 18 |
| FCCH8 | The evening of Sunday, August 21 – morning of Friday, August 26 |
Sunday, August 21 |
Monday, August 22 |
Tuesday, August 23 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
Thursday, August 25 |
| FCCH9 | The evening of Sunday, August 28 – morning of Friday, September 2 |
Sunday, August 28 | Monday, August 29 |
Tuesday, August 30 |
Wednesday, August 31 |
Thursday, September 1 |
Fulton Chain Circuit Paddle and Bike Trip Availability Calendar
| Trip Code FCCB |
FULTON CHAIN CIRCUIT PADDLE AND BIKE |
Night 1 Old Forge |
Night 2 Inlet |
Night 3 Raquette Lake |
Night 4 Old Forge |
| FCCB 1 | The evening of Sunday, June 26 – morning of Thursday, June 30 |
Sunday, June 26 |
Monday, June 27 |
Tuesday, June 28 |
Wednesday, June 29 |
| FCCB 2 | The evening of Sunday, July 10 – morning of Thursday, July 14 |
Sunday, July 10 |
Monday, July 11 |
Tuesday, July 12 |
Wednesday, July 13 |
| FCCB 3 | The evening of Monday, July 11 – morning of Friday, July 15 |
Sunday, July 11 |
Monday, July 12 |
Tuesday, July 13 |
Wednesday, July 14 |
| FCCB 4 | The evening of Sunday, July 17 – morning of Thursday, July 21 |
Sunday, July 17 |
Monday, July 18 |
Tuesday, July 19 |
Wednesday, July 20 |
| FCCB 5 | The evening of Monday, July 18 – morning of Friday, July 22 |
Monday, July 18 |
Tuesday, July 19 |
Wednesday, July 20 |
Thursday, July 21 |
| FCCB 6 | The evening of Sunday, July 24 – morning of Thursday, July 28 |
Sunday, July 24 |
Monday, July 25 |
Tuesday, July 26 |
Wednesday, July 27 |
| FCCB 7 | The evening of Monday, July 25 – morning of Friday, July 29 |
Monday, July 25 |
Tuesday, July 26 |
Wednesday, July 27 |
Thurday, July 28 |
| FCCB 8 | The evening of Sunday, July 31 – morning of Thursday, August 4 |
Sunday, July 31 |
Monday, August 1 |
Tuesday, August 2 |
Wednesday, August 3 |
| FCCB 9 | The evening of Monday, August 1 – morning of Friday, August 5 |
Monday, August 1 |
Tuesday, August 2 |
Wednesday, August 3 |
Thursday, August 4 |
| FCCB 10 | The evening of Sunday, August 7 – morning of Thursday, August 11 |
Sunday, August 7 |
Monday, August 8 |
Tuesday, August 9 |
Wednesday, August 10 |
| FCCB 11 | The evening of Monday, August 8 – morning of Friday, August 12 |
Monday, August 8 |
Tuesday, August 9 |
Wednesday, August 10 |
Thursday, August 11 |
| FCCB 12 | The evening of Sunday, August 14 – morning of August 18 |
Sunday, August 14 |
Monday, August 15 |
Tuesday, August 16 |
Wednesday, August 17 |
| FCCB 13 | The evening of Monday, August 15 – morning of August 19 |
Monday, August 15 |
Tuesday, August 16 |
Wednesday, August 17 |
Wednesday, August 18 |
| FCCB 14 | The evening of Sunday, August 21 – morning of August 25 |
Sunday, August 21 |
Monday, August 22 |
Tuesday, August 23 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
| FCCB 15 | The evening of Monday, August 22 – morning of August 26 |
Monday, August 22 |
Tuesday, August 23 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
Wednesday, August 25 |
| FCCB 16 | The evening of Sunday, August 28 – morning of Thursday, September 1 |
Sunday, August 28 |
Monday, August 29 |
Tuesday, August 30 |
Wednesday, August 31 |
| FCCB 17 | The evening of Sunday, August 29 – morning of Friday, September 2 |
Monday, August 29 |
Tuesday, August 30 |
Wednesday, August 31 |
Thusday, September 1 |
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Did you know that…
- Old Forge on First Lake is the southwest starting point for the 740-mile (1,190 km) Northern Forest Canoe Trail that extends all the way to Forth Kent, Maine.
- One of the first settlers in Old Forge back in the early 1800s was Nat Foster, who is thought to be the person after which James Fenimore Cooper modeled his protagonist Natty Bumpo (also Hawkeye, Leatherstocking, and Deerslayer) in the Leatherstocking Tales. This five-part book series includes Cooper’s well-known work of fiction Last of the Mohicans.
- The Fulton Chain of Lakes is named after the steamboat inventor Robert Fulton, who envisioned connecting the eight lakes to create an Adirondack canal? He never visited the area and his vision never materialized.
- The 12 white pines that make up the Cathedral Pines grove are all over 300 years old, with the tallest one standing over 130 feet high.
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information and Reservations
- What special precautions have you taken regarding COVID-19
Stay tuned for more information. - What does an AHH trip include?
You can custom design your trip to include whatever you like. Booking a room and some meals for a self-guided trip is the basic form of booking but you can arrance canoe or bike rental, vehicle or equipment shuttle, and even a guide if that is your desire. - What exactly is Adirondack Hamlets to Huts?
Adirondack Hamlets to Huts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates, manages and promotes an internationally-acclaimed hamlet-to-hut system that fosters vibrant communities by advancing economic development, conservation and wellness. We work with existing lodging owners to the greatest degree possible to allow travelers to hike, paddle, bike, snowshoe or ski during the day and stay in a range of lodgings from rustic to regal at night on routes that we’ve designated. Trips typically are circuits in that they start and finish in the same place or traverses starting in one community and finishing in another. - Is there a membership program for AHH?
AHH is in the process of establishing a membership program that will allow travelers to support our mission and get a variety of benefits. Stay tuned for more information. - How can I help AHH?
Book one of our trips, make a donation, help us spread the good word through your social media network. - Can I volunteer?
Sure. We’re always looking for volunteers to help. Volunteers can help out in our Trails Center, do some trail checking for us or in a number of other ways. Contact us to volunteer. - How long has AHH existed?
AHH as a nonprofit was created in 2017 but our efforts to create an Adirondack-based hut-to-hut system started in 2015 with funding from the NYS Department of State and Department of Environmental Conservation. - How far in advance do I need to make reservations?
We recommend booking as far in advance as possible but don’t let that prevent you from trying to book something at the last minute. Summer months are usually the busiest and spring and fall usually have the best last minute opportunities. - How do I change a booking?
Stay tuned for more information. - I haven’t received a confirmation on my booking. What should I do?
Stay tuned for more information. - What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the start of the trip are eligible to receive an electronic gift card valid for 12 months from the date of issuance for the amount paid to date. Refunds are not available for reservations cancelled within 14 days of the start of the selected trip. - When and how do I pay?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your trip starts. - How can I check for availability?
Visit our Booking page. - Do I need to be an AHH member to travel a route?
No. When our membership program goes online there will be distinct advantages to being a member but it is not required. - How can I support the NYSDEC and their work maintaining trails?
A Trails Supporter Patch is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Patch proceeds help maintain and enhance non-motorized trails throughout New York State. - How can I help support AHH?
You can make a much appreciated donation HERE.
Lodging and Food
- Do lodgings have alcoholic beverages?
Some do and some don’t. Most allow guests to bring their own beverages but you should check where they can be consumed. - Do all lodgings have toilets and showers?
Yes they do although in some cases they may be shared with other guests. - What are tipping expectations?
Stay tuned for more information - Is tent camping allowed outside of lodgings?
In most cases camping is NOT allowed unless they have a separate campground. Call us or the specific lodging for more information. - What are the sleeping arrangements?
Sleeping arrangements are made at the time of booking. Rooms are private unless otherwise stated. - How are the lodgings different?
Lodgings range from rustic to regal and everything in between. All our lodges have their own websites where you can learn more about them. Contact us with specific questions. - When should I arrive at my first night’s lodging?
We encourage travelers to arrive in the early afternoon so they can get a feel for the community they are starting in and make any last minute arrangements. - Can we have an evening campfire?
Each lodging location is different in their ability to have evening campfires. Check their website or contact them directly for more specific information. - Do all lodgings have electricity, WIFI, or cell service?
All lodgings have electricity and WIFI. Cell service can be poor to nonexistent at some locations. - What do I do for meals?
Some meals may be provided as part of your lodging and in other cases not. Recommendations for meals will, however, be provided for each day of your trip. - Can you accommodate people with special diets or food allergies?
Yes. Virtually all restaurants and lodgings offer some sort of vegetarian and gluten free options. - Is coffee available at lodgings?
If perchance, coffee is not available at your lodging it will be available where you get your breakfast. - What do we do for water on the trail?
In most cases you should be able to carry your day’s water with you. If you need more along the way you should carry some form of water treatment. i.e., a filter, steripen, or tablets, and get it out of a lake, pond or stream. We do not recommend consuming untreated water other than in an emergency. - Can we prepare our own meals at the different lodgings?
Some places of lodgings have kitchenettes. Check with your lodging host ahead of time.
Clothing, Gear and Vehicles
- What clothing and gear do I need?
See our clothing and gear list. Coming soon. - Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No lodgings at this time require a sleeping bag. Future routes may. - How is luggage delivered to my nightly lodging?
Stay tuned for more information. - Can I drive to our first night’s lodging?
Yes. Make sure you leave enough time to get dinner locally if it is not provided as part of your booking. - How safe is my vehicle where it is parked?
We recommend locking your car but it is extremely rare to have any issues with parked vehicles. - How do I get back to my car?
If your route starts and finishes at a different location (a Traverse) then an option exists to have your vehicle shuttled to your finish or to have you shuttled back to your starting point. - Do I need a parking permit?
No. There are no parking permits needed at this time.
On the Trail (or Water)
- My trip includes more than one mode of travel. (hiking, paddling, a/o biking) How do I get my bike or canoe delivered?
You can rent any necessary gear which will include delivery and pick up where necessary. In addition delivery and shuttling of your personal gear can be arranged. Contact us for more information. - How hard are the trips?
See the difficulty rating of the trip you are considering and our Difficulty Rating Table (link) to get an idea of how difficult your trip may be. Keep in mind that what is easy for one person may be very challenging for another. - Do I need a guide?
We recommend a guide for anyone who cannot read a map and use a compass, has little or no experience planning and leading their own trips and/or has no first aid training. - Will I encounter hunters on my trip?
Big Game hunting season in the Adirondacks is from approximately the last week of September to mid December.
Small game hunting season is from approximately October 1 to March 20.
Travelers should consider wearing fluorescent orange during those times of year depending on their route. Call for more detailed information. - What if I have an emergency or what if someone needs to contact me in an emergency?
Cell phone use is intermittent or nonexistent in portions of the Adirondack Park. You should consider leaving the phone numbers of your lodgings with family or friends before you leave in case of emergency. If you have an emergency while out on the trail or water call the DEC dispatch number of 518-891-0235 or 911. - Where is the nearest medical care center?
Stay tuned for more information. - Where can I get a map?
You can purchase maps through the AHH Trails Center. Contact us for more information. - Do I need first aid training?
We recommend that all self-guided travelers have at least one group member with first aid training. Contact your nearest American Red Cross office for the date and location of a first aid course near you. - Do I need map and compass skills?
We recommend map and compass skills for all self-guided travelers. Contact us if you would like to attend one of our map and compass classes. - Can I mountain bike all the hiking trails?
Many but not all of the trails on our routes allow mountain bike travel. Trails in designated Wilderness areas do not allow mountain bikes. Designated Wild Forest trails vary in terms of allowing mountain bikes. Contact us for more information. - Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on hut-to-hut routes at this time. - How are the trails marked? Do I need a map?
Yes, a map is considered essential. We are in the process of establishing GPS waypoints for all daily starting and finishing points and GPS routes themselves.
Our Vision - Trips for Everyone
Weekend trips. Week-long trips. Some all hiking. Some all paddling. Some in which you can do both-- paddle and hike, even paddle and bike. No matter how long your selected route or your mode of travel, there are no tents to carry, camp stoves to struggle with, or mosquitoes biting you in your sleep on an Adirondack Hamlets to Huts trek.
You will travel to and through charming and historic Adirondack communities as well as amazing wild landscapes that make the Adirondacks the special place that it is. Our routes celebrate both the settled and the sublime, the culture of the Adirondacks as much as its nature. Your lodging will run the gamut, from the simple, such as walled tents, yurts, cabins, and motels, to the grand, including bed-and-breakfasts, hotels, lodges, and inns.
Come to the Adirondacks and experience the Park with Adirondack Hamlets to Huts. Adventure by day. Comfort at night.
Your donation helps us establish new routes!
Support Adirondack Hamlets to Huts and assist us in advancing wellness, conservation and vibrant communities throughout the Adirondack Park.
