Paddle three days from Old Forge to Blue Mountain Lake across all eight of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Raquette Lake and two scenic, meandering waterways!
The 4-night, 3-day Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse provides paddlers the opportunity to experience the first leg of the famous Adirondack Canoe Classic, the “90-Miler,” over the course of a leisurely three days instead of just one. Come a day or two early to have a splashing good time at Enchanted Forest Water Safari and experience the mountain biking trails and chairlift at McCauley Mountain.
You’ll paddle from Old Forge to Inlet, First Lake through Fourth Lake, on Day One, and take in the charming mix of mountain and water scenery along the way. You also can check out the variety of homes and camps that line stretches of the shore as you paddle up the lakes. Once in Inlet, treat yourself to a fancy dinner or savor some of the best pizza in the Adirondacks. Be sure to grab a tasty ice cream or gelato at Northern Lights Creamery and amble over to Arrowhead Park to watch the sun set behind the distant mountain ridge.
On Day Two you’ll paddle into Raquette Lake via Fifth through Eighth lakes and the winding Brown’s Tract. Three portages along this section ensure that your legs as well as your arms get a little exercise over the course of your eastward journey. Accommodations, good eating, and the local atmosphere at the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom will make you feel at home at this popular Central Adirondack gathering spot.
You’ll cross beautiful Raquette Lake on Day Three and head up the slow-moving Marion River, following the route that yesteryear’s travelers from New York City and places beyond took to reach lavish, long gone resorts on Blue Mountain Lake. The short portage that brings you from the beginning of the Marion River to Utowana Lake runs along the former railbed of the Marion River Railroad, which connected two steamboat landings at this site and facilitated tourists’ passage to their Blue Mountain Lake destinations. Fabulous lodging options await you on Blue Mountain Lake!
Depending on where you lodge on Blue Mountain Lake and how you wish to spend the morning on your Departure Day, you can hike up to the summit of Castle Rock Mountain, with its splendid view overlooking the lake, from either the shoreline trailhead or the traditional trailhead. Spend an extra day in Blue Mountain Lake and enjoy all that the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, has to offer!
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Photo by Evan Williams | PureADK.com
Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse
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!
The 4-night, 3-day Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse provides paddlers the opportunity to experience the first leg of the famous Adirondack Canoe Classic, the “90-Miler,” over the course of a leisurely three days instead of just one. Come a day or two early to have a splashing good time at Enchanted Forest Water Safari and experience the mountain biking trails and chairlift at McCauley Mountain.
Inlet
You’ll paddle from Old Forge to Inlet, First Lake through Fourth Lake, on Day One, and take in the charming mix of mountain and water scenery along the way. You also can check out the variety of homes and camps that line stretches of the shore as you paddle up the lakes. Once in Inlet, treat yourself to a fancy dinner or savor some of the best pizza in the Adirondacks. Be sure to grab a tasty ice cream or gelato at Northern Lights Creamery and amble over to Arrowhead Park to watch the sun set behind the distant mountain ridge.
Raquette Lake
On Day Two you’ll paddle into Raquette Lake via Fifth through Eighth lakes and the winding Brown’s Tract. Three portages along this section ensure that your legs as well as your arms get a little exercise over the course of your eastward journey. Accommodations, good eating, and the local atmosphere at the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom will make you feel at home at this popular Central Adirondack gathering spot.
Blue Mountain Lake
You’ll cross beautiful Raquette Lake on Day Three and head up the slow-moving Marion River, following the route that yesteryear’s travelers from New York City and places beyond took to reach lavish, long gone resorts on Blue Mountain Lake. The short portage that brings you from the beginning of the Marion River to Utowana Lake runs along the former railbed of the Marion River Railroad, which connected two steamboat landings at this site and facilitated tourists’ passage to their Blue Mountain Lake destinations. Fabulous lodging options await you on Blue Mountain Lake!
Blue Mountain Lake
Depending on where you lodge on Blue Mountain Lake and how you wish to spend the morning on your Departure Day, you can hike up to the summit of Castle Rock Mountain, with its splendid view overlooking the lake, from either the shoreline trailhead or the traditional trailhead. Spend an extra day in Blue Mountain Lake and enjoy all that the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, has to offer!
Click the table to view larger
Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse with Great Camp Sagamore Option
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!
The 4-night, 3-day Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse provides paddlers the opportunity to experience the first leg of the famous Adirondack Canoe Classic, the “90-Miler,” over the course of a leisurely three days instead of just one. Come a day or two early to have a splashing good time at Enchanted Forest Water Safari and experience the mountain biking trails and chairlift at McCauley Mountain.
Inlet
You’ll paddle from Old Forge to Inlet, First Lake through Fourth Lake, on Day One, and take in the charming mix of mountain and water scenery along the way. You also can check out the variety of homes and camps that line stretches of the shore as you paddle up the lakes. Once in Inlet, treat yourself to a fancy dinner or savor some of the best pizza in the Adirondacks. Be sure to grab a tasty ice cream or gelato at Northern Lights Creamery and amble over to Arrowhead Park to watch the sun set behind the distant mountain ridge.
Raquette Lake
On Day Two you’ll paddle into Raquette Lake via Fifth through Eighth lakes and the winding Brown’s Tract. Three portages along this section ensure that your legs as well as your arms get a little exercise over the course of your eastward journey. Accommodations, good eating, and the local atmosphere at the Raquette Lake Hotel and Taproom will make you feel at home at this popular Central Adirondack gathering spot.
Great Camp Sagamore
Day 3: On this day, you’ll paddle from the Raquette Lake Marina across South Bay over to and up the peaceful, winding South Inlet. You will need to get out of your boat and lock it up on the left (east) side of the river when you encounter the base of the modest but beautiful Cascade Falls. This is a great spot for a rest break! From here you’ll hike the 1.7 miles on the Powerhouse, Big Slope, and Lake trails into Great Camp Sagamore. We recommend you take and enjoy the 1:30 PM tour as you will need to cover ground on DAY 4 in traveling from Great Camp Sagamore to The Hedges.
Blue Mountain Lake
After a hearty breakfast at Great Camp Sagamore, you’ll hike the Lake, Big Slope, and Powerhouse trails back to Cascade Falls, where you’ll grab your boat and make your may down the South Inlet to Raquette Lake. Here you’ll cross South Bay, bend your way eastward around Long Point, and head up the slow-moving Marion River. This route now follows the route that yesteryear’s travelers from New York City and places beyond took to reach lavish, long-gone resorts on Blue Mountain Lake. The short portage that brings you from the beginning of the Marion River to Utowana Lake runs along the former railbed of the Marion River Railroad, which connected two steamboat landings at this site and facilitated tourists’ passage to their Blue Mountain Lake destinations. After the portage, you’ll paddle the lengths of Utowana and Eagle lakes into Blue Mountain Lake, where fabulous lodging options await you.
Blue Mountain Lake
Depending on where you lodge on Blue Mountain Lake and how you wish to spend the morning on your Departure Day, you can hike up to the summit of Castle Rock Mountain, with its splendid view overlooking the lake, from either the shoreline trailhead or the traditional trailhead. Spend an extra day in Blue Mountain Lake and enjoy all that the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, has to offer!
Click the table to view larger
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Route Highlights:
- Twelve lakes: First Lake through Eighth Lake of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Raquette Lake, Utowana Lake, Eagle Lake, and Blue Mountain Lake
- The variety in architecture of camps and homes along the shore
- Old growth White Pine trees in the Cathedral Pines grove along Seventh Lake
- The winding waterways of Brown’s Tract and the Marion River
- 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
- Optional Dinner Cruise aboard the W.W. Durant on Raquette Lake
- Side hike option up Castle Rock Mountain
Click the map to view larger
Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse
Summer Trip Availability Calendar
| Trip Code OFBML |
OLD FORGE – BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE PADDLE TRAVERSE | Night 1 Old Forge |
Night 2 Inlet |
Night 3 Raquette Lake |
Night 4 Blue Mountain Lake |
| OFBML 1 | The evening of Sunday, June 26 – morning of Thursday, June 30 |
Tuesday, July 12 |
Wednesday, July 13 |
Thursday, July 14 |
Friday, July 15 |
| OFBML 2 | The evening of Sunday, July 10 – morning of Thursday, July 14 |
Wednesday, July 20 |
Thursday, July 21 |
Friday, July 22 |
Saturday, July 23 |
| OFBML 3 | The evening of Monday, July 11 – morning of Friday, July 15 |
Tuesday, July 26 |
Wednesday, July 27 |
Thurday, July 28 |
Friday, July 29 |
| OFBML 4 | The evening of Sunday, July 17 – morning of Thursday, July 21 |
Wednesday, August 3 |
Thursday, August 4 |
Friday, August 5 |
Saturday, August 6 |
| OFBML 5 | The evening of Monday, July 18 – morning of Friday, July 22 |
Wednesday, August 17 |
Thursday, August 18 |
Friday, August 19 |
Saturday, August 20 |
| OFBML 6 | The evening of Sunday, July 24 – morning of Thursday, July 28 |
Sunday, August 21 |
Monday, August 22 |
Tuesday, August 23 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
| OFBML 7 | The evening of Monday, July 25 – morning of Friday, July 29 |
Monday, August 22 |
Tuesday, August 23 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
Thursday, August 25 |
| OFBML 8 | The evening of Sunday, July 31 – morning of Thursday, August 4 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
Thursday, August 25 |
Friday, August 26 |
Saturday, August 27 |
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse
Fall Trip Availability Calendar
You may do the OF – BML Paddle Traverse on trips that start on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night, beginning with Sunday, September 11 through Wednesday, October 5th.
Please call Joe at 315.657.1320 or email him at joe@adkh2h.org with any questions you may have.
| Night 1 Old Forge |
Night 2 Inlet |
Night 3 Raquette Lake |
Night 4 Blue Mountain Lake |
OUT! |
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Old Forge – Blue Mountain Lake Paddle Traverse with Great Camp Sagamore Option
Summer Trip Availability Calendar
Please call Joe at 315.657.1320 or email him at joe@adkh2h.org to explore opportunities to do this trip in the Fall.
| Trip Code OFBML |
OLD FORGE – BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE PADDLE TRAVERSE WITH GREAT CAMP SAGAMORE OPTION | Night 1 Olds Forge |
Night 2 Inlet |
Night 3 Raquette Lake |
Night 4 Great Camp Sagampre |
Night 5
Blue Mountain Lake |
| OFBMLGCS 1 | The evening of Tuesday, July 19 – morning of Sunday, July 24 |
Tuesday, July 19 |
Wednesday, July 20 |
Thursday, July 21 |
Friday, July 22 |
Saturday, July 23 |
| OFBMLGCS 2 | 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 |
| OFBMLGCS 3 | The evening of Tuesday, August 23 – morning of Sunday, August 28 |
Tuesday, August 23 |
Wednesday, August 24 |
Thursday, August 25 |
Friday, August 26 |
Saturday,
August 27 |
Call us at 518.354.5109 or Joe at 315.657.1320 to book your trip!
Photo by Johnathan Esper | Wildernesscapes Photography
Did you know that…
-
Raquette Lake has 99 miles of shoreline?
-
The waters of the Marion River become the Raquette River, flow north, and empty into the St. Lawrence River?
-
The 3/4-mile long Marion River Railroad was the shortest standard-gauge railroad in the United States?
-
The long-gone Prospect House in Blue Mountain Lake was the first hotel in the world to have incandescent electric lighting in all its guests’ bedrooms?
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.
