Fulton Chain of Lakes facts for kids

View of Fourth Lake from Bald Mountain

The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a series of eight beautiful lakes in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, United States. These lakes were formed when the Moose River was dammed. The dam holds back a huge amount of water, about 6.8 billion US gallons! You can find these lakes in Herkimer and Hamilton Counties.

Towns like Inlet, Old Forge, and Eagle Bay are located right on the lakes. The chain starts near Old Forge and stretches towards Raquette Lake. The lakes are named after Robert Fulton, who invented the steamboat. He thought about connecting these lakes to create a canal through the Adirondacks. Today, the lakes are perfect for pontoon boats (which are very popular here), kayaks, and motorboats. The Fulton Chain is also part of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which begins on First Lake.

Exploring the Lakes

The lakes in the chain are named in order: First Lake, Second Lake, Third Lake, Fourth Lake, Fifth Lake, Sixth Lake, Seventh Lake, and Eighth Lake. Before First Lake, there's a smaller lake called Old Forge Pond, which isn't counted in the main series.

Interestingly, First, Second, and Third Lakes are actually one long lake, only separated by narrow passages. At the eastern end of Fourth Lake, near Inlet, a small channel lets you reach the tiny Fifth Lake. To get to Sixth Lake, you'll need to carry your boat (this is called a portage). Sixth Lake is connected to Seventh Lake by another narrow passage. Another portage is needed to reach Eighth Lake. Beyond Eighth Lake, you'll find Raquette Lake and more lakes near Indian Lake, New York.

How the Lakes Grew

Fourth Lake, 1894

The Fulton Chain of Lakes became much larger in 1798. This happened when the Moose River was dammed at Old Forge. The lakes grew from about 2,762 acres to 3,481 acres! The current dam at Old Forge helps manage the water level. This is especially important during the summer. It ensures there's enough water for everyone to enjoy boating and other activities.

Fun Things to Do

The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a fantastic place for outdoor activities!

Boating and Water Sports

Boating is super popular here because you can reach many places on the lakes by water. Imagine pulling up to a restaurant like The Woods Inn, Great Pines, Daikers, or the Screamen Eagle right in your boat! You can even boat to the towns of Inlet and Old Forge.

Pontoon boats are a favorite because they are perfect for relaxing on the water. Fishing boats are also common, as the lakes are full of different kinds of fish. You can find northern pike, lake trout, rainbow trout, bass, yellow perch, and more! Besides fishing, many people enjoy tubing, water skiing, knee boarding, and wakeboarding on the lakes.

Adirondack Canoe Classic

The Fulton Chain is the starting point for the Adirondack Canoe Classic. This is a three-day, 90-mile canoe race! It's open to everyone, from beginners to experts. The race is a great way for the community to come together. Many older kids join with their parents to form a team. While some teams train very hard to win, others just participate for the fun and friendship. It's a challenging race, but it's also a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Hiking Adventures

Hiking is another very popular activity in the Adirondack Park. There are so many different types of trails! You can find everything from challenging climbs to easier, flatter walks.

• Bald Mountain: This is one of the most popular mountains to hike near the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and even in the whole Adirondacks. The views from the top are amazing, showing off the entire chain of lakes. There's also the Rondaxe Fire Tower at the summit. You can climb to the top of the tower for even better views!
• Sis and Bub Lakes: This hike is fairly flat, with only a few gentle slopes. It's a great choice for families with younger children because it's not too difficult.
• Sis, Bub, and Moss Lake Trail: This trail is a full loop that connects Sis and Bub lakes to Moss Lake. It's mostly flat and very suitable for families looking for a pleasant walk.

Towns Nearby

There are three main towns located around the Fulton Chain of Lakes, each with its own charm.

Inlet

Inlet gets its name because it's located at the "head of Fourth Lake," near where the water flows in. It's a small town with a grocery store, a post office, restaurants, and other shops. Many of the businesses in Inlet are owned and run by families.

Eagle Bay

Eagle Bay is another small town on Fourth Lake. It has a neighborhood filled with cozy cabins. You'll find restaurants, a laundromat, and a fire station here. Many homes in Eagle Bay are set back in the woods, but some are right on the waterfront. There are also two community beaches and boat slips available for homeowners.

Old Forge

Old Forge is the biggest of the three towns next to the lakes. It's located at the very beginning of the Fulton Chain, by the Old Forge Pond. In Old Forge, you can find grocery stores, many restaurants, souvenir shops, and a fire station. Old Forge is well-known throughout the Adirondacks. A very popular attraction here is Enchanted Forest Water Safari, which is the largest water park in New York state!