The Fulton Chain of Lakes is a historic, scenic, and incredibly wonderful place. Each of the eight lakes has a storied past, and today, the lakes are great places to recreate. You can paddle, boat, camp, fish, and more!
How to get there
The easiest launch is in Inlet on Fourth Lake. This is a large, hard surface launch that works for both motorboats and paddlers. Alternative access can be found in the neighboring community of Old Forge. Seventh Lake and Eighth Lake each have separate launches.
Paddling
The famous 16-mile Fulton Chain is a heavily traveled route. From First Lake to Fifth Lake, the waterway is continuous and lined with summer cottages. Sixth and Seventh Lake are also connected. At the edge of Eighth Lake, a one-mile carry connects you to Raquette Lake and northern routes. Old Forge Ponds marks the start of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
Camping
After Fifth Lake, two carries connect the remaining lakes which are less-developed. They have have several campsites and lean-tos. Primitive camping in the Fulton Chain Wild Forest is allowed if a camper's chosen site is more than 150 feet from a road, trail, or any water body.
Fishing
This is an excellent fishing destination, with the best angling in all of the Fulton Chain Wild Forest.
Lake trout fishing, both during the summer and ice fishing in the winter, is a very popular activity on Fourth Lake. Other species anglers pursue in these waters include Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, northern pike, tiger musky, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow smelt, rock bass, and brown bullhead.
