Fulton Chain Wild Forest

Rocky Mountain

The state Department of Environmental Conservation describes the Fulton Chain Wild Forest as a 16,028-acre unit of Forest Preserve located along its namesake — the Fulton Chain of Lakes. It is located in the southwestern part of the Adirondack Park, close to the hamlets of Old Forge, Eagle Bay and Inlet.

“Although not as remote as other parts of the Adirondacks, ” the DEC states on its website, “the Fulton Chain Wild Forest has many natural and man-made features which make it perfect for various recreational activities. The abundant water resources on and adjacent to this area include the Fulton Chain of Lakes, Moss Lake and more remote waters like Twitchell Lake.

“Elevations within the unit range from 1,700 feet to 2,500 feet; the highest relief can be found on the ridge line in the southern part of this unit along Fourth Lake and the NYS Route 28 corridor. Impressive rock faces are found on Bald, Onondaga and Slide-off Mountains as well as to the northwest of Moss Lake. The rest of the terrain can be best characterized by a series of rolling woodlands and rocky hills intersected by many streams, wetlands and beaver meadows in the lower lying areas. ”

The rest of this article was provided by the DEC. Descriptions of this and other Forest Preserve units can be found on the DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/lands/67299.html.

Hiking

¯ Razorback Pond Trail: 1.9 miles, from the parking lot at the south end of Twitchell Lake to Razorback Pond ¯ Snake Pond Trail: 0.6 miles, from Twitchell Road to Twitchell Creek and Snake Pond ¯ Safford Pond Trail: 5.2 miles, from the Orvis Road parking lot (adjacent to Big Moose Road) to West Pond to Rondaxe Lake (North Shore) Road, this trail also access West Pond, Goose Pond, and the Moose River ¯ Moss Lake Loop: 2.5 miles, from the Moss Lake Trailhead completely around Moss Lake to the point of beginning. ¯ Bubb Lake-Sis Lake Trail: 2.3 miles, from the trailhead/parking area along Route 28 to the Moss Lake Circuit Trail via Bubb and Sis Lakes. ¯ Vista Trail (Scenic Mountain Trail): 4.4 miles, from the Bald Mountain parking area to the Bubb Lake-Sis Lake Trail. The section of trail from the Cary Lake Road to the Vista Trail (south of Mountain Pond) is delineated with Red Markers. There are also three short spur trails off of the Vista trail that also have Red trail markers: the Fly Pond Spur Trail, Cork Mountain Spur Trail and the Mountain Pond Spur Trail. Keep in mind the trail over the Vista is a bit tough to follow in spots and minimally larked. ¯ Bald Mountain Trail: 1.0 miles, from the Rondaxe Road Trailhead and parking area to the summit of Bald Mountain and the Rondaxe fire tower.

Moss Lake has designated primitive campsites, including two accessible campsites, all scattered around the lake. Privies are located adjacent to most except the paddle-to sites. Camping elsewhere on the Fulton Chain Wild Forest is allowed as long as the chosen site is more than 150 feet from a road, trail or any water body.

Fishing

The Fulton Chain Wild Forest has 22 lakes and ponds (totaling 4,058 acres) and 27 streams totaling about 18 miles. However, many of these water bodies do not support fish due to the effects of acid precipitation. The most notable fishing destination on the unit is the Fulton Chain of Lakes. 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.

Hunting and trapping

If you are using this information outside of the summer season be aware that hunting and trapping is allowed in the Wild Forest and you maybe happen across hunters and/or traps set on state land. Hunters often use hiking trails as well as parking areas to access their hunting areas so don’t be surprised or concerned when you see someone with a firearm in your general vicinity.

Cross-country skiing

The Moss Lake Loop is an officially designated novice ski trail, 2.5 miles, but depending on your ability other trails could be used as well.

Wildlife Viewing

The Adirondacks contain large tracts of wildlife habitat with some boreal, bog, alpine and other unique habitats. Many species of birds and mammals are unique to the Adirondacks or are mainly found here. More than 50 species of mammals and hundreds of species of birds inhabit or pass through the Adirondacks at one time of the year or another so it is not unlikely to catch site of wildlife during your trip.

Found in the Adirondacks: moose, black bear, beaver, eastern coyote, river otter, deer, many varieties of birds and water fowl, bats, rodents, and many species of amphibians and reptiles.

Paddling

Hand carry boat launches are located at Moss Lake and Twitchell Lake. Other water bodies within this unit can be accessed through short and long portages. Additional canoeing and kayaking opportunities can be found at the Fourth Lake Day Use Area and on the adjacent Moose River.

Directions to trailhead parking areas

¯ Twitchell Lake Parking Area: Along Twitchell Road at the southern end of Twitchell Lake ¯ Orvis School House Parking Area: Along Big Moose Road, east of the hamlet of Big Moose ¯ Moss Lake Parking Area: Along Big Moose Road, north of the hamlet of Eagle. Note that the second parking lot to the north is for accessible parking only. Google directions to this Parking Area. ¯ Bubb Lake-Sis Lake Trailhead Parking Area: Along New York State Route 28, west of the hamlet of Eagle Bay ¯ Bald Mountain Parking Area: Along Rondaxe Road, east of the hamlet of Old Forge ¯ Third Lake Creek Trailhead Parking Area: Along South Shore Road, between the hamlets of Old Forge and Inlet

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Rules, regulations, outdoor safety

Practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts other backcountry users.

All users of the Fulton Chain Wild Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource. DEC manages these lands in accordance with the 1990 Fulton Chain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and more.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and online booksellers. Be sure to check them out for additional in-depth information on trails and other accessible places to go.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses.

Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the New York State Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

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