The Fulton Chain Trifecta
October 30, 2020 | Inlet, NY
The background: Since Bald Mountain (one of the peaks of this challenge) was the first ADK peak I summited back in 2017, I knew it was time to get back here. Completing this challenge was one of my goals for 2020; the pandemic and length of the trip from the eastern side of the park really kept me away this past summer, along with the fact that they are extremely popular hikes (and now I know why!) Long story short, I decided to make the drive at the end of October during one of my last days in the Adirondacks for the year to check out this challenge and complete all 3 in one day.
While I didn’t view those gorgeous green summer colors or autumn peak foliage, I got something else instead: peace and silence. The pre-winter season brings its own kind of special, allowing you to inhale crisp air and watch Mother Nature get some much deserved rest. Each peak is spectacular in its own way, and doesn’t require exhaustive effort to enjoy!
The challenge: Summit all 3 peaks, receive a patch after sending in your registration with fee. All the trails are marked and relatively short, as well as being family and dog friendly. There is a summer and a winter patch, depending when you complete the challenge. There is no specific patch for an “ultra” (completing all 3 in one day.) To learn more about this fun Western Adirondacks challenge, check it out
here.
The peaks:
(this is the order I hiked them in a day, but you can complete them in any order or time frame you want!)
Bald Mountain: 2.0 miles out-and-back
Rocky Mountain: 1.0 mile out-and-back
Black Bear Mountain: 5.0 miles as a counter-clockwise loop (from trail I describe below.)
First stop:
Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower)
As I mentioned above, I had visited this trail in July 2017- one of my first hikes in the park as an “adult.” I remember the gorgeous views, crowds, and the fire tower. But it was time for me to go back to to where my love for the Adirondacks all started.
On this chilly day, it was my first hike of the trifecta. I wasn’t too worried about the crowds for this time of year in late October on a weekday, and turned out to be right - I was the first car in the lot for the day.
The parking lot will be clearly marked to your left after you turn down the road. It is a fairly large lot, but will certainly fill up quickly during peak seasons. And for good reason!
The nearly 1 mile trail is clearly marked to the fire tower, where you’ll have sweeping views from both the summit itself as well as the cabin of the tower (which was open when I went.) It starts in the northeast corner of the lot, where you’ll find the register to sign in. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest, which will also include views through the trees of the Fulton Chain Lakes as you make your relatively steady ascent to the summit. You’ll see the tower in sight, standing tall against the backdrop of the lake and nearby mountains.
If you have the option to go very early in the day, or much later on in the day, this summit is a great spot to bring a picnic and soak in the lake views of the Old Forge region.
Rocky Mountain
The parking area is off state route 28, east of Old Forge, shared with the trailhead for Black Bear. The lot can hold a handful of cars (less than that of Bald;) however, I am confident it fills up super fast during summer and warm autumn days.
This trail is a short but steep out-and-back 0.5 miles to the summit, where you are treated to a gorgeous view of Fourth Lake. Once in the parking lot (which is shared for a trail to Black Bear) you’ll follow the sign to the trail register to sign in and begin your ascent. Despite its short length, you’ll be ascending rather quickly to your destination: a beautiful open summit. The trail markers are (mostly) easy to find and follow. You’ll descend the exact same way you went up (when you’re ready to part ways with the view, that is!)
Black Bear Mountain
If you completed Rocky first, you’ll exit back to the parking area, and make a left to walk to the east side of route 28 (staying on same side as parking lot) where you’ll find the trailhead and sign for Black Bear.
You’ll hike in the relatively flat 0.7 miles, until you reach a (not super well-marked) fork.
You can fork right, approaching the summit the steeper way, with some rock ledges and open rocks to scramble. This is 1.9 miles to the summit (this is the way I chose for my ascent.) You can also choose to go the longer, but not-as-steep steep route to your left, 3.1 miles to the summit. I chose to complete the loop, ascending the steeper section, and descending the longer route (so counter-clockwise from the fork.) Note, the steep section will involve some light scrambling; nothing impossible, but you will have to watch your footing and decide if this route would be suitable for you / other hiking buddies you are with (human or furry.) The approach to the left is definitely not as steep, but certainly contains sections of mud - you can pick your “poison!”
Once at the sprawling summit, you have many opportunities to view the western ADK surroundings and soak in all the region has to offer. I spent a significant time at the summit, as this was my last stop for the day (and completion of the trifecta solo!)
If attempting these in winter, plan accordingly, despite their shorter distances: this means micro spikes, snowshoes if the snow is 6+ inches, and being OK with turning back if conditions aren’t safe.
Note: there is also a trail from Uncas Road, a different approach than listed above. Perhaps I will try this route on another visit; it is apparently a little over 2 miles one way to the summit, and supposedly not as steep.
Concluding notes: This is the perfect challenge for anyone new to hiking and / or the Adirondacks, since you are rewarded at each summit and also exposed to lower-elevation typical ADK terrain. I also recommend this for anyone who wants to get into hiking solo, as the popularity, shorter distances, and proximity to town allow you to mitigate some risk. Overall, a pleasant day in the Old Forge region!
Happy Hiking!
