Old Forge is right in the middle of the Adirondacks, and it still recalls the time when the railroads first came through, people traveled to this new region by steamboat, and there were no roads around the beautiful Fulton Chain of Lakes that served as a water mail route.
Perhaps that’s because there still are no roads around the Fulton Chain, it’s still one of the longest-running fresh water mail routes in the U.S. and the best way to enjoy these lakes is by cruising on the Clearwater or the President Harrison. Despite the names and appearances, these are modern diesel-powered boats; but they’ve been modeled after the original Fulton Chain steamers that once cruised these waters.
Several tours are available along the first four lakes of the Fulton Chain, 28 miles in all. You can choose from a Mailboat Cruise (remember, these ships do still deliver the mail), a Children’s Cruise, and evening Showboat Cruise and a Dinner Cruise. They’re varied in name but they’re always scenic, and the narration will fill you in on area history along the way.
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Things to know:
Region: Adirondacks
Average temperature: Low 2 degrees, high 75 degrees F.
Elevation: Approximately 1,750 feet
Season: Seasons run from late May through mid October.
Photos Courtesy of Old Forge Lake Cruises.
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