Hiking / Old Forge & Inlet region

The Fulton Chain Trifecta

Three accessible summits along the Fulton Chain of Lakes, all within a 10-minute drive of each other and well worth the trip on their own.

Bald Mountain / Rocky Mountain / Black Bear Mountain

See the three peaks
  • 3summits
  • ~6 mitotal distance
  • ~1,500 fttotal gain
  • Moderatedifficulty
  • Most hikersBald and Rocky suit most hikers and families. Black Bear has a steeper scramble.
  • No limiton time to finish

The challenge

Three short summits, one patch

The Fulton Chain Trifecta is a hiking challenge centered between Old Forge and Inlet, built around three short, rewarding summits that overlook the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Local hikers created it to get more people out on the trails, and there is no time limit. Hike them over one big day or spread them across a few seasons.

Each peak brings something different: a fire tower, a steep rocky scramble with lake views, and the longest haul with the most open summit real estate. Earn a patch when you're done, or just enjoy the hikes for what they are.

The three peaks

Pick your first summit

Peak 01

Bald Mountain (Rondaxe)

The fire tower hike, with multiple viewpoints on the way up.

Fire tower / ADK Fire Tower Challenge

1.8 mi round trip
~410 ft elevation gain
2,313 ft summit

Bald Mountain, also known as Rondaxe, is the most popular of the three and a great introduction to the Trifecta. What sets it apart from a typical short hike is the trail itself: several open viewpoints appear before you even reach the summit, each with a different angle on the Fulton Chain of Lakes below.

The restored Rondaxe Fire Tower at the top is the payoff, with panoramic views across the lakes and surrounding forest. The open summit is long and spacious, with room to spread out and explore past the tower. Bald Mountain also counts toward the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge, so it does double duty if you're working that list.

Full Bald Mountain guide

Peak 02

Rocky Mountain

Short, steep, and big views for the effort.

Open summit / Dogs OK

1.0 mi round trip
~450 ft elevation gain
2,205 ft summit

Rocky Mountain is the shortest hike of the three, but don't let the distance fool you. It earns its name. The trail starts flat, then turns steep quickly, gaining most of its elevation over a rocky, rooted half-mile push to an open summit with a strong view of Fourth Lake and the Inlet area below.

A few small rock shelves near the top need a bit of footwork. Nothing technical, but worth knowing about. Rocky shares a parking area with Black Bear Mountain, which makes pairing the two in a single outing straightforward. It's also a good choice for a sunrise hike if you're staying nearby in Inlet or Eagle Bay.

Full Rocky Mountain guide

Peak 03

Black Bear Mountain

The longest of the three, with a loop option.

Loop option / Dogs OK

2–3 mi round trip
~660 ft elevation gain
2,445 ft summit

Black Bear is the tallest and most demanding of the three, though still well within reach for most families. Two trail options give you flexibility. The blue trail is shorter (about 1.9 miles round trip) but steeper, with some rock scrambling near the summit and a rope assist on one section. The yellow trail is longer and more gradual. Many hikers combine them into a loop, which adds distance but lets you see more terrain.

The summit is the most expansive of the Trifecta: open rock in every direction, with views across Sixth and Seventh Lakes and out toward the broader Moose River Plains. Because it takes more effort than Bald or Rocky, it tends to be quieter. Worth it.

Full Black Bear Mountain guide
$8per finisher

Summer patch and winter patch

Earn your Trifecta patch

Hike all three peaks and register to receive an official patch and sticker. There's no time limit, so complete them in a single day or across multiple trips. A separate winter patch is available for completing all three between December 21 and March 20.

Registration is $8 per finisher. Mail in the form with your fee, or download the PDF from the official Trifecta site. A portion of proceeds benefits local emergency service units.

Official registration

Getting there

Two trailheads, three summits

Rocky and Black Bear share one lot on Rte. 28. Bald Mountain has its own, just off Rondaxe Road.

  • Bald Mountain

    From Inlet, travel south on Rte. 28 toward Old Forge for 6.2 miles, then turn right onto Rondaxe Road. The trailhead parking lot is just 0.1 mile down on the left. Look for signs for the Rondaxe Fire Tower trail.

    Rondaxe Road

  • Rocky Mountain

    From downtown Inlet, take Rte. 28 south (toward Old Forge) for about 0.75 miles. The shared Rocky Mountain and Black Bear Mountain parking area is on the right, clearly marked. Rocky's trailhead is at the opposite end of the lot from Black Bear's.

    Shared lot

  • Black Bear Mountain

    Same parking area as Rocky Mountain: Rte. 28, about 0.75 miles south of Inlet. The Black Bear trailhead starts at the Inlet end of the lot.

    Shared lot

Planning tips

Before you go

Cell service is limited

Don't rely on technology. Phones lose reception, batteries die, and screens crack. Carry a paper map and know your route before you leave the car. A digital offline map is a fine backup, but it shouldn't be your only plan.

The trails can be slippery when wet

Roots and rocks, especially on Rocky Mountain and the blue trail on Black Bear, get slick after rain or during leaf season. Sturdy shoes with grip matter here.

All three in one day is doable

Rocky and Black Bear share a parking lot, making them easy to combine. Bald Mountain is a short drive away on Rte. 28. Budget plenty of time. Everyone moves at their own pace.

Start with Rocky, then Black Bear, then Bald

Knocking out the two shared-trailhead mountains first keeps your driving simple. Save Bald for last. It's the most forgiving finish after a longer day.

These trails get very busy in summer

Bald Mountain in particular can have a packed parking lot by mid-morning on weekends. Get an early start. Weekdays are noticeably quieter.

Dogs are welcome on all three trails

Bring water for them. Rocky Mountain's steeper sections can be tough on smaller dogs.

From the Pure ADK shop

Fire Towers Collection

Tees, stickers and prints for people who climb for the view, including Bald Mountain prints. Designed and sold by Pure Adirondacks.

Shop the collection

Keep hiking

More Adirondack challenges

Finished the Trifecta? Find your next patch among the other hiking challenges and trail systems across the park.

Adirondack hiking