Fulton Chain Trifecta

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 one offering a different angle on the Fulton Chain of Lakes below. The restored Rondaxe Fire Tower at the top is the payoff, with panoramic views stretching 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's doing double duty if you're working that list.

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 require a bit of footwork; nothing technical, but worth knowing about. Rocky Mountain shares a parking area with Black Bear Mountain, which makes pairing these 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.

Black Bear is the tallest and most demanding of the three, though it's still well within reach for most families. Two trail options — blue and yellow — 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.