Old Forge, New York, is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months. The area is known for its beautiful lakes, which are a major attraction for visitors. There are several options for boat launches in the area, including a private boat launch at Old Forge Pond for a modest fee, and free NYState DEC boat launches at Stillwater and Inlet. Boat rentals are also available from several local companies. However, it's important to note that there have been some recent changes to the town's lake access policies, including a ban on overnight boat docking at the Old Forge Lakefront to prevent people from parking their boats long-term. This has been a controversial decision, with some residents feeling that it is too extreme and fails to accommodate visitors to the area.
What You'll Learn
- The free public boat launch for the Fulton Chain is in Inlet on State Rt 28
- A private boat launch is available for a fee at Old Forge Pond
- Old Forge Lake Cruises offers a 2-hour narrated sightseeing cruise of the Fulton Chain of Lakes
- There are several marinas in Old Forge that offer boat rentals and maintenance services
- Old Forge banned overnight boat docking at the Old Forge Lakefront during the summer
The free public boat launch for the Fulton Chain is in Inlet on State Rt 28
If you're looking to launch a boat in Old Forge, you're in luck! There are several options for boat launches in the area. One popular option is the free public boat launch for the Fulton Chain, which is located in Inlet on State Rt 28. This launch is conveniently situated about 10 miles northeast of Old Forge, just before you reach Downtown Inlet. This is a great option if you're looking for a free and easy way to get your boat into the water.
In addition to the free public boat launch in Inlet, there are also other options available in the area. For example, Rivetts Marina in Old Forge offers a boat launch for a small fee. This could be a good choice if you're looking for a more convenient location or prefer the added amenities of a marina.
It's important to note that there have been some changes to boat docking regulations in Old Forge and Inlet. In recent years, there has been an issue with boat owners taking advantage of a legal loophole, docking their boats at the lakefront all summer, and only paying a fine every two weeks. This has caused congestion at the local lakefront on Old Forge Pond, impacting day trippers and other boaters. As a result, the Town of Webb Town Board has implemented some changes, including banning overnight boat docking during the summer months. These regulations aim to address the issue of long-term boat parking and ensure that spaces are available for day-trippers and those who are using the docks appropriately.
When launching your boat in Old Forge or Inlet, be sure to observe invasive species precautions and follow all speed limits and boating regulations. Both Herkimer and Hamilton counties have boating patrols, so it's important to be aware of the rules and stay safe while enjoying the beautiful chain of lakes in the area.
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A private boat launch is available for a fee at Old Forge Pond
If you're looking to launch a boat in Old Forge, there are a few options available to you. Old Forge is embraced by the North and Middle branches of the Moose River, and there are plenty of lakes in the area to explore.
Alternatively, you can find free NYState DEC boat launches at Stillwater and Inlet. These launches offer a more budget-friendly option and are a great choice if you don't mind a slightly longer journey to the water. If you're looking to rent a boat, there are several companies in the area that offer a range of watercraft, including runabouts, pontoon boats, and sailboats.
Old Forge also offers a range of other water-based activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can bring your own equipment or rent it from local suppliers. The area is also known for its excellent fishing, with a diverse range of fish species available all year round. So, whether you're launching your own boat or taking advantage of the local rental options, Old Forge is a great destination for a day on the water.
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Old Forge Lake Cruises offers a 2-hour narrated sightseeing cruise of the Fulton Chain of Lakes
Old Forge Lake Cruises offers a delightful 2-hour narrated sightseeing cruise of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, which is a great way to see the numerous private residences and public land along the lakes. The cruise leaves from the Old Forge Pond and heads into the Fourth Lake and back. The knowledgeable captain provides an insightful commentary on the history and nature of the area. The cruise is excellent value at $16 per person, with snacks and drinks available for purchase on board.
The boat for the cruise is called the Clearwater, and it is from here that you will learn about the fascinating history of the lakes. The Fulton Chain of Lakes was once explored by a man named Fulton, who was searching for a west-east passage between Lake Ontario and the Hudson River. Although the lakes are great for transportation, the idea was ultimately abandoned due to the presence of the Adirondack mountains, leading to the construction of the Erie Canal.
The cruise is a great opportunity to learn about the rich history of the area and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Old Forge Pond, from where the cruise departs, is a popular destination for boaters. However, due to congestion and abuse of the system by some boat owners, the town has implemented restrictions on overnight boat docking. Despite this, there are still plenty of options for launching a boat in Old Forge. A private boat launch is available at Old Forge Pond for a modest fee, and free NYState DEC boat launches can be found at Stillwater and Inlet.
If you are looking to rent a boat, there are several options available in Old Forge and the surrounding area. Rivett's Marine, located at the southeast end of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, offers luxury boat rentals and can also service your watercraft. Other companies providing boat rentals in the area include Big Moose Yamaha, Birds' Marine, Clark's Marina Rentals, Dunn's Boat Service, Palmer Point Boat Rentals, and Smith Marine.
So whether you choose to take the Old Forge Lake Cruise or launch your own boat, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the Fulton Chain of Lakes.
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There are several marinas in Old Forge that offer boat rentals and maintenance services
Old Forge is a great place to launch your boat, with several marinas offering boat rentals and maintenance services. The town is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways, making it a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts.
If you're looking to get out on the water, there are several marinas in Old Forge that can help. Rivett's Marine, located at the southeast end of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, has been serving boaters for over a century. They offer boat rentals, tune-ups, winterization services, and a complete marine store. Another option is Clark's Marina Rentals, Sales & Service, located on Fourth Lake. They provide boat rentals, sales, and service to get you out on the water.
In addition to these full-service marinas, there are also several businesses in Old Forge that offer boat rentals. Palmer Point Boat Rentals and Birds' Marine are two great options to get you out on the water. And if you're looking to launch your own boat, there are several options available. A private boat launch is available at Old Forge Pond for a modest fee, and free NYState DEC boat launches can be found at Stillwater and Inlet.
So whether you're looking to rent a boat, get your current boat serviced, or launch your own vessel, Old Forge has several marinas and businesses ready to help you enjoy the beautiful lakes and waterways of the area.
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Old Forge banned overnight boat docking at the Old Forge Lakefront during the summer
Old Forge, New York, is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the summer months. The town is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways, making it a great place to launch a boat. However, in recent years, the town has faced issues with congestion at the local lakefront on Old Forge Pond, with an influx of visitors and some boat owners taking advantage of a legal loophole.
Previously, a long-standing Lakes and Waterways town law allowed boaters to dock their boats on town-owned docks for up to two weeks before being fined $250. This led to bottlenecking at the lakefront, as it was more affordable for some boat owners to pay the fine every two weeks instead of using local marinas.
To address this issue, the Town of Webb Town Board voted to ban overnight boat docking at the Old Forge Lakefront during the summer, starting on June 15, 2021. The ban applies to all boats and vessels, including motorboats, rowboats, pontoon boats, jet skis, canoes, and kayaks. The rule prohibits overnight docking from midnight to 6 a.m. from June 15 to September 15 each year.
The decision to implement an overnight docking ban was not without controversy. Some residents and business owners felt that the ban was too extreme and that it punished everyone for the poor behavior of a few repeat offenders. They argued that Old Forge, as a tourist destination, should accommodate visitors who wish to dock their boats overnight.
Several alternative solutions were proposed during public hearings and town board meetings, including:
- Implementing heftier fines for violators
- Reducing the allowable docking time from two weeks to three or four days
- Adopting a parking meter or reservation system for overnight docking
- Banning overnight docking one day a week, such as Sundays, to ensure boats are moved regularly
- Constructing additional finger docks along the Pied Piper side of Old Forge Pond to increase docking capacity
While the overnight docking ban may have been a divisive issue, it highlights the need to balance the interests of visitors and residents in managing the town's popular lakefront resources.
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Frequently asked questions
There is a private boat launch available for a small fee at Old Forge Pond. There are also free NYState DEC boat launches at Stillwater and Inlet.
Yes, you can rent a boat on the Fulton Chain or have one delivered to your lake. You can also rent a sailboat on Fourth Lake.
Yes, there are public docks in Old Forge and Inlet. However, overnight docking is banned in both towns.
Yes, observe invasive species precautions and speed limits. Both Herkimer and Hamilton counties have boating patrols and will enforce the rules.