There are two options for this trip.

Option 1 - Camp and Paddle
We will be camping at Nicks Lake outside Old Forge on Friday and Saturday nights and doing the paddle on Saturday. If you are interested in camping, you will need to make your own campsite reservations through Reserve America Online. Some participants have already reserved their campsites. Sites may go fast, so if you are interested, make your reservations A.S.A.P. A group breakfast will be held in Loop D on Saturday morning. You will also need to make arrangements for your own food other than Saturday breakfast (bring something to pass). In the past, some participants have gone into Old Forge for dinners. Others have cooked on their campsites. We will get together for a campfire in the evening.

The paddle is scheduled for Saturday June 21st on the Fulton Chain in Old Forge. This is a trip for experienced paddlers only since we may encounter wind, waves, and powerboat traffic. The trip is approximately 7-8 miles in length. We will be paddling between the beach in Old Forge and the Alger Island boat launch on the south side of Fourth Lake. Our direction of travel will depend on the prevailing winds. Since this is a one-way trip, we will need to shuttle cars. There is a small fee for using the Alger Island parking facility. A spray skirt is recommended. Please be sure that you are properly dressed for the paddle and have all appropriate equipment. Be sure to bring a snack for lunch.

SPECIAL NOTE: For those who are interested, this year we are considering adding a Sunday paddle to the weekend. One option being considered is a paddle on Raquette Lake and the Marion River. This would be another full day paddle. More details will be available at a later date.

Option 2 - Paddle Only
If you are not interested in camping, your are welcome to join us just for the paddle. We will meet for the paddle at the beach area in the village of Old Forge at 10:15 AM. A spray skirt is recommended. Be sure to bring a snack for lunch.

Directions from Syracuse: If you will be joining us for the paddle only and wish to go directly to the launch site, take the NYS Thruway east to exit 31 in Utica. Take Rt. 12 north. This road will become Rts. 12 & 28. Just past the Nice n Easy on your right, Routes 12 & 28 split. Take Rt. 28 to Old Forge. The beach is located in the village near the Tourist Information Center across from McDonalds.

Please Note: Directions for each trip are provided to help people unfamiliar with the area to find the location of the trip. They are not meant to necessarily be the most direct route from your own location.