Old Forge canoe rentals are best on the Fulton Chain for lake time or the Moose River for a shuttle-backed float.
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For canoe rental in Old Forge, NY, the practical split is simple: choose the Fulton Chain when you want easy lake access, and choose the Moose River when you want a current-assisted paddle with a shuttle. Old Forge is not one launch with one style of trip; rental counters sit near lakes, river put-ins, and outfitters that handle transport.
The safest first move is to match the boat to your route, not just the lowest hourly rate. A one-hour canoe from Old Forge Marina is enough for a gentle taste of the Fulton Chain, while a Moose River shuttle makes more sense when your group wants two or three hours on moving water without arranging a pickup car.
For bookable paddling trips and other water-focused activities around Old Forge, compare current options here:
Where Should You Rent First?
Old Forge first-timers should start with either a marina canoe on the Fulton Chain or a shuttle trip on the Moose River. The Fulton Chain is better for flexible timing, while the Moose River is better for a planned route with a clear start and pickup.
Rivett’s Marine works well when you want a simple lake rental from Old Forge Marina. Palmer Point fits a longer Fourth Lake day, especially for groups staying closer to Eagle Bay or Inlet. Woodcraft Moose River Trip fits travelers who want a set river float with boat, paddles, PFDs, and shuttle included.
Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company is the outfitter to check when you need paddling gear advice, a Moose River trip menu, or rental details before choosing a route. In peak summer, call or check the provider’s current page before driving over, because weather, water level, and fleet availability can change the day.
Old Forge Canoe Rentals: What Each Launch Suits
Old Forge canoe rentals split into lake, river, and outfitter-based choices, so the right counter depends on how long you want to paddle. The table below gives the practical difference before you lock in a time slot.
| Rental Or Launch | Best For | Current Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rivett’s Marine, Old Forge Marina | Short Fulton Chain paddles | Canoes seat 1 to 2 people; listed canoe rates are $15 hourly, $20 for 4 hours, and $50 for 8 hours. |
| Palmer Point, Fourth Lake | Full-day lake time | Grumman canoes are listed at $70 per day; regular summer hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. |
| Woodcraft Moose River Trip | Easy river float with shuttle | The Rondaxe to North Street trip is listed as 2 to 3 hours at $60 per person, plus tax and processing fees. |
| Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company | Outfitter advice and Moose River rentals | The Old Forge rental location lists canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals, with current Moose River trip availability handled through its trip page. |
| Old Forge Pond | Starting the Fulton Chain | Old Forge Pond is the classic launch point for paddling into First Lake and the western end of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. |
| First Lake And Second Lake | Longer lake paddles | These waters suit confident paddlers on calm mornings; motorboat wakes rise later on busy summer days. |
| Nicks Lake Or Moss Lake | Quieter flatwater | These nearby paddling spots work better when you have transport for the canoe and want less boat traffic than the Fulton Chain. |
Current Rental Prices Around Old Forge
Old Forge canoe prices vary most by whether the rental includes a shuttle, because flatwater canoes can be priced by the hour while river trips charge per person. All dollar figures here are USD, and taxes, processing fees, and weather policies can add to the amount you pay at checkout.
Rivett’s Marine lists the lowest short-use canoe price found in current local rental pages: $15 hourly for a 1- to 2-seat canoe, with 4-hour and 8-hour options. Palmer Point lists Grumman canoes at $70 per day, which can beat hourly pricing when your plan is a slow Fourth Lake day.
Woodcraft Moose River Trip costs more per person because the rate includes the river logistics, not just the boat. The listed $60 per person trip includes the canoe or kayak, paddles, PFDs, and shuttle to the drop-in and pickup spots, with children 10 and under half price when riding in the center of a canoe with two adults.
Weather check: Old Forge lake paddling changes fast with wind. A cheap canoe is not a good deal if the Fulton Chain is rough enough to make beginners fight every turn.
Which Route Fits Your Time?
The best Old Forge canoe route depends on whether you have one hour, half a day, or a full paddling weekend. Short visits should stay near Old Forge Pond or First Lake, while longer plans can move into the Fulton Chain or the Moose River.
A one-hour paddle is best from a marina launch, especially when you only want a quiet loop near shore. A 2- to 3-hour window fits the Woodcraft Moose River shuttle better, because the pickup is built into the outing and the current does some of the work.
A full-day or overnight paddle is a different commitment. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail lists its Fulton Chain of Lakes itinerary as a 17-mile, 1- to 2-day trip from Old Forge Pond to Eighth Lake Campground with two portages.
- Pick Old Forge Pond for a short, simple first paddle.
- Pick Fourth Lake for a longer lake day with room to spread out.
- Pick the Moose River when your group wants sandbars, current, and shuttle support.
- Pick the full Fulton Chain only when your group can handle distance, boat wakes, and carries.
Where To Stay Near The Water
Old Forge works best as a one- or two-night paddling base when you stay close to Old Forge Pond, First Lake, or the Route 28 corridor. A central stay makes it easier to check morning wind, grab a rental, and switch from a lake plan to a river plan if conditions change.
Staying near the waterfront helps most if you want an early launch before pontoon traffic builds. Staying closer to Thendara can work better for Moose River shuttles and outfitters.
To compare lodging near the lakefront and Route 28 before choosing a launch, use the map here:
Pick The Right Paddle Plan
The best canoe rental plan in Old Forge is the one that matches your water comfort, weather window, and pickup logistics. Use this split to avoid paying for the wrong type of day.
- For a first paddle: rent from Rivett’s Marine and stay close to Old Forge Pond or First Lake.
- For a full lake day: check Palmer Point if your group wants Fourth Lake access and a daily canoe rate.
- For the easiest river outing: choose Woodcraft Moose River Trip when shuttle service matters more than having total schedule freedom.
- For gear help: call Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company before deciding between canoe, kayak, or SUP.
- For your own long route: plan the Fulton Chain only if your group is ready for 17 miles, portages, and changing lake conditions.
Wear the fitted PFD provided with the rental, keep phones and car keys in a dry bag, and treat wind as the deciding factor. On the Fulton Chain, a calm morning can feel easy; a windy afternoon can turn the same canoe into work.
References & Sources
- Northern Forest Canoe Trail.“Fulton Chain of Lakes.”Supports the 17-mile Old Forge Pond to Eighth Lake route, trip duration, and portage count.