A Snapshot of Fulton County –
Gateway to the Adirondacks

“Relax, Play, Wander, Discover”

The splendor of the seasons comes naturally to Fulton County, where the Adirondack Park meets the Mohawk Valley. In an area so varied, beauty is abundant in spring, summer, winter and fall, and the slate of activities is equally complete.

So what would you like to do?

Fulton County in the spring and summer is shimmering with an abundance of lakes and streams for fishing, boating and swimming. The mountains and valleys boast quiet sylvan paths lined with pine needles and maple leaves.

In this land of nature’s bounty, the number of activities is only as limited as your imagination. Let’s say a brisk walk in the cool dew in the morning, a round of golf on any of several courses in the afternoon, then a moonlit cruise on one of 44 lakes.

Try this: breakfast at a cozy diner where you give your order right to the cook; a bike ride with time for a shopping spree; and dinner at an historic inn where you can almost hear the voices of patrons long past.

And there are beaches, bicycle trails, camping sites, art galleries, farmers markets, state hiking trails and several museums.

The county in the fall is home to mountains made for climbing, streams made for fishing and trails made for hiking. There are also plenty of great dining opportunities. Try one of the many top-shelf eateries or join the friendly atmosphere of one of our “down home” restaurants where everyone is there for good food and good conversation.

How about a day of cross-country or downhill skiing? Fulton County has its own downhill ski facility, Royal Mountain, which features snowmaking and speedy chair lift lines. Lapland Lake Nordic Ski and Vacation Center at Benson, a cross-country ski facility, is one of the best in the country. There are additional cross-country ski opportunities, starting with the miles and miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Or why not enjoy a jaunt on skis or by snowmobile along the shores of an untouched lake?

What about fishing? Picture the smooth curve of a fly-fishing line stretching out across a trout stream or the snap of a tip-up when a fish jumps at the bait underneath a frozen lake.

There’s more.

Folks who appreciate the indoors as much as the scenic outdoors can take in the historic sights, like Johnson Hall Historic Site, the former home of French and Indian War hero Sir William Johnson. Events are planned year-round at the Rice Homestead as well, a 1790 Colonial homestead.

Not convinced yet? Fulton County also features the opportunity to hunt wild game in season; and the chance to shop ‘til you drop in specialty stores in our downtowns and surrounding areas.

Life is rich here. Those who live here know it. And for those who are considering the move—guess what? We’re more than willing to share.

Facts

Agriculture

Approximately 222 farms exist in Fulton County, producing dairy products, fruit, vegetables, grain crops and livestock. These farms are comprised of 38,762 acres - 24,439 acres which are harvested crop land.

Climate

The average mean temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit. In January, the mean is 19 degrees and in July, 70 degrees.

Culture

Performing arts and visual arts are vital in Fulton County; community theater and civic bands are a presence in the two major cities. There are a number of art galleries in the county, including the Perrella Gallery at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, as well as the Art Gallery housed at the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Gloversville. There also are several smaller galleries throughout Fulton County operated by individual artists who work in various media including metal, oil, watercolors, textiles and wood. Additionally, the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, cultural development entity, annually sponsors “Cabin Fever” concerts and “Evenings with the Arts,” a series of concerts, home-studio visits, slide shows, lectures and field trips. They also curate a gallery at the Vail Mills Tourism Information Center at the intersection of Routes 29 and 30 in Vail Mills.

The Glove Performing Arts Center in Gloversville and Colonial Little Theatre in Johnstown offer great community theater. Libraries are located in the cities of Gloversville and Johnstown, and in the villages of Mayfield and Northville.

Financial Services

Numerous savings institutions and commercial banks, many part of statewide and nationwide networks, serve consumer and commercial needs, including KeyBank, NBT Bank, First Niagara Bank, Patriot Federal Bank, and Citizens Bank. Membership in the Fulton County Federal Credit Union is open to anyone who lives or works, or has a business in Fulton County. Local stock and bond brokers and financial planning services are readily available, as are the services of several finance companies.

Industry

Fulton County has more than 1,200 businesses and industries that provide services and produce yogurt, cheese and other dairy products, bakery items, boating accessories, canvas items, chemicals, cleaning products, furniture, knitted and leather goods, medical equipment, paint, recycled products, refrigeration units, and textiles.

Labor

The total civilian labor force is 27,000. Manufacturing accounts for 1,700 jobs.

Land

Fulton County is 533 square miles and 59% of the county sits within the Adirondack Park.

Media

Fulton County electronic and print media include one daily newspaper, two regional newspapers that have Fulton County editions, and several regional, weekly and monthly newspapers serving specific geographic locations and subscribers. Three county radio stations broadcast both AM and FM programs. Two public access television stations are available, and there is a locally-owned television station.

Population

Fulton County 2009 figures indicate a population of 55,053 (source: www.census.gov).

Transporation

Fulton County, located just north of the New York State Thruway (I-90), west of Interstate 87 and northwest of Interstate 88, provides direct linkage to all major population areas in the Northeast. State Routes 30, 30A, 10 and 29 connect the traveler to the interstate highways.

Fulton County Airport provides 24-hour, year-round corporate and leisure service, including overnight parking and inside, heated storage. Aircraft charter flights, flight training and convenient local ground transportation are available. It is two hours from the nearest city and within an hour’s flight time from Boston, New York City and Montreal. Commercial airports and international connections are within one hour driving time.

Taxi or limousine service is offered by local firms. Adirondack Trailways and the Gloversville Transit Authority provide local and long-distance bus service. Passenger rail service, available through Amtrak, is located a short drive from Fulton County. The Mohawk River is located within four miles of the county connecting the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, through a lock system.

Utilities

Gas and electric is provided by National Grid. There are municipal water and sewer facilities in the two major cities. Cable television is available through Time Warner Cable and there are satellite television options available. Additionally, Frontier offers fitv, internet-based television. Internet service is provided by Frontier and by Time Warner Cable.

Worship

Almost every denomination is represented in Fulton County with more than 50 places of worship.