The Cranberry Lake 50 is a 50-mile loop around Cranberry Lake in the northwestern Adirondacks, pieced together from old jeep trails, portage routes, and established trails. Unlike the steep, rocky High Peaks, this loop has gentle elevation gain (averaging just 75 feet per mile) through a glacially carved landscape of backcountry ponds, old-growth forests, and winding rivers. The route passes through the remote Five Ponds Wilderness Area and parallels the meandering Oswegatchie River, and it makes a quiet introduction to Adirondack backpacking. Most hikers finish the loop in 3-4 days; taking 5 days leaves time to explore the scenic side ponds. Clockwise is the preferred direction because the ascents are more gradual that way.
No permit is required for most trips. However, if camping for more than 3 nights or traveling in groups of 10 or more, you must obtain a permit from a DEC Forest Ranger. All campsites and lean-tos are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. For current regulations or to obtain a permit, contact the DEC at 518-891-0235 or visit dec.ny.gov.
Key regulations: Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of any road, trail, spring, stream, pond, or body of water except at areas marked with yellow "camp here" disks. In the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, group size is strictly limited to 9 people (no exceptions). Lean-tos must be shared with other campers and cannot be used exclusively. Bear-resistant canisters are not required here (they are only mandatory in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness), but they are encouraged. Do not build fires where "No Fires" disks are posted; camp stoves are a safer, more efficient alternative.
Late summer through early fall (late August through October) has the best conditions. September is ideal: cooler temperatures in the 60s, minimal bugs, and drier trails once the summer rains subside. Fall foliage typically peaks in late September to early October.
Avoid late May through early July because of severe black fly and deer fly infestations; hikers report needing both heavy repellent and deer fly patches for their hats. By mid-July, mosquitoes remain but the black flies taper off. Spring (late April through May) brings muddy, flooded trails from snowmelt and beaver activity, though the brief window between snowmelt and black fly emergence (mid-May) can work for hikers who tolerate wet conditions.
Winter is long and harsh in the northwestern Adirondacks. Trails are typically snow-free by May, but spring mud season can stretch into late May most years.
Water is abundant throughout the trail. You pass natural sources frequently and don't need careful planning, but all water requires filtration or purification. Heavy beaver activity leaves the water heavily tainted with tannin and potentially contaminated with giardia. Multiple hikers report filters clogging or failing here, so bring a backup purification method. Several ponds, including Olmstead Pond, are infested with leeches; avoid these for water collection if possible and stick to flowing streams when available.
For resupply, the trail passes through two hamlets:
Wanakena (southern section): Otto's Abode is a combined convenience store and art gallery with limited resupply items, cold beer, and snacks. Blackwaters Cafe has hot meals. There is a seasonal public restroom with a potable water tap in the town square gazebo, plus a soda vending machine. A post office handles mail drops.
Cranberry Lake village (northern section): Public restroom and potable water available. Services are more limited than in Wanakena.
Most hikers complete the loop in 3-4 days without resupply, but a stop in Wanakena or Cranberry Lake lets you carry less food from the start.
Beaver flooding is the primary challenge. Expect multiple flooded sections, especially early in the season or after heavy rain. The High Falls Trail at the southern end is notoriously muddy year-round. Beaver dams require crossing, with water depth anywhere from ankle-deep to knee-high depending on recent precipitation. Wet feet are inevitable; bring camp shoes and foot care supplies.
Bridges can be slippery when wet. Several stream crossings can be rock-hopped in low water but get difficult in high water. During spring snowmelt or after storms, assess crossing conditions carefully.
Black bears are present, but encounters are rare. Hang food properly or use a bear canister (recommended but not required). The Five Ponds Wilderness is one of the most remote areas in the East, and cell service is nonexistent. Carry a map and compass; navigation is generally straightforward, but trail markings can be faint in flooded sections.
The trail is generally well-marked but can be confusing where it merges with other trails in the Cranberry Lake Complex. Carry the official trail map showing all 11 component trails.
The loop has seven trailhead access points. The most popular starting points:
Cranberry Lake village trailheads (northern access): - Small parking lot at Gilbert Tract trailhead (east end): GPS 44.221538, -74.820421 - Large parking lot at Cranberry Lake Boat Launch on Columbian Road (west end): GPS 44.219452, -74.847525
From the boat launch, walk east on NY Route 3 through Cranberry Lake village (1.75 miles) to reach the Gilbert Tract trailhead, where the loop begins.
Wanakena trailheads (southern access): - Ranger School trailhead: GPS 44.148408, -74.899870 - High Falls Loop trailhead: GPS 44.131174, -74.922782
Driving directions: From the east or west, take NY Route 3. From the west, turn right onto County Road 61 for 0.9 miles to reach Wanakena. From the east, turn left onto County Road 61.
The nearest airports are Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake (57 miles) and Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) (59 miles). Both have limited service; most people fly into Syracuse (130 miles) or Albany (180 miles) and rent a car.
Parking is free at all trailheads. Roads are paved and passable by any vehicle.
For shuttle service between trailheads or boat access to lake-access points, contact Packbasket Adventures, a local outfitter that runs both boat and car shuttles.
Hike clockwise. Elevation gains are more gradual in this direction, and most hikers agree it is the better way around.
Top campsite recommendations from trip reports: Curtis Pond (a pine-lined shore), East Inlet Campsite 13 (on the water with a privy and picnic table), and Cowhorn Pond shelter (isolated and well-maintained). The three lean-tos (Bear Mountain, Burntbridge Pond, Peavine Swamp) fill quickly on weekends, so have a backup tent site in mind.
Consider taking 4-5 days instead of pushing through in 3. The extra time lets you explore side ponds, use the swimming spots, and walk the old-growth forest sections without hustling.
Bring waterproof boots or trail runners that drain well, plus camp shoes. Your feet will get wet. Gaiters help in the muddy sections. Pack extra socks and foot care supplies (moleskin, athletic tape).
The trail never strays far from Cranberry Lake or the backcountry ponds, so there are swimming spots all along the route. Bring a pack towel.
Purchase the official Cranberry Lake 50 map (available at cranberrylake50.org or local shops). It shows detailed campsite and lean-to locations, which matter for planning daily mileage.
Cell service is nonexistent. In emergencies, you may be able to use a phone at businesses in Wanakena or Cranberry Lake village, but don't count on it. Tell someone your itinerary before you leave.
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