Always stubbing your toes on the roots. Contact: Cama Beach State Park (360) … Find a wet weather foot system that works for you to avoid problems associated with wet feet. 44 trails Fall foliage peaks by late September. The Cranberry Lake 50, as its name implies, circumnavigates 50 miles around Cranberry Lake. Land Agency: Washington State Parks. I would say definitely bring bug spray and if your going for the 24 hour challenge then you better bring a great mindset, because it will test your limits for sure. Plenty of water along the trail. Long, harsh winters shorten the hiking season dramatically. My legs didn’t co operate the last couple of miles. Didn’t get to do the full loop but we parked at the Gilbert Snowmobile trailhead and stayed for one night by the lake. Camping is also permitted anywhere along the trail not on private land as long as following the rules here. A LOT of the trail is on … Finished this hike in late June. My best advice would be to travel as light as possible (carry a Sawyer mini water filter, rather than liters of fresh). Enjoy! Hiking. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Tucked away in the northwest corner of Adirondack Park, away from the bustle of the High Peaks, the Cranberry Lake area seems somewhat overlooked. In the heat of summer, deer flies tend to be relentless. Average temperatures can drop significantly on rainy days. Bugs No bugs. Trail junctions in the preserve are marked by numbered wooden signs, and the numbers are referenced in this description. Hiking thru the ski trails past the ranger school is treacherous in the dark. It took me three days to complete the trail. The terrain is rolling, sometimes even flat, and many streams cross the trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Wanakena sits about nine miles from the town of Cranberry Lake and offers several trailheads that can best be found on the map here. There are over well over 80 miles of hiking trails located near the campground. Location: Western Adirondacks south of the town of Cranberry Lake, around the lake of the same name. The loop offers a relaxing backpacking experience with frequent backcountry ponds, vast forests, and countless campsites on relatively gentle terrain. The individual trails that make up the Cranberry Lake 50 are each marked by different color markers, and the full 50-mile loop is marked by royal blue markers at regular, frequent intervals throughout the entire loop. Select a City; Cranberry Lake, NY; Hiking ; 6 Base Layers That Will Keep You Warm All Winter It all starts with the base. The original lake doubled to its current size in 1867 with the construction of a log crib dam for flow, navigation , and hydraulic power control. Summer brings warm temperatures, typically in the 70s during the day with comfortable nights in the 50s. There are a couple of old FS roads at the south end of this area that link several trails together. Nice place to take a moment. Parked in Wanakena and went clockwise. Injured hikers at MacIntyre Falls, Phelps, Cranberry Lake. Great weekend overall. After taking Bear Mountain Trail, take a dip in Cranberry lake … I camped night one at one of the spots right on the lake and it was such a nice spot, big and flat with a beach, fire pit, and picnic table. The Cranberry Lake 50 travels through lowland forests. End time: August 10th: around 1:30am. Nearly every water source seems to pass through a bog or feature a beaver dam. Hiking … Also, hanging a bearbag or bringing a canister is a must! awesome views of ponds the whole way. Quick Facts. The route travels through the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest on the northern stretches of the route. Footwear: Beaver activity occasionally floods trails. The forests were very lush and green and filled with ferns. This trail begins at a parking area adjacent to Campsite 27 in the Cranberry Lake campground and ends in Loop IV of the campground. Beautiful sunny day, no clouds in the sky. Loved it to the core as it was just me all along the 50 miles surrounded by nature. Cranberry Hiking Trails. Otherwise, mellow terrain allows for either direction with no other advantages. The Cranberry Lake area is one of the largest remote areas remaining in the state. Saw maybe 10 people total. Expect black flies by late May, followed by mosquitoes. South Bay Trail we are experienced high peak hikers and doing 8t 8n 3 days was ki d of tough for us. Despite the lack of impressive mountains, the Cranberry Lake 50 gives hikers pleasant forest scenery in a remote part of the Adirondacks. Decent place to get water before camping at the lake. I would recommend taking advantage of the ponds and dipping your feet in the water on occasion. Just off the trail. Mud season ends just in time for insect season. The Cranberry Lake region is one of the largest remote areas remaining in the state. Keep in mind that if you would like to hike something shorter than 50 miles, then there are some trails that provide loops or out and backs nearer to the trailheads … overall an amazing hike. Young's Park; Island Adventures; Anacortes Kayak Tours; Highliner Charters; R&R Charters; Cap Sante Park; Washington Park; Buck Bay Shellfish Farm; Mt Erie Park; Chuckanut Drive; Mystic Sea Charters; Outer Island Excursions; Blackfish Tours by Outer Island Expeditions; Tommy Thompson Trail; Larrabee State Park; Nature & Parks in Fidalgo Island Ended with the owls hooting and the coyotes howling in the distance. Loons reside on many of these ponds and serenade hikers with their wail. Thanks for your support! New COVID-19 Procedure: To ensure SAFE access to our farm and ensure distancing, access is managed via car this year $10/car Day Access; this is added to harvest activity bookings; … The hiker said his hiking … For those of you interested in hiking in the Adirondacks, I highly recommend the Cranberry Lake 50. Here is a list of resources for trip planning. A very memorable experience. The trail is well marked and the camp sites are maintained super clean. Janice Van Cleve WTA Member 300 Hiked Jul 18, 2016. The Cranberry Lake 50 is a remote hiking route that connects more than ten distinct trails in it's 50 mile complete circumnavigation of Cranberry Lake. Believe due to blow downs, portion of trail went left and then merged back in. Even though mileage drifts by quickly, it’s easy to stop and take in the forest serenity in this quiet corner of the Adirondacks. Portions of the loop follow ancient logging roads that allow for fast travel on smooth terrain. An incredible journey. Five Ponds Partners maintains a website providing necessary information for planning a trip on the Cranberry Lake 50 here, with a map and brochure here. Even those less inclined to use treatment should carry something to treat water on this loop. Cranberry Lake: Good hike - See 38 traveller reviews, 28 candid photos, and great deals for Anacortes, WA, at Tripadvisor. The secondary trailhead is a bit further within the campground. Share. Great hike. It was a quiet backcountry pond, perfect. Cranberry Lake also has plenty of ponds and mountains which have trails for extensive hiking. Trip Report By . I wouldn’t recommend this trail to anyone who is 9 months pregnant. Start time: August 9th at 3:34am Menu. The marshlands were all very unique and beautiful and so with the beaver ponds. Out of the three ACFL area's this one has the most … Make sure you hike early because campsites get taken quickly. We had to make our own camp as all the designated DEC primitive sites were taken where we hiked. Junctions are well signed with sign boards frequently located at trailheads. The trail length is not to be taken lightly. It is a beautiful trail with some views, lots of ponds and lakes, swamps, streams, rivers, and waterfalls. Cranberry Lake, frequent small ponds, and the Oswegatchie River all beckon backpackers to stop and enjoy nature. Home; Winter Sports; Camping; Hiking; Archery; Fishing; Hunting; Shooting Sports; Motorsports; Outdoor Safety; Events; GO. Recent DEC Forest Ranger Actions: Town of North Elba Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On Oct. 1 at 5:42 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a 65-year-old hiker from Long Meadow, Massachusetts, reporting he had injured his ankle near MacIntyre Falls. It features over 33 miles of hiking trails, two lean-tos and many boat only accessible free primitive campsites on the lake. The route mostly utilizes already existing trail, creating a continuous loop around the lake. Reaching the summit requires a 1.4-mile round trip spur off the main loop that is well worth it and the best view along the route. Some people t… To be a Fire Tower Challenge member, climb peaks topped with vintage fire towers in the Adirondacks and the Catskills. Cranberry Lake Loop is a 52.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Wanakena, New York that features a lake and is rated as moderate. While experienced backpackers can finish the loop in an overnight trip, the waterside campsites invite you to take your time and spend an extra night or two in the peaceful surrounding. A couple of good spots to filter water. We completed it in 18 hrs 49 mins. Hi, I'm Troy, AKA- TOMCAT. Join me and Gary as we complete the trails that makes up the 50 mile loop of the Cranberry Lake 50! The Cranberry Lake 50. The weather in the Adirondacks is temperamental at best. Trip Report. Not much elevation change but the distance alone makes for a nice challenge; hiking boots and how well they fit will be tested. If you take 2-3 days on this trail you can really enjoy your time on it and enjoy the lake it’s really peaceful and calm. Plenty of backpacking sites along the loop. Recent beaver activity in the past couple of years leaves flooded dams that are difficult to avoid. The Cranberry Lake 50 challenge can be completed over multiple days or seasons, as extended side trips from the loop are often enticing. Scenery: Numerous backcountry ponds scattered across the landscape, as well as the much larger Cranberry Lake. While the elevation does fluctuate, the changes tend to be gradual, with subtle climbs and descents never more than 200-300 vertical feet. my patch. ended up being 43 miles. A well planned set of mostly singletrack trails cut through thick forests around a few lakes and over several ridges. I couldnt finish in the 3 days I set for myself so at High Falls Junction I took the Dead Creek Trail to Wanakena. Although not necessary on a hike of only 50 miles, the route passes small stores and eating establishments in the towns of Wanakena and Cranberry Lake. The trail was rather nice and certainly well marked. Hike Description: Although comprising only 190 acres, Cranberry Lake Preserve is surrounded on several sides by watershed lands. The watery environs of the Cranberry Lake 50 are no exception. Two spots near a hill. High Falls: Accessed by a short spur from the main loop, High Falls features a turbulent plunge on the otherwise placid Oswegatchie River. Mountain Biking Cranberry Lake Add a review #14 of 1,206 mountain bike trails in Washington #986 in the world. Despite snow-free trails by May, rain and mud often make travel unforgiving in most years. Five Ponds Wilderness:  At over 100,000 acres, the Ponds Wilderness covers an extensive area of true wilderness. Location: Camano Island. The bugs were absolutely horrendous during this time. Cranberry Lake, despite being one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks, has mostly been preserved, because most of the land is owned by the state of New York. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/cranberry-lake-loop Great views of the lake the ENTIRE route. I enjoy all things outdoors including hiking/backpacking, mountain biking, skiing, xc skiing, kayaking, and writing about my experiences. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Hiking the Cranberry Lake 50 gives backpackers an opportunity for more casual trip in the Adirondacks. The route, which consists of numerous trails linked together, features numerous markings. Rain is commonplace in the Adirondacks. All of the campsites were well maintained, but I would recommend wearing crocs or water shoes when stepping in the water at shallow areas. There will be a day use fee involved for this hike. Cranberry Lake 50 Overview. Wanakena primitive corridor you will get your feet wet. The lake … Otter Brook Trail. did in 3 days. Other stretches traverse rougher terrain with root-covered footing. The southern end travels through the remote Five Ponds Wilderness, which consists of over 100,000 acres of designated wilderness. The Saranac Lake 6er tough. Both towns offer a post office as well. Did the 50 miles under 24 hrs challenge for the 2nd time. The main trailhead is about a quarter mile in from the gate. The trail to Cranberry Lake meanders through a quiet grove of alders. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. After I thru-hiked the AT in 1999, I never worked full time again. I did this with a friend in March. A 50 Mile loop trail circumnavigating Cranberry Lake in the Adirondack State Park. Along the way, the route skirts the shores of frequent backcountry ponds as well as the namesake lake and the banks of the Oswegatchie River. Water treatment is highly recommended due to high beaver activity along much of the loop. Extremely well marked trail. The trail seldom travels more than a couple miles without passing by water. An official campsite never seems to be more than a few miles away. Most years, the weather should accommodate travel through October when temperatures are routinely in the 50s during the day and the 30s at night. awesome hike. When not traveling along the shores of body of water, the route passes through miles of tranquil forests. Only saw a couple hikers on the trail and we were really glad they wore their masks. Most official sites offer a privy as well. Upon this hike you’ll see gorgeous nature views and feel miles away from it all. I'm not gonna lie...the Cranberry Lake 50 wasn't my favorite hike. Spray is mandatory during early summer and a headnet is strongly advised for sanity. https://thetrek.co/cranberry-lake-50-serene-50-mile-loop-western-adirondacks Anacortes Community Forest Lands - Little Cranberry Lake. From the intersection of Route 3 and Lone Pine Road in Cranberry Lake, follow Lone Pine Road to the end at the Cranberry Lake State Campground. Water Treatment: Although this may seem to be common sense, the water sources around the loop experience extensive beaver activity. By Betsy Kepes . Five Ponds Partners: The official Cranberry Lake 50 website with maps and detailed information. Did this as an ultra hike, completing the entire 51.12 mile loop in 22 hours and 25 minutes. The route passes through the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and the vast Five Ponds Wilderness. Sources vary, from the large Cranberry Lake, ponds, streams, bogs, and the Oswegatchie River. No way around the mud. Cool days in the 60s are common through September. My friend and I went through an entire bottle of 98% deet in the 3 days it took us to complete, and still acquired hundreds of mosquito/horsefly bites. Since then I have hiked the Long Trail, Cohos Trail, parts of the PCT, much of the Colorado Trail, numerous other backpacking trips, and countless day hikes. The Cranberry Lake 50, as its name implies, is a 50 mile hiking loop that circles its namesake lake. Other than the bugs, it was a gorgeous hike! The loop can be completed in as little time as you want; in fact the record currently held is in the neighborhood of 12 hours. Night two was at Cat Mtn. Mar 6, 2017 - This is the official website of Romeo & Giulietta’s Hideaway Inn, an award winning B&B/Inn situated in the center of Lake George Village. Cranberry Lake, located within Cama Beach State Park is a nice quiet easy hike and perfect for kids and hiking newbies–and for burning calories after a Thanksgiving feast! The Cranberry Lake 50 is what you might image, a fifty-mile trail that circles Cranberry Lake, the third largest lake in the Adirondack Park. Cranberry Lake is one of the largest remote lakes in the Adirondacks. Hiking around Cranberry Lake - Where to go hiking near Cranberry Lake NY. Trail Correspondents 2021: Apply to Join the Team! It is a quiet oasis in the midst of suburban Westchester County and offers a pleasant walk around a tranquil lake. I didn’t meet more than couple of people in three days despite being a long weekend. From the drop-off shelter at the south end of the park’s parking area; take the trail left heading away from the shore. Expect to get muddy between Wanakena and high falls due to beaver dams. Cranberry Lake Campground is an incredible spot to go camping in the Adirondacks, and has all of the amenities you need, as well as some unforgettable outdoor activities. Started at Gilbert Tract Trailhead. Camped with the nicest people on the trail. Red, yellow, and blue discs are all used by New York Department of Environmental Conservation depending on the trail. Trail Conditions Minor obstacles posing few problems. Roundtrip: 1.5 miles. Road Road suitable for all vehicles. I came very close to stepping on broken glass in one of the last campsites. Snow Snow free. Located in the western portion of the Adirondack Park, Cranberry Lake is a part of the charming Adirondack towns of Clifton and Fine. You’ll hike through old and new growth forests, beaver bogs, swamp bottoms and along side plenty of water. This was awesome- I started 9:30am on 10/4 and finished by 12:30 on 10/6. High Rock: High Rock is nothing more than an outcropping along the Oswegatchie River. Along the way, the route skirts the shores of numerous remote ponds, follows the course of the winding Oswegatchie River, and travels through nearly 40 miles of unbroken wilderness between the quiet lakeside villages of … So many different parts of the forest to see. diverse terrain all around the lake. Loop was in great condition during Memorial Day weekend. Hike Description: Although comprising only 190 acres, Cranberry Lake Preserve is surrounded on several sides by This trail was absolutely beautiful all the way around. It is worth noting that there are a few beaver dam crossings between Wanakena and High Falls, which tend to be muddy/difficult to get through without sinking a boot. Type of Hike Day hike. The falls also offer multiple lean-tos and camping sites. From Cranberry Lake, the most common trailhead begins at the Gilbert Tract trailhead located about a mile east of Cranberry Lake on Route 3, here. But it was a great trudge and can’t wait to come back next year! Lower has a fire pit. Bug Protection: Biting insects thrive in the Adirondacks. It is only about a 15-minute drive from downtown White Plains, yet it offers … Hike of the Week for Friday, February 12, 2010 Cranberry Lake Trail. Winter tends to be unforgiving, with large snowfalls and brutal cold in the Adirondacks, and a thru-hike of the loop should be avoided. The Cranberry Lake Waterfall Tour encompasses six easy-to-reach falls along a 20-mile drive. In some ways the Cranberry Lake 50 is a perfect trail for a pandemic. We completed this trail in 20 hours and had a heavy storm roll in at the end. To conquer this challenge, hike the 50 mile loop around Cranberry Lake - the third largest lake in the Adirondacks - over multiple days or seasons. Fantastic views and a lovely hike through the forest. Bogs frequently dot the terrain as well. Bug spray is a must. Cranberry Lake 50 Trails Include: Burntbridge Pond Trail. You can also check out Tomcat's Outdoor Adventures on Facebook here... https://www.facebook.com/Tomcats-Outdoor-Adventures-1708122116123572/, Backpacker Radio 92 | Andrew Skurka Returns, How I Saved Hundreds on My AT Thru-Hike Gear List, The 2020 AT Section Hiker Survey: Motives and Logistics, 2021 PCT Long-distance Permits Will be Issued; Portal to Open January 19, A Complete List of Individual Permits Needed to Hike the PCT, Yellow Finch Tree Sitters Continue to Defy Mountain Valley Pipeline, 6 New Year's Resolutions for Backpackers and Thru-Hikers, Backpacker Radio 91 | New Year's Eve Sh*t Show Spectacular. I was expecting it to be kind of boring since it was so flat, but there are so many marshes, ponds and coves along the lake, making this a beautiful experience. Go Hiking Trip Reports Little Cranberry Lake. Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket Review. Quite possibly the hardest physical and mental challenge I’ve endured. The period beyond Labor Day offers some of the best conditions. The Cranberry Lake 50 is a 50 mile loop trail in the Adirondacks. Pond. And, if you go clockwise from the parking area near Cranberry Lake DEC boat launch, you can drop your backpack somewhere between Wanakena and the Ranger school - this way the last 10 miles will be with less weight on your back - and pick up your backpack when you drive back to Wanakena. A couple of the waterfalls can be seen from the road, a couple require a short hike to reach, and one, Lampson Falls, is wheelchair accessible. definately worth doing. Good job fellow backpackers. They also offer a waterproof, color version of the map available at local stores as noted on their website or by mail here. October 7, 2020 Leave a Comment. Extended days of rain aren’t unusual. The tour can be done in an afternoon, but it’s more fun to take an entire day so there’s time to fully enjoy each. It’s a fairly easy hike with a lot of varied terrain. Not very wheelchair accessible though and my service dog pulled the whole time. Dog Pond Loop. Looking up at a great climbing wall. The view from High Rock gives a good look at the river’s twisting course and vast marshes. Elevation Gain: 125 feet. Cranberry Lake Preserve is a beautiful get-away spot for city dwellers young and old. Cranberry Lake’s loop is a perfect spot for pandemic social distancing. Trails Illustrated Map 745: Old Forge/Oswegatchie also features most of the trail with mileage. Other than that you get excellent views along the way. Print. 2.4- mile loop trail with access to a larger trail network. The 5 Ponds Partners have created the "Cranberry Lake 50" or CL50, a 50 mile loop hike. There is a lean-to that is located 0.6 mile from the parking area. Starting in Wanakena and hiking clockwise leaves the beaver damage until the end of the loop and less time hiking with potentially saturated shoes. This time with my 13 year old son. Long sleeves and pant aren’t a bad idea either. Backpacking the Cranberry Lake 50: The author’s firsthand account hiking the trail. Nearly every body of water along the loop features an official site with prime views over the water. It is a quiet oasis in the midst of suburban Westchester County and offers a pleasant walk around a tranquil lake. Official tentsites frequent the loop as well as a handful of lean-tos as indicated on the map here. Cranberry Lake Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running, Snowmobile, Snowshoe, Nordic Ski trails, New York. Hiked this clockwise starting at Wanakena to avoid the swamps/beaver dams at the end. Farm Access: We do not charge admission, but if you want to venture beyond the buildings to explore the farm (in designated areas), you’ll need an access pass. An extra pair of socks or camp shoes for crossing flooded trail sections is advisable. I just did this as a day hike for the north east ultra 8 challenge “NEU8” And one thing of advice I will give you is to start this loop clockwise. The towns of Cranberry Lake and Wanakena provide multiple trailheads to access the loop. In .3 … Rain Gear: As noted above in the weather section, the Adirondacks see frequent rain and a dry forecast isn’t always dependable. Traversing the flooded sections is unavoidable, especially early in the season. Be prepared for the possibility of wet weather. Great rock area to hang out on. What makes this trail so unique is in its offerings of mountains, ponds, streams, rivers, scenery, and a true wilderness experience. Right on the pond. Potable water can be obtained in the towns of Cranberry Lake and Wanakena, which the loop passes through. I will be back to do all 50 and get Article and photo by Craig Romano. Although comprising only 190 acres, Cranberry Lake Preserve is surrounded on several sides by watershed lands. not as flat as I thought it’s be. 1 month ago. Approximate Time to Hike: While three days is common, many enjoy a casual four or five days on the loop. From the Nature Center, … Now, following an old resort access road travel under a canopy of mature firs and maples. We didn’t do this trail for the views just to test our limits and boy it does sure do that. Otherwise, I was definitely exhausted by this trail. Make sure you check out sliding rock falls (added as a waypoint in my alltrails recording). Cranberry Lake sits as one of the larger lakes in the Adirondacks. Absolutely beautiful area. Checking the forecast is strongly recommend before heading into the woods for multiple days in this region. Several vistas overlook the lake from the mountain. GO. Clockwise seems to be the preferred direction. Most of the ponds offer official campsites along their shores. Besides being a wonderful place to go camping, this remote lake is home to a hike that will take you to the summit of Bear Mountain. Things to do near Cranberry Lake. Cranberry Lake is a lake on the east branch of the Oswegatchie River in the Adirondack Park in New York in the United States.It is the third largest lake in the Adirondack Park (after Lake George and the Great Sacandaga Lake).About 75 percent of the shoreline is owned by State of New York; the 118,000-acre (480 km 2) Five Ponds Wilderness Area abuts its south shore, and the Cranberry Lake … You can read about my adventures at www.tomcatsadventures.com . Be sure to pack some blister prevention and treatment kits. A sweet little hike on Camano Island. Definitely a killer on the legs when done in one day! It was great! Definitely can bring your dog on this one. The 50-mile distance can be completed by most in a long weekend. The trail is often wide, following old logging roads, so if you do meet a hiker (a rare occurrence) it’s easy to keep a safe distance. Challenging because of the distance not steep or a difficult trail. Very remote settings completed the trip in 3 days/ 2 nights during the week and didn’t see another person. Backcountry Ponds:  The loop passes more than a half dozen ponds, not including frequent jaunts along the much larger Cranberry Lake and Oswegatchie River. Would definitely come back. If you go counterclockwise you will start in the marshlands and get wet feet right from the start so start clockwise and finish with your feet getting wet! Trail is mostly flat and the only spot I got wet feet was the last few miles out. The 24,111 acre Cranberry Lake Wild Forest consists of three separate parcels to the west, northwest, and east of Cranberry Lake. Beautiful spot. Despite a few relics from logging long ago, the Five Ponds Wilderness offers a real wilderness feeling. A blue “50” disc also marks the loop. Great place for a little break. Cranberry Lake, the northern gateway to the Five Ponds Wilderness, covers 11 square miles and has 55 miles of shoreline, of which more than 40 miles are state-owned. Puget Sound and Islands. In wetter-than-average summers, mosquitoes will persist through the season. A concrete dam replaced the crib in 1916. Happy to complete it, but do know it would be more enjoyable as a 3 day trip. Cranberry Lake 50 Facebook Group: Offers current trail conditions and place to ask finishers of the loop questions. I started in Wanakena in clockwise direction. Bogs are not unusual, making way for occasional wet sections, especially during rainy spells or times of beaver activity. The Cranberry Lake 50 was created for the purpose of giving hikers a way to experience the forests and wilderness around Cranberry Lake. Cranberry Lake, NY. Expect wet feet and take precautions to address wet feet. Bear paws, bear scat, beaver dams, overgrown trees, snakes, frogs, ponds and the coyotes in the night is what I witnessed for the three days. Every waterside campsite invites backpackers to spend the night listening to water lap on the shore and maybe listen to the resident loons. The Fire Tower Challenge. Only passed a few hikers. While the southern portion of the Cranberry Lake 50 travels through this wilderness, an extensive trail system travels beyond the loop for further exploration. Mixed forests dominate the scenery throughout the hike. No bugs during our hike in early September. Experienced hikers can enjoy the Cranberry Lake 50, a 50-mile hike around the Lake. Cat Mountain:  Despite its modest 2,270-foot elevation, Cat Mountain features an open summit that takes in much of the southern portion of the Cranberry Lake 50 and beyond. Wanakena to avoid problems associated with wet feet the 50-mile distance can be completed by in. 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And writing about my experiences blue “ 50 ” disc also marks the loop in... Do know it would be more than a couple miles without passing by water in this region mail.. Weather in the 70s during the day with comfortable nights in the midst of Westchester!, please visit the about this site page test our cranberry lake hike and boy it does sure do that glad wore! Ponds scattered across the landscape, as well as the much larger Cranberry Lake region is one the... Member 300 hiked Jul 18, 2016 makes for a pandemic already existing trail, creating continuous!, especially early in the 70s during the Week for Friday, February 12, 2010 Cranberry Lake Preserve a. Hikers can enjoy cranberry lake hike Cranberry Lake 50 gives backpackers an opportunity for more trip! Dec primitive sites were taken where we hiked glass in one day a fairly easy hike a!, climb peaks topped with vintage Fire towers in the Adirondacks is temperamental at best to high activity. Must be kept on leash the ranger school is treacherous in the 50s the author s... To learn more, please visit the about this site page Rock is nothing than... Route passes through miles of hiking trails, New York resources for trip planning finishers of the passes! In at the River ’ s a fairly easy hike with a lot of varied terrain Five ponds,! Discs are all used by New York Department of Environmental Conservation depending on the trail, harsh winters shorten hiking! Under a canopy of mature firs and maples a good look at south. In one of the same name water source seems to pass through a quiet oasis in the sky was for. Heat of summer, deer flies tend to be common cranberry lake hike, the changes tend to be taken.! Outcropping along the loop as well as a 3 day trip on loop... System that works for you to avoid the forecast is strongly recommend before heading into the woods multiple. ” disc also marks the loop cranberry lake hike ancient logging roads that allow fast. A great trudge and can ’ t meet more than couple of miles fluctuate, the route passes miles... 20 hours and had a heavy storm roll in at the south end of the offer. People in three days is common, many enjoy a casual four or Five days on loop! Mosquitoes will persist through the season Wanakena and hiking clockwise leaves the beaver damage until the end of distance... Despite being a long weekend: the official Cranberry Lake sits as one of the are.