Hiking in Cranberry Lake 50 Trailhead: trails, map and practical info

Description

The Cranberry Lake 50 Trailhead is the starting point for one of the Adirondacks' most celebrated long-distance hiking challenges: the Cranberry Lake 50, a roughly 80-kilometer loop through the Five Ponds Wilderness in the northern Adirondacks of New York State. This isn't a weekend stroll — plan for 3 to 5 days in the backcountry, with about 305 meters of elevation gain spread across varied terrain. The trailhead sits near the town of Cranberry Lake, providing straightforward access off Route 3.

The parking area is spacious enough to handle groups and vehicles with gear trailers. Before you head out, take a few minutes at the map kiosk and information board — they post current trail conditions, regulations, and any relevant safety notices. Pit toilets are available here, and you'll want to make use of them since facilities are limited once you're out on the trail.

The Cranberry Lake 50 Loop

The Cranberry Lake 50 is a loop trail, which means you return to the same trailhead where you started — no shuttle required. At 80 kilometers, it's a serious undertaking that earns its hard difficulty rating not so much through dramatic elevation changes as through sheer distance, remote terrain, and the cumulative demands of multi-day backcountry travel. The 305 meters of total elevation gain is relatively modest for a route this long, but don't let that fool you — the trail crosses wet ground, roots, and uneven footing that slows your pace and tests your legs over several days.

The route winds through the heart of the Five Ponds Wilderness, one of the largest designated wilderness areas in the northeastern United States. Dense mixed forest dominates much of the trail — hardwoods and conifers trading off as you move through different pockets of terrain. The canopy shifts constantly, and the understory changes with it. Stream crossings appear regularly throughout the loop, and their character varies with the season: spring runoff can make some crossings genuinely challenging, while late summer typically brings calmer water levels.

The Oswegatchie River is a defining feature of this wilderness, and the trail spends meaningful time near its banks. The river moves quietly through the forest here, and its presence shapes the whole character of the landscape — the light on the water, the sounds, the wildlife drawn to its edges. Fishing is a legitimate reason to linger.

Five Ponds Wilderness

The Five Ponds Wilderness surrounding the loop offers more than just the main trail. The Peavine Swamp Trail branches off into additional wetland terrain for those who want to explore beyond the core route. Olmstead Pond and Curtis Pond are both accessible from the broader trail network and reward the detour with quiet, reflective water set against forested shorelines.

High Falls is another standout feature within reach of the trail system — a natural waterfall that adds a different kind of energy to the landscape and makes for a compelling destination or rest stop depending on your itinerary.

The community organization Five Ponds Partners plays an active role in maintaining and stewarding the trail network throughout this area. Their work keeps the routes well-marked and the infrastructure functional, which matters a lot when you're several days from the trailhead.

Backcountry Camping

The loop includes established backcountry campsites along the way, with amenities that vary by location. Some sites offer three-sided lean-to shelters, fire rings, and pit toilets — a welcome setup after a long day on the trail. Planning your campsite stops in advance is worthwhile, especially during peak season when lean-tos can fill up. New York State DEC regulations apply throughout the Five Ponds Wilderness, so review the current rules around camping distances from water, fire restrictions, and group size limits before you go.

What to Know Before You Go

The Cranberry Lake 50 has a dedicated following, and completing the full loop is considered a genuine achievement in Adirondack hiking circles. The Adirondack Mountain Club has been involved in celebrating trail completions, reflecting the strong community that has grown around this route over the years.

The nearby hamlet of Wanakena sits close to the trail corridor and has historical ties to the logging era that shaped much of this landscape. It's a small but interesting stop for context on how the region has changed over the past century.

• Distance: 80 km (full loop)
• Elevation gain: 305 m
• Difficulty: Hard
• Estimated time: 3–5 days
• Trailhead facilities: Large parking area, map kiosk, pit toilets
• Wilderness area: Five Ponds Wilderness, Adirondack Park

Cell service is essentially nonexistent once you're out on the trail, so download your maps offline, file a trip plan with someone reliable, and carry navigation tools you know how to use.