Cranberry Lake 50 Loop Trail

The Cranberry Lake 50 Loop Trail is a 79-kilometre loop trail in the Adirondack Park of northern New York State, United States, circumnavigating the wild shoreline of Cranberry Lake with approximately 900 m of elevation gain spread across gradual, forested terrain. Rated moderate, it passes through old-growth forests, pristine backcountry ponds, and a hauntingly beautiful glaciated landscape that makes it one of the Adirondacks' most rewarding multi-day wilderness circuits.

About the Cranberry Lake 50 Loop Trail

Known locally as the CL50, the Cranberry Lake 50 is a 50-mile (79 km) loop encircling Cranberry Lake — the third-largest lake entirely within the Adirondack Park — in St. Lawrence County, New York. Developed as a long-distance hiking challenge in the tradition of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks, the CL50 offers an accessible multi-day adventure through New York's least-visited wild lands.

Unlike many Adirondack routes that demand relentless vertical gain, the CL50 is defined by its remarkable gentleness. Individual ascents rarely exceed 60–90 metres, yet the accumulated experience — ancient hardwood stands, mirror-flat beaver flowages, rocky glaciated ridges, and solitary woodland ponds — delivers a wilderness immersion few trails in the Northeast can match. The route crosses two distinct land designations: the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, each with its own character and regulations.

Most hikers complete the loop over three days, covering roughly 26 km per day, though fast-packers have finished in under 24 hours and leisurely parties spread the adventure across a week. Seven trailheads are spaced around the lake, making it equally possible to hike individual sections over several visits. Completion earns a distinctive embroidered patch — a tradition among Adirondack challenge hikers.

The trail follows 11 named segments connected into a continuous loop: the Cowhorn Junction Trail, High Falls Loop, Wanakena Trail, Peavine Swamp Trail, Cranberry Lake Trail, East Connector Trail, Burntbridge Pond Trail, Dog Pond Trail, Otter Brook Trail, South Bay Trail, and Six-Mile Creek Trail. Clockwise travel from Wanakena is the unofficial local preference, as it tends to place the gradual ascent on the correct side of each climb. A network of lean-tos at High Falls, Burntbridge Pond, Dog Pond, and South Bay provides excellent overnight options without the need to carry heavy shelter systems.

Route Overview & Stages

The loop divides naturally into three roughly equal hiking days, each covering a distinct geographical arc of the lake. The table below reflects a clockwise start from Wanakena, the tiny forest hamlet at the lake's western inlet reached via a unique pedestrian suspension bridge.

Portions of the loop follow smooth historic logging roads dating to the early twentieth century, enabling fast travel on solid footing. Other stretches cross rougher ground with exposed roots and wet sections after rain. Allow extra time on the northern arc during the shoulder season, when saturated soils on the Peavine Swamp Trail can slow progress significantly.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• High Falls: A multi-tiered cascade on the Oswegatchie River, one of the most photographed spots in the western Adirondacks. A lean-to sits directly beside the falls, making it an obvious and scenic first-night camp on a clockwise loop.
• Five Ponds Wilderness Area: The largest designated wilderness in the Adirondacks east of the Mississippi River, crossed on the northern arc. Strictly protected with no motorised access and a 9-person group camping cap, it preserves an authentic backcountry atmosphere rarely found in the Northeast.
• Cranberry Lake: At roughly 4,900 hectares, the lake is the defining geographic feature of the entire trail. From multiple points on the southern and eastern arc, open water views frame the surrounding boreal forest in both sunrise and sunset light.
• Burntbridge Pond: A secluded backcountry pond near the eastern halfway point, ringed by yellow birch and glacial erratics. Its lean-to makes a natural midpoint camp with calm, reflective water at dawn.
• Dog Pond: A quiet kettlehole pond formed by glacial meltwater, with excellent opportunities to spot moose wading in the shallows during the early morning hours. A short spur from the Dog Pond Trail reaches the shoreline.
• Peavine Swamp: A broad, open wetland on the northern section hosting active beaver dams, great blue herons, and occasional black bear sightings. Boardwalks span the wettest passages, though early-season flooding can still require wading.
• Cowhorn Junction: A trail confluence set in old-growth softwood forest on the northwest corner of the loop. The surrounding trees escaped the most aggressive Adirondack logging era and include specimens well over a century old.
• Wanakena: The tiny hamlet (population under 100) at the trail's most popular start point, accessible via its iconic pedestrian suspension bridge over the Oswegatchie River. The Wanakena General Store is a beloved institution for pre-trail resupply.

Best Time to Hike the Cranberry Lake 50 Loop Trail

The CL50 has a defined hiking season running from late May through mid-October. Each period offers a distinct experience.

Late May – June: Wildflowers peak and the forest reaches intense early-summer green, but this period coincides with the Adirondacks' notorious black fly season — typically worst in the first two weeks of June. Water levels are high, and the Peavine Swamp section may require wet crossings. Prepared hikers with a head net and permethrin-treated clothing can enjoy relatively empty trails.

July: Warm and reliable, with long daylight hours stretching past 8:30 p.m. Mosquitoes remain active through mid-month near the swamp and pond sections. Midday temperatures average 22–27 °C. Lean-to demand peaks on weekends; arriving at camp by early afternoon secures a spot.

August is the single best month to hike the Cranberry Lake 50. Insect pressure drops sharply after the first week, trail surfaces are typically dry and well-draining, and temperatures sit at a comfortable 18–25 °C. Brief afternoon thunderstorms are the main weather risk, usually clearing within the hour. As of 2026, August remains the sweet spot endorsed by Adirondack trail maintainers and repeat CL50 finishers alike.

September: Foliage begins mid-month and the trail becomes visually spectacular by the third week. Crowds are minimal, insects are gone, and daytime temperatures sit at an ideal 12–20 °C. Nights drop sharply — budget for temperatures near 4 °C by late September, requiring a warmer sleeping system than summer hikers carry.

October: Peak colour but rapidly shortening days and below-freezing nights from mid-month onward. Suitable for experienced four-season backpackers only.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The CL50 is designed for backcountry camping. Adirondack lean-tos — the classic three-sided wooden shelters — are spaced along the entire route at High Falls, Burntbridge Pond, Dog Pond, South Bay, and additional locations. All lean-tos are free, first-come first-served, and cannot be reserved. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the route, subject to a 60-metre setback from water bodies and trails.

For hikers combining trail days with town nights, Cranberry Lake village (approximately 5 km from Wanakena) offers basic motel accommodation starting around $90–130 per night (roughly €83–120) and a small grocery store for resupply. Tupper Lake, about 40 km east, provides a wider range of lodging including lakeside cabins from $100/night (~€92).

Getting There & Back

The most popular trailhead is in Wanakena, New York, on County Route 61 in St. Lawrence County. A small free parking area sits at the trailhead. Since the route is a loop, any of the seven trailheads serves equally as a start and finish.

By car from Syracuse, NY (approximately 220 km south): take I-81 north to US-11, then NY-3 west — roughly 2.5 hours. From Ottawa, Canada (approximately 160 km northeast): cross via the Ogdensburg–Prescott International Bridge and follow NY-68 south to NY-3 — roughly 2 hours.

The nearest commercial airports are Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) at 2.5 hours by car and Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) at approximately 2 hours. No public transit reaches Wanakena; a rental car or private shuttle is required. Local outfitters in Cranberry Lake village occasionally coordinate drop-off and pick-up services.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to hike or camp on the Cranberry Lake 50. The trail runs entirely through New York State Forest Preserve land, which is constitutionally protected as "forever wild" and open to the public at no cost. Key regulations to observe:

• Maximum group size of 9 people when camping anywhere in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area
• All camping must be at least 60 metres from any water body or trail
• Campfires permitted only in existing fire rings; a stove is always the safer choice
• All waste must be packed out; no burying of food scraps
• Camping within 100 metres of an occupied lean-to is not permitted

The official Cranberry Lake 50 Pocket Guide from the Adirondack Mountain Club costs $9.95 and includes detailed section-by-section descriptions, all lean-to locations, and a waterproof map. It is strongly recommended for first-time visitors.

Gear & Packing List

The CL50 is a genuine multi-day wilderness route with no resupply mid-loop and sections where assistance is a long way off. Pack with that reality in mind.

Backpack: A 50–65 L pack suits most 3-night trips carrying food and a sleep system. The Osprey Aether 65 earns consistent praise for its load transfer and weather-resistant build. Hikers reducing base weight can consider the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L — a high-capacity ultralight option — or the compact Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider for a sub-1 kg pack. Our Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026 guide covers the full field.

Shelter: Lean-tos eliminate tent weight if you are flexible on timing, but a lightweight tarp or bivy provides essential insurance when they are occupied on busy summer weekends. Nights below 5 °C occur from mid-September.

Insect protection: Non-negotiable for June and July. A head net, permethrin-treated clothing, and DEET-based repellent earn their weight on the Peavine Swamp section in particular.

Water filter: Multiple stream crossings and pond sources are available throughout the loop; treat all water given high beaver activity in swamp sections. A squeeze-style filter or UV purifier is standard.

Food: Expect to burn 600–800 kcal per hour of hiking in Adirondack conditions, more in cool or wet weather. Our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day breaks down the calculation for multi-day trips with variable terrain.

Navigation: Cell coverage along much of the northern arc is nonexistent. Download offline maps before departure and carry a GPS track. The ADK pocket guide paired with a downloaded trail file is the standard combination among CL50 regulars.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Cranberry Lake 50's combination of remote forest, lake scenery, and multi-day wilderness appeals to you, these United States trails offer comparable or complementary experiences — ranging from desert canyon descents to high alpine ridgelines.

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — a dramatic rim-to-river descent into the Grand Canyon with unobstructed panoramic views at every switchback
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — the classic canyon-floor route that connects the North Rim to the river, ideal for a full Grand Canyon crossing
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — a short but spectacular slot canyon in Zion National Park with sculpted sandstone walls
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — a high-elevation Yosemite ridge walk with sweeping views over Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon
• Panorama Trail (United States) — a classic Yosemite Valley loop through waterfalls and granite scenery accessible to most fit day hikers

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Cranberry Lake 50?
August is the single best month. Insect pressure drops sharply after the first week, trail surfaces are dry, and temperatures average a comfortable 18–25 °C with only brief afternoon thunderstorms. September is excellent for autumn foliage with minimal crowds and ideal daytime temperatures, but nights fall close to freezing by late in the month — pack a warmer sleep system. Avoid the first two weeks of June if black flies are a concern.

How difficult is the Cranberry Lake 50?
The CL50 is rated moderate. No single climb exceeds 60–90 metres of continuous gain, and most of the trail follows forested paths and historic logging roads with relatively smooth footing. The challenge is cumulative: 79 km over multiple days with a weighted pack, potential wet crossings on the Peavine Swamp section, and occasional blowdowns after storms. Hikers with basic backpacking experience and reasonable cardiovascular fitness handle it comfortably.

How far should I plan to hike each day?
Three days is the most common completion format, with daily distances of 25–27 km. This is a moderate daily mileage but accounts for pack weight, navigation time, and rest stops at scenic points. A four-day itinerary at around 20 km per day offers a more relaxed pace with time to explore spur trails to Dog Pond and the High Falls area. Fast-packers have completed the full loop in a single 24-hour push.

Are there shelters or huts along the route?
Yes — Adirondack lean-tos are spaced throughout the loop at High Falls, Burntbridge Pond, Dog Pond, and South Bay, among other locations. They are free, first-come first-served, and cannot be reserved in advance. Each lean-to sleeps 4–6 people comfortably. During summer weekends, lean-tos at popular spots fill by mid-afternoon, so carrying a tarp as backup is strongly advised. There are no staffed huts or commercial facilities on the trail itself.

Do I need a permit to hike the Cranberry Lake 50?
No permit is required. The trail crosses New York State Forest Preserve land, which is free and open to the public. The only formal camping restriction is a maximum group size of 9 people in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area — no exceptions. Standard Adirondack camping rules apply throughout: 60-metre setback from water, pack out all waste, and use existing fire rings only. Register at trailhead registers where available, as this data directly supports NYSDEC trail maintenance prioritisation.