Cranberry Lake 50 Loop Trail

Cranberry Lake 50 Loop Trail is a 48.7-mile loop in the Five Ponds Wilderness of New York, managed by the State Department of Conservation. The route is a back-loaded climb, starting at about 1,645 feet and rising to a high point of 1,930 feet, with a total elevation gain of 3,082 feet. It is rated expert, so plan on a long, challenging day on foot. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Wanakena run to highs around 79°F in July, with lows in the mid-50s. That station sits about 420 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the higher ground run cooler. The Oswegatchie River, about 1.7 miles away, offers canoeing. Dead Creek Flow Trail and Cat Mountain Trail are both within about 3 miles, and Big Deer Pond Trail is about 3.9 miles off.