In May 2023 I hiked about 45 miles of the Cranberry Lake 50. I was not prepared for the black flies that met me on the trail, and left the trail early to spare myself from their wrath.
So, I went back at the end of April to finish it up with my dog and boyfriend! We had great weather and no bugs. I just wanted to talk about those last couple of miles in regards to trail conditions, walking with your dog, and camp spots.
We started clockwise from Wanakena on April 27th. We left around 11 am to give us enough time to hike about 12 miles. The first couple of miles were great. The trail was dry and wide which was nice for the three of us. It was mostly soft dirt trail with some small rocks and creeks here and there. I wouldn’t worry about carrying water through these 10 or so miles because there are several water sources along the trail. Some small stagnant puddles, ponds, and some creeks.
There were about three or four bodies of water that were impacted by beaver dams. Although these dams took us a while to walk by, they were not impassible for us. At our first beaver dam excursion we just walked along where there seemed to be a herd path, this kept our feet dry for the most part. Cash, my dog, didn’t care if his feet were wet. He slurped up the still water too, even though we walked by several other more appealing water sources. I also wanted to note that dogs are just as capable of getting Giardia as humans. So, if you are hiking with your dog you might want to consider filtering their drinking water too. I don’t take the time to do it because Cash just doesn’t seem to enjoy drinking clean water out of a bowl as much as he does drinking it from a dirty pond. To each their own I guess.
There was one tricky beaver dam where the trail wasn’t obviously marked. It just looked like we would have to ford the pond. Eventually we found a way through and managed to stay somewhat dry. When it comes to the Cranberry Lake 50, I’d say give yourself more time than you think you will need because the dams can be a bit tricky and time costly.
Eventually we made it to Camp 28 which is just off the trail on the Oswegatchie River. There we had lunch and enjoyed the river. If you are hiking the trail I’d say this is a great campsite to plan to stay at. The privy is just up the hill and you get a great view of the river while doing your business. There is room for about 1 -2 tents there.
We trekked on after our lunch of bagel and cheese sandwiches.
The trail was still relatively flat and easy going. There aren’t any expansive views of the area until you get to the lake. Still, it is a great walk in the woods.
After Campsite 28 there are more campsites along the trail that have nice views of a little meadow and are close to water.
Glasby Pond also has a nice campsite with a good view.
My finishing point of the Cranberry Lake 50 was at Glasby Pond so we had a brief high five celebration. Then we trekked on since it was getting late and we wanted to get to camp. We turned onto the Dead Creek Flow trail which led us to a great campsite on the water. Big trees, a fire ring, and a flat durable tent spot. We had enough room for our 3 person tent which was nice, we were also the only ones there. We had a nice dinner consisting of knorrs, instant rice and curry, and almonds. It was delicious after hiking for most of the day. We saw maybe 4 people that first day. No one else camped at our site. I would also like to mention that the privy at this campsite is pretty exposed. You are up on the hill, with little to no tree or brush cover. Someone walking on the trail could easily see you. Not sure why they picked that spot for the privy.
In the morning we packed up and hiked the last 2 ish miles back to the car. The trail is a bit more hilly on the Dead Creek Flow trail, but nothing terrible. The last .25 of the way back to the car was paved road so just keep that in mind when you are planning your hike.
We only saw one other dog on the trail, and they were leashed!
Overall the trail was relatively flat, dry, and great for an overnighter. I would not go at the height of black fly or mosquito season. I think early summer or early fall would be favorable times to hike. This trail also has several privy’s which are a huge plus. They are located near campsites.
Cash wears his own backpack when we go camping and was able to hike the trail easily. I wear a “hands-free” leash that clips around my waist when we hike or walk together. I think this is the easiest way to go when hiking with dogs. They are still under your control and you don’t have to fuss with holding the leash the whole time. I also bring dog poop bags and keep my trowel handy. If your dog poops you are responsible to pick up after them. This could mean picking it up in a poop bag or digging a hole and burying their poop like you would for yourself.
The Cranberry Lake 50 has several trailheads you can access the trail from which is nice if you wanted to plan a shorter hike or do it in sections. There is also a free map of the trail here. If you finish the trail you can also receive a patch and certificate. Check out this website to learn more.
If you want to try backpacking out, I think this trail would be a great introduction.
Hannah the hiker 
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