Cranberry Lake, New York

Hidden deep within the western Adirondacks, Cranberry Lake is one of New York State’s largest and most scenic freshwater lakes. Surrounded by vast forests, wilderness areas, and hundreds of miles of recreational opportunities, the hamlet of Cranberry Lake and the lake itself offer visitors an authentic Adirondack experience far removed from busy resort communities. Located in the Town of Clifton in St. Lawrence County, Cranberry Lake has become a favorite destination for campers, anglers, paddlers, hikers, snowmobilers, and anyone seeking the quiet beauty of the Adirondack Park. The lake covers nearly 7,000 acres with more than 70 miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest lakes entirely within the Adirondack Park.

Long before European settlement, Indigenous peoples traveled these waters while hunting and navigating the forests of the western Adirondacks. During the nineteenth century, logging transformed the region as timber companies harvested vast stands of spruce, pine, and hardwood forests. The construction of a log crib dam in 1867 dramatically expanded the size of the lake to improve navigation and regulate the flow of the Oswegatchie River. A concrete dam replaced the original structure in 1916 and continues to define the lake as it exists today.

Although the logging era has faded into history, Cranberry Lake remains closely connected to New York’s forestry heritage. Today, more than forty miles of the shoreline are protected as public land, preserving much of the lake’s natural character. The surrounding forests include portions of the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, the Five Ponds Wilderness, and several conservation easement lands that together protect tens of thousands of acres of Adirondack wilderness. These public lands provide outstanding opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, backcountry camping, paddling, hunting, and cross-country skiing throughout the year.

Outdoor recreation defines life at Cranberry Lake. Anglers pursue brook trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and other freshwater species, while boaters explore secluded coves, forested shorelines, and quiet bays. The Cranberry Lake Campground, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, continues to welcome generations of campers. Nearby hiking trails range from short family walks to the renowned Cranberry Lake 50, a fifty-mile backpacking loop that circles much of the lake and has become one of the Adirondacks’ premier long-distance hiking experiences.

The nearby hamlet of Wanakena, connected to Cranberry Lake by Route 3, adds to the area’s unique character through its history, outdoor education, and connection to the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Ranger School. Together, Cranberry Lake and Wanakena represent one of the Adirondacks’ most important centers for wilderness recreation, forestry education, and environmental stewardship.

Unlike many of the Adirondacks’ larger tourist destinations, Cranberry Lake has retained a peaceful atmosphere that appeals to visitors looking to disconnect from busy schedules and reconnect with nature. The area offers exceptional stargazing, abundant wildlife, pristine waterways, and some of the most remote landscapes remaining in New York State. Whether arriving by canoe, fishing boat, hiking boots, snowmobile, or simply by car along scenic Route 3, visitors quickly discover why Cranberry Lake is considered one of the Adirondacks’ hidden gems.

The Watertown Post provides continuing coverage of Cranberry Lake, including outdoor recreation, conservation, tourism, environmental issues, forestry, fishing, hiking, camping, local government, transportation, and community events. Whether reporting on trail improvements, campground projects, land conservation, seasonal recreation, or developments affecting the western Adirondacks, our mission is to document one of Northern New York’s most remarkable wilderness destinations.

Quick Facts

Official Name: Cranberry Lake

County: St. Lawrence County, New York

Town: Clifton

Region: Western Adirondacks / Adirondack Park

Lake Size: Approximately 6,995 acres

Shoreline: Approximately 71 miles

Elevation: 1,485 feet

Maximum Depth: Approximately 38 feet

Primary Waterway: Oswegatchie River

Major Highway: New York State Route 3

Distance to Watertown: Approximately 90 miles

Primary Industries:

• Outdoor Recreation
• Tourism
• Forestry
• Hospitality
• Environmental Education

Major Attractions:

• Cranberry Lake
• Cranberry Lake Campground
• Cranberry Lake Wild Forest
• Cranberry Lake 50 Trail
• Five Ponds Wilderness
• Wanakena
• SUNY ESF Ranger School
• Oswegatchie River

Popular Activities:

• Fishing
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Hiking
• Backpacking
• Camping
• Snowmobiling
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Wildlife Photography

Related Topics

• Adirondack Park
• Western Adirondacks
• St. Lawrence County
• Town of Clifton
• Wanakena
• Star Lake
• Tupper Lake
• Five Ponds Wilderness
• Cranberry Lake Wild Forest
• Oswegatchie River
• Grass River Wild Forest
• Cranberry Lake 50
• Adirondack Forest Preserve
• New York State Route 3
• Hiking
• Fishing Reports
• Camping
• Snowmobiling

Latest Watertown Post Coverage

Browse below for the latest Watertown Post reporting on Cranberry Lake, including outdoor recreation, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, conservation, forestry, environmental issues, community events, tourism, and everything happening throughout one of the Adirondacks’ largest and most beautiful lakes.