Cat Mountain is a short summit located in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, located near the southern tip of Cranberry Lake. Often a side trip for those hiking the Cranberry Lake 50, this can be a great full-day hike option for those looking for a quiet and remote hike.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 10.6 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,060 feet
• Elevation: 2257’
• Hike includes trail junctions

Hiking Cat Mountain

The trail starts out rather easily as it follows an old railroad grade for quite some distance; only small gentle hills will bring you to the shore of Cranberry Lake. You will make your way around Dead Creek Flow on an easy trail and soon come to a major intersection. Left will bring you to Janacks Landing and straight is to Cat Mountain. Be sure to sign in and out at this trail register as well. Another mile will get you to another major intersection with High Falls; hang a left here for Cat Mountain. You will pass by Glasby Pond on a narrow, and at times muddy, trail. A few rolling hills will bring you to the final intersection with the Cat Mountain summit trail on the left. 

The summit offers outstanding views from its partially bald summit. A firetower used to be located here.

Cat Mountain in the winter

You can still get to the trailhead parking in the winter. Expect to be breaking trail, as this hike does not see a lot of traffic in the winter. Because of its long approach, experienced crosscountry skiers could do the approach on skis. Otherwise, make sure you are prepared for all winter conditions, bring snowshoes and microspikes, and tell somewhere where you are headed.

Discover more trails in Tupper Lake

Does Cat Mountain sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with endless mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to visit in the Adirondacks, we are sure we can help you discover a trail that’s just right!

How to get there

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake follow Route 3 toward Cranberry Lake. Follow Route 3 for 33.4 miles to CR61 (Wanakena Road) on the left. Follow here and stay straight on the main road to South Shore Road. Follow South Shore Road for 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking on the right.