Hedgehog Pond Trail
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
From the trailhead you will be on a very flat cross-country ski/snowmobile trail. There is a slight climb to the intersection with the Bear Mountain Cross-over Trail on the right, remain straight. Continuing on a relatively flat passage you will have a few brook crossings before coming to an excellent viewing area out over Brandy Brook Flow, which is a long bay of Cranberry Lake.
The Burntbridge Pond Trail breaks off to the left in about 1.75 miles from Brandy Brook Flow, follow straight/right and modest grade. About 200 feet of climbing will come into play as you ski or herringbone up the slopes to the Hedgehog Pond Trail which comes in and makes a left. It is about a quarter of a mile to the pond along a flat trail.
Elevation Gain/Loss to Destination:
~200 feet of elevation change
Approximate Time, Round Trip:
Family with Kids: Not recommended due to distance and conditions
Experienced Skier: 4 to 5hours
Out of Shape/Beginner Skier: 5 to 6 hours
Distance Round Trip:
10.4 miles, loop
Trailhead Location:
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 24-miles to Brandy Brook Trailhead on the left.
Difficulty: 1=beginner, 5=advanced
Three: Mainly due to distance, but conditions can be difficult too.
Additional Important Information:
This is also a snowmobile trail, please be aware you could be sharing the trail.
Hiking
From the trailhead you will be on a very flat trail and a major part of the Cranberry 50 Trail. There is a slight climb to the intersection with the Bear Mountain Cross-over Trail on the right, remain straight. Continuing on a relatively flat passage you will have a few brook crossings before coming to an excellent viewing area out over Brandy Brook Flow, which is a long bay of Cranberry Lake. The Burntbridge Pond Trail breaks off to the left in this area. Continue straight on a modest grade. About 200 feet of climbing will come into play as you hike over the shoulder of Hedgehog Mountain to the Hedgehog Pond Trail which comes in and makes a left. It is about a quarter of a mile to the pond along a flat trail.
Trailhead Location:
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 24-miles to Brandy Brook Trailhead on the left.
Distance Round Trip:
10.4 miles
Elevation Gain or Loss:
~200’to height-of-land
Time Round Trip:
Family with Young Kids: Not recommended
Experienced Hiker: 5 to 6 hours
Out of Shape Hiker: 6 to 7 hours