The view of High Rock from a kayak
A large wooden bridge near the start of the High Rock trail
The view from High Rock.
The frozen Oswegatchie River.
View from High Rock in the winter.
A map of several hiking trails in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area.
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44.131974, -74.921746
High Rock
Location:
South Shore Road, Wanakena

High Rock is part of the High Falls Loop, but makes for a nice destination on its own for a day hike or an overnight. This is also a popular spot to stop while paddling the Oswegatchie River, and is located in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, a 107,230-acre wilderness with trails that can take you to some of the more remote areas in the Adirondack Park. 

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 8.2 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 375 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions

Hiking to High Rock

From the trailhead you will be on a very mellow hike along an old railroad grade, following red trail markers and blue CL50 trail markers. You cross over Skate Creek a couple times, and in some instances it can be very wet. Soon, a wide tributary of the Oswegatchie River comes into view on your right.

The flat trail continues and eventually you will come to an area where you can see the Oswegatchie River off in the distance through the trees. High Rock comes soon after with an outstanding overlook above the river. Look for the sign at the junction, which is for the 0.1 mile spur trail to High Rock on your right. There are ample designated primitive campsites at this location.

High Rock in the winter

This trail is accessible in the winter, and with the relatively flat grade for a majority of the hike, can be a decent option for those who have some experience cross-country skiing in the backcountry and want to try a higher-mileage trip. While flat, it is long and brings you deep into the backcountry, where you will likely be alone in the winter. As such, be prepared for all winter conditions. Bring layers, ample food and water, skis or snowshoes, and all other winter essentials.

Discover more trails

Looking to find some more trails to hike? With endless mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to visit in the Adirondacks, there are always more trails to discover!

Paddling to High Rock

Paddling the Oswegatchie River is a classic Adirondack trip, and the paddle to High Rock can give you a taste of what a longer trip on this river could be like. It is a 3.3 mile paddle along the winding Oswegatchie River to the base of High Rock.

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 around 0.25 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. You will have to walk back up the road for a couple hundred feet to the road on the left and walk this to its end, which is about 0.1 miles.

To paddle to High Rock: 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 36.4 miles to Inlet Road on the left, 3 miles past where you turn left to get to the hiking parking lot. Follow Inlet Road for 3 miles to the put-in on the Oswegatchie River.

 

 

The view of High Rock from a kayak
A large wooden bridge near the start of the High Rock trail
The view from High Rock.
The frozen Oswegatchie River.
View from High Rock in the winter.
A map of several hiking trails in the Five Ponds Wilderness Area.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:00

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