See beaver dams on the High Falls Loop multi-day trek.
Set out in the winter and try some cold weather camping.
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44.13235, -74.917631
High Falls Loop
Location:
South Shore Road, Wanakena
Additional Info:
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The High Falls Loop can be done as a long day hike, but is much better enjoyed as an overnight backpacking trip, with a couple different options for camping. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit High Falls, a smaller waterfall in a beautiful setting within the Five Ponds Wilderness Area.

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 16.2 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 750 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions, bridges, a road walk, and water crossings
  • Based on a loop hike, with a stop at High Falls

Hiking the High Falls Loop

The High Falls Loop Trail connects the Dead Creek Flow trailhead with the High Falls trailhead. For being over 15 miles round trip, the elevation gain is low. To start, park at the Dead Creek Flow trailhead and do the road walk to the High Falls trailhead, this way you can avoid the road walk at the end of the trip. The High Falls trailhead is around 0.5 miles from the Dead Creek Flow trailhead.

The trail parallels Skate Creek along an old railroad bed. After a few miles of slightly hilly terrain, and some beaver activity, you'll reach the 0.1 mile spur trail near High Rock (not to be confused with High Falls), where there is one site for a tent.

Continuing from this spot, you'll reach a junction at 8 miles in. To your right is a long trail to Sand Lake. You'll want to continue straight. At 9 miles in, there's a junction. Turn right onto the spur trail that heads for 0.4 miles to High Falls. There are two lean-tos in this area, one on each side of the river. This is an excellent spot for swimming, and likely where you'd want to camp on this adventure.

From High Falls, continue back to the Cranberry Lake 50 trail, and turn right. At 12.5 total miles another junction appears. Right continues on the Cranberry Lake 50 towards Cat Mountain. Turning left leads to Janacks Landing (not included in this trip, but does made a wonderful side trip if you want to add some mileage, or stay at the lean-to). At 13.4 miles in, keep left at the Janacks Landing junction. You'll swing around the southern portion of Cranberry Lake, and eventually end up at where you parked your car.

High Falls Loop in the winter

For the experienced skier, this long trail is a big adventure. You can do it all at once if you have the experience, but a few miles on the trail is nice too. Please do not attempt if you don't have experience with big mileage or winter camping. Be prepared for all winter conditions, have the right gear, and be careful around frozen bodies of water.

Discover more trails near Tupper Lake

Does the High Falls Loop 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. Turn left 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 on the left and walk this to its end, which is about 0.1 miles.

Waterfront Sites, Wooded Sites
See beaver dams on the High Falls Loop multi-day trek.
Set out in the winter and try some cold weather camping.
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Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:00

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