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Dog Pond Loop
Location:
Route 3, Cranberry Lake

The Dog Pond Loop is a long day hike or shorter backpacking route Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, sharing portions of the Cranberry Lake 50.

Key takeaways

  • Distance: 19 miles round trip
  • Elevation gain: 1,920 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions, water crossings, and bridges

Hiking the Dog Pond Loop

From the trailhead you will be on a very flat trail which is part of the Cranberry 50 Trail. There is a slight climb to the intersection with the Bear Mountain Cross-over Trail on the right at 1.4 miles, 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 at 3.0 miles, which is a long bay of Cranberry Lake. The Burntbridge Pond Trail breaks off to the left which is the backside of this loop (you'll come back this way). 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 at 5.2 miles. Hedgehog Pond is a short, easy 0.2 miles away. 

The trail continues to consist of undulating hills as you pass by East Inlet, Curtis Pond, Irish Pond, and then to the trail for Dog Pond at 9.7 miles in. Dog Pond is a short distance down a secondary trail on the right. There is a modest climb out from the Dog Pond area as you pass between Dog Pond and Bear Mountains. A long descent and more rolling hills will bring you to the short spur trail to Burntbridge pond at 13.75 miles. This is one of your options for camping if you are packpacking the route, since there is a lean-to and privy at the west side of the pond. Adding this lean-to onto your trip will tack on 2.3 miles and 100 feet of elevation gain. Turn left here to head back to Brandy Brook Flow and eventually the parking area. 

Dog Pond Loop in the winter

This backcountry loop is seldombly used in the winter, and would be dangerous for inexperienced winter hikers. Do not expect any of this trail to be broken out. If you an experienced winter camper and hiker, take caution if you decide to do this trail. Be prepared for all winter conditions.

Discover more trails near Tupper Lake

Does the Dog Pond 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 24 miles to the Brandy Brook Trailhead on the left.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:01