The rural town of Cranberry Lake is in a remote area of northern New York on the shores of the nearly nine-mile-long Cranberry Lake. The region's numerous state parks, including the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers in the summer to snowmobilers in the winter. There are numerous snowmobile trails in and around Cranberry Lake.
Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, which has more than 24,000 acres, has two snowmobile trails measuring 9.4 miles, 2.6 of which are labeled the Wanakena Snowmobile Trail. Built along an original road that runs to the nearby hamlet of Wanakena, New York, the trail forms a loop with nearby Moores Trail. Amenities at Cranberry Lake Wild Forest include restrooms, picnic tables and a dump station. The area is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Scenic Cranberry Lake Wild Forest is also home to the Burntbridge Pond Snowmobile Trail, a 6.8-mile snowmobile trail that originates in a parking lot, providing easy access for snowmobilers. The trail follows an old railroad bed and is joined by another trail, the Campground Trail. This snowmobile trail passes by an old logging camp and continues along several roads once carved into the forest for logging operations. There is no admission fee for these trails.
Less than 30 miles away from Cranberry Lake, at the Carry Falls Reservoir, is the Bear Brook Trail. Approximately 1.4 miles of this trail is along state-reserved land managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The trail then runs into easement territory -- essentially private land on which snowmobiles are permitted. Snowmobile use is restricted to trails that are adequately marked; for a New York State Snowmobile Trail System map, contact the Department of Environmental Conservation.
