Current conditions around Cranberry Lake?

[what'sinaname]

Has anyone been up to the Cranberry Lake area recently? We're looking at doing a slower (little people) hike around the High Falls Loop and possibly Cat Mountain this weekend (Oct 21-24) and want to make sure all goes well.

Also, does anyone know if hunting is allowed in that area (I'm still looking for extra orange stuff!!!) and if the season's started? Better off knowing!

Thanks

[what'sinaname]

Take this as a Trip Report

Well, I had a hard time getting any real pre-trip info, but we went anyway.

Started out after noon on Friday the 21st, so we decided to start at Dead Flow Creak instead of the standard loop to guarantee us a nice spot. Two miles later, the kids were helping with the tent at the first real campsite on Cranberry Lake and the campfire.

On Sat. morning, we packed up to head towards Jannacks lean-too, with plans of using it as a base while we did the falls and Cat Mountain. But the trail was REALLY wet , no flooded, with the walkways just before the turn off to Jannacks being under at least 6 in. of water and some having floated away twds the lake, so we turned back and reset camp at the second site. However, it seems that the group from STU and the group with the mules made it around, as we saw them Sun. at the parking.

The second campsite (#37?) is a nice destination for the kids. Adrien enjoyed jumping to that big rock. Unfortunately, the rain started around supper time Sat. so that put a damper on the spirits and the camp (sorry for getting into that nice camp wood under the tarp).

Sunday, the tent was thourally drenched, so we headded back out at that point. However, the view of the hills was amazing, all covered in ice. AND the geese are very busy!

[Hakuna Matada]

That is certainly a beautiful area. We have done plenty of hikes and skis in that area. You will have to go back and do Cat Mountain sometime. It has nice views for little effort. Here is a picture I took last year at Glasby Pond on the way to Cat Mt.

[what'sinaname]

Wow, wonderful picture.

We actually did Cat Mountain this spring with the kids in the spring (didn't want to scare them the first time out and wanted to be able to do the lean-too thing). My son wanted to try it again, perhaps because the height spooked him last time but now he's bigger (turned 6 over the summer!). And I thought that area would be very scenic in the fall. Perhaps for another time.

[ADKlvr]

Hello, Spent second weekend of june on top of Cat Mtn. (8 of us) and 8 more at Janacks lean2,base camping. We had 16 on the mountain for dinner, others left for a swim and we stayed for the show..... The stars.....Wow. I crashed right on the rocks with just a pad and was fine. A great place to take kids and the Eagle can be seen flying by....Truly a grand sight. Went back through that area July 20th had lunch at small site on Gadsby's pond (as usual) and onwards to Cowhorn Pond Lean2, traversed six mile trail to sliding rock and acrossun-registered trail to Chair rock flow and down to Darningneedle for night 2, Onward to grassy pond and Lowes lake site 23 for night 3, Most of the trails are easy to follow in the region, and much beaver activity West of High Falls and Plains trail jct towards trail south to 5 ponds complex lean2, had to pull off hiking boots and wade through 4-6" once you clear 5-ponds trail easy but long walk back around to wannakena trail ends behind tennis courts. Go slow and be aware of natural springs in the area for water, never had a bear sighting in that area, and always a puddle of water to jump into and cool off, Great place for kids.