Lows Lake to Cranberry Lake?

[John P]

I know there's a possible carry from Lows Lake to the Oswegatchie, but that can only get you as far as Inlet, at least according to sane people. I was looking at the topo map and trying to convince myself that there's a possible overland route from Lows Lake to Cranberry Lake, maybe via Darning Needle Pond or other intriguingly-named places. The map shows some sections of trail but nothing that goes all the way. Has anyone got some local knowledge that suggests it's possible? I'd consider (well, dream really) of going there if it could be done in a day each way. Maybe even two, if there's a stopover place that has good camping and a chance to get the boat wet and have a swim. Ideas appreciated.

[Wldrns]

I know there's a possible carry from Lows Lake to the Oswegatchie, but that can only get you as far as Inlet, at least according to sane people. I was looking at the topo map and trying to convince myself that there's a possible overland route from Lows Lake to Cranberry Lake, maybe via Darning Needle Pond or other intriguingly-named places. The map shows some sections of trail but nothing that goes all the way. Has anyone got some local knowledge that suggests it's possible? I'd consider (well, dream really) of going there if it could be done in a day each way. Maybe even two, if there's a stopover place that has good camping and a chance to get the boat wet and have a swim. Ideas appreciated.

Yes, that trail exists. It was newly cut by a trail crew not long ago from the north end of Grass Pond near campsite #32, north toward the shoulder of Wolf Mtn, dogleg left (westerly) along the ridge, then north along the east side of Fishpole Pond. From there on high ground to the east of FPP outlet, NE to a very beautiful marsh (do not go to Darning Needle unless you just want to see it). Then it connects to the older Chair Rock Creek trail into Cranberry. It's not a bad trail to follow, though it can be a bit rough in places. There are many beautiful established campsites on Low's.

One contributer to this forum annually makes the loop from Inlet to Cranberry, down this trail into Low's, then the Oswegatchie carry trail down the river returning to Inlet. All in a single day.

[Keithk]

heh

Yes, that trail exists. It was newly cut by a trail crew not long ago from the north end of Grass Pond near campsite #32, north toward the shoulder of Wolf Mtn, dogleg left (westerly) along the ridge, then north along the east side of Fishpole Pond. From there on high ground to the east of FPP outlet, NE to a very beautiful marsh (do not go to Darning Needle unless you just want to see it). Then it connects to the older Chair Rock Creek trail into Cranberry. It's not a bad trail to follow, though it can be a bit rough in places. There are many beautiful established campsites on Low's.

One contributer to this forum annually makes the loop from Inlet to Cranberry, down this trail into Low's, then the Oswegatchie carry trail down the river returning to Inlet. All in a single day.

Yea but he's special.

It took us 3 days just to get from the bog river to Inlet Note to self, next time, travel light.

[chairrock]

[QUOTE=Wldrns;60594]Yes, that trail exists. It was newly cut by a trail crew not long ago from the north end of Grass Pond near campsite #32, north toward the shoulder of Wolf Mtn, dogleg left (westerly) along the ridge, then north along the east side of Fishpole Pond. From there on high ground to the east of FPP outlet, NE to a very beautiful marsh (do not go to Darning Needle unless you just want to see it). Then it connects to the older Chair Rock Creek trail into Cranberry. It's not a bad trail to follow, though it can be a bit rough in places. There are many beautiful established campsites on Low's.


YUP! and Cranberry has tons of sites on it also.with a few around the South Bay area .

[John P]

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread, and sorry to have neglected it for so long. Maybe I'll really get out there and do it some day!

I looked at the map.
(http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=...ad27&layer=DRG)

The reason I mentioned Darning Needle Pond, apart from the intriguing name, was that the the Chair Rock Creek trail goes there. If there's a new trail via Fishpole Pond then that's a more direct route. Now, could determined (or demented) people carry boats the whole way? It looks a bit steep approaching Wolf Mountain, and it's just plain long.

[Wldrns]

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread, and sorry to have neglected it for so long. Maybe I'll really get out there and do it some day!

The reason I mentioned Darning Needle Pond, apart from the intriguing name, was that the the Chair Rock Creek trail goes there. If there's a new trail via Fishpole Pond then that's a more direct route. Now, could determined (or demented) people carry boats the whole way? It looks a bit steep approaching Wolf Mountain, and it's just plain long.

Go ahead, just plan the trip for this coming season, as "some day" may never arrive.

Darning Needle Pond is a pretty setting worth a visit, but it is not on the direct route to Low's unless you want to take the detour. I'd suggest dropping your unessential gear for the short hike on the Chair Rock Trail extension over to DNP. There is an active beaver colony on the water and between the ponds.

Of course it is possible to carry a lightweight canoe through here. It is done every year. You just have to be a bit determined and take your time, definitely with lightweight gear on a single pass trip. Do not consider taking a wheeled cart on this trail, it would be worse than worthless in most places.

[chairrock]

There is an active beaver colony on the water and between the ponds.

.

Just wondering when the last time you were in there ,Wldrns, as of August I don't remember the damn being active. Where was it?

[chairrock]

Go ahead, just plan the trip for this coming season, as "some day" may never arrive. .

Beter words could not be said! I always enjoy the planning and anticipation!

[Wldrns]

Just wondering when the last time you were in there ,Wldrns, as of August I don't remember the damn being active. Where was it?

I was last at DNP... I guess it was in 2004. I don't recall how intact the dam was at the time, but I watched a couple of beavers swimming around looking very busy. Numerous cut off pungee stick staplings were along the western shore approach slope.

[chairrock]

I was last at DNP... I guess it was in 2004. I don't recall how intact the dam was at the time, but I watched a couple of beavers swimming around looking very busy. Numerous cut off pungee stick staplings were along the western shore approach slope.

I love seeing all that stuff,they are really very busy. By this summer the whole terraine could be changed again after the spring migration and build up.I'l be up there again this summer and will post my observations as I am able.