Lows Lake

About Lows Lake

The best of the Adirondacks is Cranberry Lake, but it is located in upstate New York, north of Lake Champlain in upstate New Hampshire. Although the AdirONDacks are known for their resorts, most of the coast is state-owned and a few former lodges still exist. With a population of only about 1,000 people and an area of just over 1.5 square miles, Cranberries Lake is one of the least developed lakes in the region.

Instead, it's anchored by trails that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, and the only campsite in upstate New York operated by the Department of Environmental Protection is a favorite for those looking for a quiet campsite in the middle of nature. Cranberry Lake, which covers nearly 7,000 acres, offers some of the most beautiful views of all Adirondacks, from Lake Champlain in New Hampshire to Lake George in Vermont. Here nature is in all its glory, with a multitude of lakes, rivers, streams, lakeparks and hiking trails, as well as a large number of paths.

Cranberry Lake was originally a lake on the Oswegatchie River, which grew when the first pipe and trunk dam was built at the exit in 1864. The first campsites were built by the Civil Defence during the Depression, and the modern dam, built in 1916, dates back to the 1930s.

Much of the coast is inhabited by the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest, and private lodges are located about 70 miles from the lakeside. The few commercial accommodation still available offer access to the lake and a number of private campsites on the shore and in the forest.

A small part of the densely wooded coastline is dominated by only two small towns, and the village of Cranberry Lake is located on the northwestern arm. The city of St. John, New York, the largest city in the village of Cranberries Lake, is located on the shore and has about 1,000 inhabitants.

Cranberry Lake allows all types of boats, even motorized ones, although the limited launch possibilities keep the number low. Public launch sites are located near the dam and in the village of Cranberries Lake, but not on the lake itself.

The only marina on the lake selling boats and gas is also nearby, and commercial lodges allow guests to bring their own boats.
Most of the sea traffic is carried out by fishing boats, canoes and kayaks, with a small number of kayakers and paddle boaters, as well as some kayakers and swimmers.

Several public islands in the lake allow canoeing and exploring the surrounding area, and many of the arms and coves within the bay itself are ideal for paddling. Several rivers, such as the Oswegatchie, are suitable for canoes, often lonely campsites. There are almost a dozen canoe moorings around the lake and each campsite has its own parking space, where you can start a canoe or kayak directly from the camper.

Three public beaches are located in the lake, one on the east side of the bay, the other two on a private island and one at the north end of a public beach.

The biggest attraction on the lake is fishing. On the shore there is a fishing pier and a day trip spot for children and disabled people, where you can look for a large catch. Trout have been farmed for many years, but anglers still enjoy a lot of sport. Brown trout and brown trout can be caught both in the lake and from the streams that flow into it.

At some point, pike were illegally planted in the lake, but they continue to thrive and special regulations allow ice fishing with pike without size restrictions. Kayaks are very popular on the flat areas of the area, where many old stumps are located.

Head to shady Cranberry Lake Campground to explore one of New York's most popular hiking and camping areas. The campsites at Cranberries Lake are between 1,000 and 2,500 square meters in size and offer plenty of space for camping and hiking between the campsites.

The hiking trails offer beautiful views and are a good alternative to the more popular trails in the area such as the Hudson River Trail.

Bear Mountain dominates the peninsula where Cranberry Lake campsite is located, with a path that leads from the campsite to the summit and then along the lakeside, where it finally meets State Highway 3. The Cranberries Lake 50 Trail leaves the lake and winds around Cranberry Lake, bypassing a number of ponds and mountains, and offering scenic views of the river, lake and nearby Hudson River. If you want to spend several days in the wilderness, the Cranberry Lake 50 is a great option for a day trip or even a one-day hike.

Nearby, snowmobiling trails lead through the area to Canada, and while the campsite is closed in winter, the trails are often used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A number of private cabins and campsites are available throughout the week, but permits and regulations must be obtained from Adirondack Park employees. Some of the local cabins stay open in winter to accommodate snowmobiles, but you need to obtain a permit and an ordinance from an Adirsondacks Park employee.

Several small towns in the area offer local cafes and grocery stores, while farmers markets and small inns offer a variety of food and beverages for residents and visitors. Adirondack Park is managed by the New York Department of Environmental Protection (NYS DEC), so there are no restrictions on the use of the paths or access to the paths of the park, and the nearest major city is Watertown, about 70 miles west.

A side trip to Cranberry Lake is the Wild Center at nearby Raquette Pond, and there is an exhibit at the Natural History Museum of the Adirondack Park Administration, which is run and devoted to the natural history of the Adirsondacks Mountains. The exhibition allows visitors to see a variety of native animals and natural habitats, as well as learn about the past and future of this region.

Cranberry Lake is never short of attractions and activities; in fact, you probably just lack time. The Adirondack Museum is open year-round, as are the other Great Lodges, and although it is open, it is only open in the summer months.