Adirondack Backpacking Adventure (Sept 2026)

Deep in the Five Ponds Wilderness, the High Falls Loop from Wanakena, NY, delivers a quintessential 4-day, 3-night Adirondack trek past winding river oxbows, roaring cascades, and panoramic granite summits.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Trailhead to High Rock (4 miles)
  Depart from the High Falls Trailhead in Wanakena. The route follows an easy-gradient historic railroad bed alongside Skate Creek, cutting through dense spruce-fir forest and active beaver flowages. Reach High Rock by late afternoon to set up camp on a high bluff overlooking a dramatic oxbow bend in the Oswegatchie River.
• Day 2: High Rock to High Falls (5 miles)
  Hike alongs the curves of the Oswegatchie River. Cross old-growth stands of eastern white pine (some big ones!) and yellow birch while navigating wet sections caused by active beaver dams. End the day at High Falls, where the river spills over ancient bedrock. Settle into one of the riverbank primitive tent sites, leaving plenty of daylight for swimming or exploring the cascades.
• Day 3: High Falls to Cat Mountain & Janacks Landing (6.5 miles)
  Leave High Falls and head spur trail up Cat Mountain (1,982 ft), a short climb rewarding you with 360-degree views of Cranberry Lake, the Five Ponds Wilderness, and the High Peaks on a clear day. Descend past Glasby Pond to Janacks Landing on the south shore of Cranberry Lake for your final night.
  
  
• Day 4: Janacks Landing to Wanakena (5.5 miles)
  Finish the loop along the flat Dead Creek Trail, following another converted rail bed past expansive beaver meadows. The trail terminates on South Shore Road for a brief 0.5-mile walk back to your vehicle.

With a total distance of 21 miles, this moderate trip is perfect for backpackers seeking both a challenge and breathtaking scenery.

What’s included:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Food storage (bear food bag hang)
• Group camp gear (stoves, water purification, and first aid)
• Camp site permits
• Licensed, insured NYS Guides

What’s not included:

• Individual camping gear (backpacking-sized tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads)*
• All snacks
• Transportation to trailhead
• Gratuity for your guides

*If you need gear, please let us know, we can help with rentals.

Trip Notes

This trip demands a high level of physical fitness in order to complete it within the available daylight hours. Outside Chronicles reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual’s participation.  Outside Chronicles reserves the right to adjust the trip itinerary to match the skills, abilities, and goals of the group.

Prior hiking experience is required. Participants will be screened to make sure they meet a minimum fitness level to make the trip successful and enjoyable.

Good physical condition, proper clothing, proper footwear, and proper equipment are a must.

Cancellation Policy:

A full refund minus the 3% payment processing fee will be given for a cancellation requests prior to the registration deadline (8/1/2026). Payments are NOT refundable past the registration deadline.

A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to run.

Event Full?

Get your name on the waitlist by e-mailing [email protected]