New Trip Report posted by billconner

Trip Name: Oswegatchie River and the Five Ponds Wilderness.

Entry Point: Other

Click Here to View Trip Report

Bill, Thanks for the report and pictures. I have never been to ADKs and had this exact trip planned for late Sept. Bought the map, packs packed and sitting by the door, canoe loaded, then came down with pneumonia and had to cancel. Try again next year.
I was bringing my Prism. Probably have the same experience you did with all the turns.

Bill - Thanks for your report. This is a favorite area of mine and I need to get back there. I've sometimes created a paddling/backpacking adventure while on the river as there are great trails into the Five Ponds area. You can also hike from High Falls over to the "Cranberry 50" a hiking trail that circumnavigates Cranberry Lake. If you're not adverse to some carries (Adirondack for portages for folks who aren't familiar with the term) you can begin over on the Bog River into Hitchins Pond. From there you carry over the upper dam and back into the Bog River. Paddle to the end of Lows Lake and then pick up the carry to Big Deer Pond. It's a short paddle across that pond before you begin the 2+ mile carry over to the Upper Oswegatchie. I'm not sure of the distance but I think you put back on the river about 6 miles above High Falls. From there you can paddle the rest of the way downstream to the landing at Inlet. You'll need a shuttle to pull this off but it's definitely worth the effort. If there's anything I can do to help you with this, just let me know. Retirement is less than 3 months away so I'll have lots of time on my hands.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

I should have included thst as a Scout, just about 50 years ago, I paddled this area from Sabattis BSA camp. Don't remember much of it. I did read about the trip from below Bog River area with long carry out of Lows Lake to headwaters of Oswegstchie and it's on my list...for next year. Good prep for the North Forest Canoe Trail. I'm up for a group solo! Maybe after I buy another canoe.

that look's awesome, nice report, thanks :)

That was a great report, Bill. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your ADK trip report. I live 8 hours away from there in Pennsylvania so I get up to the ADK yearly vs biennially to the BWCA. I’ve run across several memorial markers up there though much older than the one you came across. I also dig the shelters too, especially if the weather socks you in. If the planets align just right there’s a slim chance I will be able to get in a four day trip in the same general area over thanksgiving.

Cheers,
Barry

Thanks for sharing trip w/ photos. I will begin to explore that region in early autumn of 2020. Ordered maps last week.
Description of the encountered horseshoe turns has me recollecting my first trip on Hog Creek (EP#36) with a Prism. My next paddle on Hog Creek was with a Bell Yellowstone solo with a bit of rocker. It was smooth manuvering then!

Thanks, Bill! So enjoyed it!

It was windy except for a little bit in morning, and wind was generally down stream. I'd paddle past a "point" of a hairpin turn and the wind and current were more than I could turn into many times. Generally back paddled on windward side to get canoe turned.

I enjoyed your report. I love that part of the country. It reminds me of the canoeing I did growing up in western MN.

Looks like a beautiful area...love the pictures! Thanks for sharing the report with us.

Beautiful area and great report!