The Five Ponds Wilderness Area, southwest of Cranberry Lake is one of the most remote and least used areas of New York State. Penetration of this area in winter is a true test of wilderness skills. It is suitable only for people who carry and know how to use field repair materials and survival equipment. There are about 40 miles of trails in this area.
Starting point is the Village of Wanakena, which is 2 miles south of NY Rt. 3, joining Watertown with Tupper Lake. The turnoff to Wanakena is 4 miles east of Benson Mines, and 8 miles west of Cranberry Lake.

In Wanakena, cross a one-lane bridge across the Oswegatchie River. The High Falls truck trail goes straight ahead. For the Dead Creek Flow truck trail, turn left after crossing the bridge, and go one half mile beyond.

The Dead Creek Flow route covers more interesting terrain and reaches Dead Creek Flow, a long narrow arm of Cranberry Lake in about 2 miles. A red marked hiking trail goes around the end of the Flow to a lean-to on the opposite shore.

The High Falls truck trail is generally level for most of its length. The Leary trail, blue markers, branches to the left in 1.4 miles. In combination with the truck trail, it is possible to make a loop trip of nine miles. As the Leary trail contains a number of ups and down, this route is rated expert.

The Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area is located in the Town of Louisville near the St. Lawrence River. The trail has a distance of 1.6 miles. The trail may be entered from a parking area off the Willard Rd. The first trail encountered is the Nature Trail. A short distance into the trail thee is a fork which offers the hiker two choices. The left fork heads t an observation tower where the hiker may view the refuge area. The right fork, which is the longer trail, heads westerly and ends on the Wilson Hill Rd. The hiker may either have a vehicle waiting there or turn around and head back to the parking lot. The longer trail is best for skiing.

To get to the Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area, take NY State Rt. 37 toward Louisville, which is between Waddington and Massena. Turn north onto NY State Rt. 131 and follow that road until you come to Willard Rd. Turn north and follow the road. The parking lot will be on the left.

The Brasher Falls Trail System is 57 miles in length and is located in the Town of Brasher. It lies primarily on Brasher State Forest managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The ski trail goes from the Bush Rd. or TT 1016 southerly through the Brasher State Forest to County Rd. 50. The system can be reached from County Rt's.. 50, 53, and 55 north of Brasher Falls.

The River Hill Ski Trail is located in the Town of Stockholm on the Southville State Forest. The trail's total distance is 2.3 miles and is for novice to moderate skier.

The trail begins on the Southville West Stockholm Rd. There are tow possible entrances, both located on the southwestern side of the road. The trail loops from one entrance to the other making a pass by the west branch of the St. Regis River and following it for about 1/2 mile.

To find the River Hill Trail follow the Southville-West Stockholm Rd. northwest from New York State Rt. 11B about 5 miles northeast of Potsdam.

The Browns Bridge Postwood Park Trail is located in the Towns of Pierrepont and Parishville. The trail runs across County Forests #30, 32, and 35. The total distance of the trail is 5.7 miles. The trails are designed to accommodate all levels of skiers from novice to expert.

The main trail starts at the parking lot of Postwood Park and is comprised of two loops. the first and smaller loop is located on the west side of the River Rd. It runs for a distance of 1.6 miles. the larger loop is located on the east side of the River Rd. and runs fro an approximate distance of 4.1 miles. This section of the trail crosses the River Rd. at two locations and is more popular with better skiers because of the longer distance.

The Park is located 4 miles south of Potsdam near Hannawa Falls off of New York State Rt. 56.

The Indian Creek Nature Center is locate in the Town of Canton. It exists on the Upper and Lower Lakes Wildlife Management Area which is managed by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation.

There are several different trails at this location. One trail begins at the parking area and runs southwesterly to an observation tower and a bird blind overlooking the refuge.

The Indian Creek Nature Center is found by taking State Rt. 68 out of Canton towards Ogdensburg. On the left, Approximately 4 miles outside of Canton, take Country Rd. 14 towards Rensselaer Falls. The entrance to the Center will be on the left hand side of Rt.14

The High Flats State Forest is located in the Town of Colton. The trail is for the moderate to expert skier.

The main entrance to the trail is through Crowley Rd. The trail continues for approximately 3.5 miles on the Colton-Parishville Rd. (Country Rt. 58). Turn right on Rodwell Mill Rd. There is a short left hand jog which will lead to Crowley Rd. The Nordic ski trail continues into the State Forest directly ahead.

The Glenmeal Ski Trail is located in the Town of Pierrepont. the trail is on Glenmeal State Forest. The total distance of the trail system is 1.9 miles and is geared to the novice to moderate skier.

The trail begins directly off of County Rt. 24, on a forest access road. Once on the trail it is possible to venture into a variety of loops which all interconnect with each other. County Rd. 24, may be entered by way of Pierrepont off of NY State Rt. 68. The trail was constructed and is maintained by the St. Lawrence Youth Conservation Corps.

This trail begins on the south side of Rt. 3 east of Peavine Swamp. The main trail (3.9 miles) leads to the state lean-to on Inlet Flow. There are two loops at either end (3.4 miles and 1.2 miles) and a 2.1 mile loop in the middle. The last half of the trail passes through lands which were acquired by the state in 1881 and have never been significantly harvested. Large specimens of hardwood species, red spruce and eastern hemlock are common.