This is part of the Cranberry Lake Waterfall Tour, which is one of the finest Adirondack experiences. None of the trails on the tour are marked, other than with an 8 x 11 trailhead sign. The trails are very easy to follow, but slightly difficult to locate. Bring a road map with you for better trail locations. You should always be careful around rapids and waterfalls, no matter the season and especially with young children.

Getting there

From the intersection of Route 3 and Route 30 in the Village of Tupper Lake follow Route 3 toward Cranberry Lake. Follow Route 3 for 27 miles through Cranberry Lake to Tooley Pond Road. Turn down Tooley Pond Road and continue for 15.5 miles to the trailhead on the left. A small sign on a tree marks the trailhead. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
• Elevation: 890 feet
• Elevation gain: 70 feet

Hiking and snowshoeing

None of the trails on the tour are marked, other than with a trailhead sign. The trails are very easy to follow, but slightly difficult to locate, bring a road map with you for better trail locations. You should always be careful around rapids and waterfalls, no matter the season. In winter, the conditions can be even more hazardous with ice and snow lining the edge.

Basford Falls is the final waterfall along Tooley Pond Road and is the one with the furthest walk. From the trailhead you will start snowshoeing on a slight uphill but soon top out along a ridge before dropping somewhat steeply to the river’s edge. There are several viewing opportunities along the shore to take in the interesting ice features and cool breeze of the cascading water. Anchor