Balsam Pond is located a short distance from NY 3. A canoe carry trail takes you the 500 feet from the road to this pretty little pond located in the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest. You'll find this nice little leg stretcher along NY 3 between Cranberry Lake and Tupper Lake in the northwestern Adirondacks. The start of the trail can be easily missed as the DEC signs are located away from the highway.

There is parking located along the shoulder of this busy state highway. The trail is marked with yellow canoe carry markers. The trail reaches the boggy shore of Balsam Pond within 0.1 miles. The trail continues on to reach the banks of the South Branch Grass River at 0.4 miles. This is the end of this canoe carry trail that is mostly used by those who want to kayak on the South Branch Grass River.

Directions: The shoulder parking is located 3.3 miles west of the junction of NY 56 along NY 3. The GPS coordinates are N44 15.299 W74 45.288.

Signage off NY 3 marking the start of the canoe carry trail

Canoe Carry Trail near Balsam Pond