Adirondack Park Number Three Road
High Peaks logging road with serious creek crossings
Number Three Road cuts a rough line through the heart of the Adirondacks’ High Peaks region, connecting Long Lake to Newcomb via 18 miles of technical terrain that’ll test your rig and your patience. This forgotten logging road threads between Santanoni Peak and the Seward Range, crossing multiple unnamed creeks that turn into proper water obstacles during spring runoff. The halfway point at Camp Santanoni ruins marks where the Gilded Age elite once retreated — now it’s just you, the mud, and whatever wildlife decides to block the trail.
This is honest Difficult terrain requiring stock 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear. Expect deep mud holes, loose rock climbs, and at least three creek crossings that’ll have you scouting on foot. Best tackled June through September when water levels drop, but even then pack recovery straps and a full-size spare. No permits needed, but fuel up in Long Lake — there’s nothing but wilderness for the next 50 miles.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Long Lake, NY |
| Land manager | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this trail without modifications?
A stock 4WD with skid plates is the bare minimum — think factory Wrangler or 4Runner with at least the stock underbody protection. Lifted rigs with locking diffs will handle the creek crossings and rough sections significantly better; stock rigs should be prepared to turn around if water levels are up.
When is Number Three Road actually passable?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring snowmelt makes the creek crossings dangerous and the soft ground will swallow you. After October, early snow and frozen/thawed mud create serious problems — the DEC doesn't maintain this for winter travel.
Do you need a permit to drive Number Three Road?
No permit required to drive it, but you're operating on New York State DEC land so all standard NYS regulations apply — no campfires in restricted zones, pack out all trash, and stay on the established route. Dispersed camping is allowed but check current DEC fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The creek crossings are where this trail bites — multiple water crossings with rocky approaches and no way to gauge depth until you're committed, especially after rain. The combination of loose rock, root-laced surfaces, and those crossings back-to-back is what earns the 'difficult' rating; it's not one big obstacle, it's sustained abuse for 18 miles.
Is there any cell service on the trail and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is completely dead for the entire route — satellite communicator is not optional here, it's common sense. Long Lake has gas and is your last resupply stop before the western trailhead; Newcomb on the eastern end has very limited services, so fuel up in Long Lake before you roll.
Trail track
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