Adirondack Park Number Seven Road
Forgotten logging road to Adirondack backcountry.
Number Seven Road cuts a rugged path through the heart of the Adirondack Park, following an old logging route that connects Long Lake to the Raquette River drainage. Built in the early 1900s to haul timber from the interior, this unmarked two-track winds through dense hardwood forests and crosses multiple creek beds that can turn treacherous after rain. The route passes the ruins of Camp Santanoni’s carriage road junction and offers glimpses of remote ponds that rarely see human visitors.
This is moderate 4WD territory requiring high clearance and decent skid plates for the rocky creek crossings. Spring runoff makes several water crossings impassable until late June, while fall colors make September the prime season for this route. Stock up on fuel in Long Lake—there’s nothing between here and civilization except wilderness. You’ll earn solitude that’s becoming rare in the Adirondacks, plus access to backcountry camping spots that most tourists never see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2200 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| 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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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Number Seven Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD with decent ground clearance can manage it, but low-range is necessary for the creek crossings and soft sections. Lifted rigs will have more margin on the water crossings. Don't try it in a stock AWD crossover.
When does Number Seven Road open in spring and is it passable in fall?
The trail typically becomes driveable late May to June depending on snowmelt and mud conditions — early season can be brutally soft. July through October is the reliable window; after October, early snowfall and frozen ruts make it unpredictable.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Number Seven Road?
No permit required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping since it's managed by the NY DEC under state land rules. Standard Adirondack backcountry camping regulations apply — camp 150 feet from water and trails, and stays are limited to 3 consecutive nights at one spot.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The creek crossings mid-route are the crux — water depth varies significantly with recent rainfall and can catch you off guard. Rocky approaches with little run-up room make line choice matter more than raw power. Scout on foot before committing if the water looks high.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there cell service anywhere on the route?
Long Lake has a gas station roughly 10 miles from the start — fill up there, there's nothing on trail. Cell service is zero for the entire 18 miles; download offline maps and don't count on calling for help if something goes sideways.
Trail track
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