The powerful Five Nations of the Confederacy had territory along the Great Lakes and sought to control their hunting grounds .
This route had fewer portages , but in times of war , it was more exposed to Iroquois attacks .
The powerful Iroquois   of the Confederacy had territory along the Great Lakes and sought to control Iroquois ' hunting grounds .
This route had fewer portages , but in times of war , it was more exposed to Iroquois attacks .