Hiking New York's 44th highest mountain
Cliff Mountain is one of the most challenging High Peaks, with a hike up the cliff face that is extremely steep and in many situations slippery. While, due to tradition, this is a 46er peak, it does not crest 4000’ in elevation. Cliff is often climbed with in conjunction with Mount Redfield. Cliff is a long, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 15.5 miles round trip
- Elevation: 3960 feet
- Elevation gain: 3,450 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions, unmarked trail, bridges, and ladders
- Based on an out and back ascent from the Adirondack Loj via Lake Arnold
Hiking Cliff via Calamity Brook
Cliff is often climbed with Mount Redfield. Below is a description of the approach via Upper Works and the Calamity Brook Trail. Cliff via the Adirondack Loj is the other main way to approach this mountain.
From the Upper Works parking area and historic MacNaughton Cottage, follow a long and somewhat flat approach which initially starts along an old woods road. As the route narrows back to a foot trail you will follow along some attractive waterways and eventually climb modestly to the shore of Flowed Lands. You'll hand left around Flowed Lands, and in around 1 mile you'll cross Lake Colden and the dam. From there head towards Uphill lean-to. Once you reach this area you will see a small cairn on the right side which marks the start of the trail from Redfield and Cliff.
The Cliff Route is slightly up the joined herd-path and leaves right. If you decide to include Redfield on your hike, it will tack on 2.4 miles and 1,300 feet of elevation gain round trip.
After navigating through the muck and mire to the base of the cliff, take care going up the steep rock. Once over the cliffs, don’t be fooled into stopping at the next highest point, this is a false summit. Drop a bit and finish the climb to the true summit (with a wooden sign). Views are a bit lacking from the summit, so take in the nice ones along the steep climb.
Cliff Mountain in the winter
Cliff is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and microspikes or crampons are needed to climb the steep cliffs on Cliff. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. The water crossings on the hike can be especially dangerous during the beginning and end of winter. Always use caution at water crossings. Turning around is always an option. Only cross Flowed Lands when conditions dictate.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Does Cliff sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!
How to get there
From exit 29 off I-87, turn west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84) toward Newcomb. Follow this route for 17.4 miles to an intersection with Tahawus Road (CR 25). Turn right on Tahawus Road and stay on it for 6.3 miles then turn left at a sign for High Peaks trails. Pass by the old blast furnace at 2.8 miles up this road. From the blast furnace, it is less than one mile to your destination. The road dead ends at the Upper Works parking lot.
