About

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: 16 miles round trip
• Elevation: 3960 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,200 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 Mountain

Cliff is often climbed with Mount Redfield. Below is a description of the approach via Lake Arnold and the Adirondack Loj. Cliff via Upper Works is the other main way to approach this mountain.

From the Loj follow the well-signed trail to Marcy Dam. From Marcy Dam you will need to follow the trail to Avalanche Pass. You will pass by Avalanche Camps at around 3.3 miles in, where you begin to climb. Take a left and head toward Lake Arnold. You will climb steeply up the shoulder of Mount Colden and eventually be at Lake Arnold. At Lake Arnold you will stay left and continue to climb to the top of the pass, then descend into the valley. After an oftentimes wet hike through the valley over floating log bridges and around beaver activity you will pass by Feldspar Lean-to at around 6.25 miles. 0.1 miles past the lean-to is a major T-intersection. Left leads up to Four-Corners, south of Mount Marcy. Right leads to Uphill lean-to, the start of the herd path.

Heading right you will have a moderate, but often wet 0.5 miles to the Uphill Lean-to. The herd path is directly across the trail from the lean-to, marked by a cairn. This herd path is also the start of the Redfield route. The Cliff path 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 and dangerous 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. 

Find your perfect trail near Lake Placid

Does Cliff sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you. 

How to get there

Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Continue for about 3 miles to Adirondack Loj Road on the right. Follow Adirondack Loj Road for to its end at Heart Lake and park in the main parking lot. Small parking fees will be required.