MOUNT REDFIELD & CLIFF MOUNTAIN
via Upper Works
A rugged backcountry duo that demands grit, perseverance, and a love for adventure. These peaks, often saved for the latter stages of an aspiring 46er’s journey, are notorious for their wet trails, navigational challenges, and the sheer difficulty they present. Redfield offers rewarding partial views, while Cliff’s namesake cliffs provide some of the toughest scrambling in the Adirondacks. If you’re looking for a true High Peaks test, this is it.
What to know
Start:
Upper Works Trailhead
Elevation Gain:
4,100 feet
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Summit Elevations:
Mount Redfield 4,606 feet
Cliff Mountain 3,960 feet
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Trail Length:
18.6 miles
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Difficulty:
5 out of 7 Very Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
11-13 hours
Dog Friendliness:
Leashed dogs permitted, however this hike isn't the most dog friendly.
Trail Surface:
The main approach is well-worn but becomes muddy, eroded, and rocky. Cliff features significant scrambles.
Water Availability:
Readily available if you have a filter. Sources include Calamity Brook, Lake Colden, and Redfield Brook.
Maximum Grade:
400 feet/0.2 miles (Cliff ascent) | 1,300 feet/1.3 miles (Redfield ascent)​
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Neither is recommended—these are not peaks to navigate in the dark.​
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View Type:
Redfield has partial panoramic views; Cliff has little to none, with glimpses only while climbing the cliffs.
Special Considerations:
The unmarked herd paths require careful attention—losing your way is easy. These mountains are best attempted during drier conditions, as excessive rain can turn the trails into a miserable slog. It’s going to be rough. Definitely bring gaiters and Gore- Tex.
Intro
Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain may not be the most beloved peaks in the Adirondacks, but they have a well-earned reputation for testing a hiker’s endurance. Named in 1872 by Verplanck Colvin, Redfield honors William C. Redfield, a pioneer in early Adirondack exploration. Cliff, aptly named for its sheer rock faces on the south side, has always been an overlooked but necessary climb for 46ers. Even legendary hikers Bob and George Marshall, along with their guide Herb Clark, initially skipped it—only to return and claim their rightful ascent. Arthur Hopkins likely made the first true ascent in 1917. These peaks serve as a rite of passage for serious hikers, combining relentless terrain, remote wilderness, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
The Hike
The journey to Redfield and Cliff begins at Upper Works, a southern gateway to the High Peaks. Start from the parking area and follow the gravel road to the MacNaughton Cottage, the historic site where Teddy Roosevelt began his midnight ride. Continue to the old parking lot, where you’ll find the trail register—sign in, and begin your trek.
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Your first landmark will be a bridge over the Hudson River at 0.4 miles, with a sign marking the way to Calamity Brook Trail. Stay right. At 0.5 miles, another junction appears—turn right again, avoiding Indian Pass. The next 1.2 miles meander through varied terrain, leading to a bridge crossing at 1.8 miles, where the Calamity Crossover Trail meets the route. Continue right toward Lake Colden.​
At 2.9 miles, you’ll pass the Calamity Brook campsites, a good rest stop before a moderate climb. The David Henderson Memorial at 4.4 miles marks a somber but significant Adirondack landmark, commemorating the accidental death that gave Calamity Mountain, Lake, Brook, and Trail their names. Another 0.2 miles brings you to Flowed Lands, a scenic clearing where you can admire the surrounding wilderness.
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At 5.6 miles, you’ll reach Lake Colden Dam. Take a moment to enjoy the view of Colden’s iconic slides before continuing right along the main trail. A suspension bridge over the Opalescent River appears shortly after—cross it, then follow the well-defined path for 1.3 miles. This stretch is rugged, with wooden staircases, exposed rock ledges, and deep eroded sections. Your next stop is Uphill Lean-to at 7.0 miles, an ideal place to filter water and prepare for the steepest sections ahead.
Just beyond the lean-to, a large stack of rocks marks the herd path for Redfield and Cliff. In 0.15 miles, the trail forks. The path to Cliff veers right, while Redfield continues left. Most hikers tackle Cliff first—it’s the shorter, more technical climb, and getting it out of the way early ensures you have time to reach Redfield afterward.
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Cliff Mountain Ascent (1.0 miles, 960 feet gain)
Cliff’s climb is notorious for its wet, treacherous conditions. The initial stretch is a mud pit, but hugging the far-left side avoids the worst of it. The path transitions into steep, narrow trenches, which soon give way to the first of three technical cliff scrambles. The first rock face can be scaled from either the left or right, while the second and third scrambles require careful footing and use of trees for support. Here, you’ll find the only decent views on Cliff, overlooking the Flowed Lands.
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After a brief ridge walk, the trail drops 140 feet before a short final push to Cliff’s summit, which offers little in the way of scenery. Return the way you came, descending carefully down the exposed ledges before rejoining the Redfield herd path at the original split.
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Mount Redfield Ascent (1.3 miles, 1,300 feet gain)
In stark contrast to Cliff’s rugged cliffs, Redfield follows the stunning Uphill Brook. This pristine water source originates from Moss Pond, the second-highest body of water in the Adirondacks. Early on, the trail weaves in and out of the brook, requiring careful navigation. Eventually, the path leaves the water behind, becoming steeper and more defined.
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With only one notable scramble, Redfield’s climb is a long, steady ascent. Just before the summit, views start with overlooking Marcy and Colden. The true summit of Mount Redfield is marked by a simple sign, but the best views can be found just beyond it, the forest opens up to a stunning panoramic view of the southern High Peaks, featuring Allen Mountain and Sky Pond far below.
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Once you've soaked in the scenery, descend back the way you came to the junction at Uphill Lean-to, then retrace your steps the remaining 7.1 miles back to Upper Works.
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Trail Summary
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0.0 Start at the Upper Works Trailhead parking lot.
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0.1 Sign- in box.
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0.4 Turn right at the first sign.
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0.5 Turn right at Indian Pass/Calamity Trail sign.
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1.8 Keep right, crossing bridge at Crossover/Calamity Trail sign.
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2.4 Steeper trail section starts.
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2.9 Pass Calamity Brook camps.
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4.4 David Henderson Memorial.
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4.6 Reach Flowed Lands sign- in box.
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5.6 Arrive at Lake Colden Dam.
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5.7 Pass Mount Colden Trail sign. Continue Straight.
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7.0 Reach Uphill Lean- to, turning right at the large rock stack.
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7.1 Split for Redfield (left) and Cliff (right).
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8.0 Cliff summit.
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8.9 Return to fork. Continue to Redfield.
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10.2 Reach summit of Redfield.
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11.5 Return to fork, hiking back to trailhead.
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18.6 Arrive back at the Upper Works Trailhead.
Alternate Approaches
Via Adirondack Loj (18.9 miles, 4,100 feet gain)
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​This approach has you hiking from the LOJ, to Marcy Dam, following the trail towards Avalanche Lake, but navigating up to Lake Arnold as if you were hiking Colden. This will have you then dip down towards floating logs (see Skylight and Gray guide) then the feldspar lean-to area, to Uphill lean-to (Where the Cliff and Redfield turn is)