Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Adirondack 46ers
  5. Cliff Mountain

3,960 ft · Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Cliff Mountain

Cliff Mountain is a 3,960 ft peak in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York. The standard route is the Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook Trail: 19 mi, 4,068 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Adirondack 46ers
Cliff Mountain in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York

Cliff Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation3,960 ft1,207 m
  • RouteMount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook TrailClass 2
  • Distance19 mi4,068 ft gain
  • Time12 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeAdirondack High PeaksNew York

Climbing the Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook Trail

From the Upper Works trailhead near Tahawus, New York, Cliff is trailless, reached via a herd path from the Flowed Lands and Uphill Brook area. True to its name, the route has steep, wet rock steps and short scrambles that are slick and awkward, especially descending. It is usually combined with Redfield deep in the interior, and the wooded summit has limited views. Remote with quick weather. Plan a very long day of 16-plus miles, start before dawn, and carry a map and headlamp.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • Paper Map
  • GPS Device
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Stream crossing
  • Low visibility
  • Remote location
  • Boggy terrain
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Cliff Mountain on Yak

Climbers have shared 6 climbs of Cliff Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

App StoreGoogle Play

Quests with Cliff Mountain

Peaks near Cliff Mountain

  1. Mount Redfield

    Mount Redfield

    4,606 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Mount Colden

    Mount Colden

    4,714 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. Gray Peak

    Gray Peak

    4,840 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. Mount Skylight

    Mount Skylight

    4,926 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cliff Mountain?

Cliff Mountain is 3,960 feet (1,207 m) tall. It is in the Adirondack High Peaks, New York.

How does Cliff Mountain rank among the Adirondack 46ers?

At 3,960 feet, Cliff Mountain is the 43rd highest of the 46 Adirondack 46ers. The highest is Mount Marcy.

How hard is it to hike Cliff Mountain?

The Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 4,068 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cliff Mountain?

Most people take 12 – 15 hours round trip on the Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook Trail, covering 19 miles with 4,068 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Cliff Mountain?

The Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 19 miles with 4,068 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Cliff Mountain?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Cliff Mountain?

The Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain via Calamity Brook Trail starts at about 1,760 feet, roughly 2,200 feet below the summit.

Climb Cliff Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

App StoreGoogle Play