Cliff Mountain

This route begins and ends at Adirondak Loj Trailhead after reaching the summit of Cliff Mountain. From the Adirondak Loj Trailhead, follow the blue-blazed Van Hoevenberg Trail southeast for 2.3 miles to Marcy Dam. Turn south onto the Avalanche Pass Trail, following along Marcy Brook. Reach the junction with the Avalanche Pass Trail at 3.3 miles and veer left to remain on the yellow-blazed trail toward Lake Arnold. Climb steadily to reach Lake Arnold at 4.9 miles. Continue along the Lake Arnold Trail, bypassing Feldspar Lean-To at 6.3 miles. Reach the Uphill Lean-to at 6.8 miles, which marks the start of the herd paths for Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain. Turn left onto the unmarked Cliff Mountain herd path. The trail immediately crosses a flat, extremely muddy section for 0.3 miles. After this swampy plateau, the path climbs steeply up the ridge, requiring scrambles up several technical rock ledges. After negotiating these obstacles, cross a false summit and continue along the crest of the ridge to the true summit of Cliff Mountain at 7.8 miles, marked by a sign. Retrace your steps to return to the Adirondak Loj Trailhead.