Cliff and Redfield

Cliff and Redfield is a High Peaks hike that links Mount Redfield and Cliff Mountain as a hard day in the Adirondack backcountry. The route is typically done as a long backcountry push with substantial elevation gain and navigation complexity once you leave the main approach.

Most people start from Upper Works and build toward Lake Colden, using the historic Calamity Brook Trail to get in. From there, the route continues to the Opalescent River crossing and then up through Uphill Lean-to, where the herd-path section begins.

At the Uphill Lean-to split, the route separates for Cliff Mountain (right) and Mount Redfield (left). Cliff is the shorter but more technical climb: expect wet, muddy ground, narrow trenches, and multiple cliff scrambles before a wooded summit with limited views.

After returning to the split, take the herd path to Mount Redfield. Redfield follows Uphill Brook and is generally less technical than Cliff, with a longer steady ascent and frequent water features as you work uphill.

Plan for a full-distance, timed outing: this pairing runs about 18.6 miles round-trip and commonly takes 11–13 hours. The character is endurance-driven—especially because the herd paths to the summits are unmarked and easy to misread.

Bring navigation discipline and appropriate traction gear for wet conditions: the approach becomes muddy and eroded, and excessive rain can make the terrain a “miserable slog.” For timing, night travel isn’t appropriate on this terrain; start early so you can finish in daylight.

More information: Adirondack Hiking | 46er - Cliff Mountain, Redfield and Cliff - Hike ADK, Cliff Mountain & Mount Redfield - Stream & Steeple