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Hiking in Cliff Mountain: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

Tackle this hard 9.7 km climb in the Adirondacks' Marcy Group with 549 m elevation gain over 5.5 hours. Part of New York's most dramatic peaks, Cliff Mountain rewards hikers with access to the pristine Opalescent River watershed and views across Essex County's high wilderness.

9.7 km
Distance
5h30
Duration
432 m
Elevation
Difficulty
Hard
Max altitude
1,057 m
Dogs
Allowed
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Cliff Mountain? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Photos: Balon Greyjoy — CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Trail description

Cliff Mountain is a mountain located in Essex County, New York. The mountain is part of the Marcy Group of the Great Range of the Adirondack Mountains. Cliff is flanked to the southeast by Mount Redfield. Cliff Mountain stands within the watershed of the Opalescent River, a tributary of the Hudson River, which in turn drains into New York Bay. The north and west sides of Cliff Mtn. drain directly into the Opalescent River. The southeast side drains into Upper Twin Brook, thence into the Opalescent River. For those embarking on an adventure through this region, starting from the Adirondack Loj Road provides a convenient access point to explore nearby attractions such as Lake Placid and Lake Arnold. Hikers often traverse the Calamity Brook Trail, which offers scenic views and leads towards Marcy Dam, a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The area surrounding Cliff Mountain is rich with natural beauty, including Lake Colden and its serene waters. Visitors can also explore the Package Range, which offers diverse hiking experiences suitable for various skill levels. The range is valid for exploration throughout most of the year, with some trails being particularly inviting during valid Feb months when snow transforms the landscape. Accommodations are available at nearby lodges like Adk Lodge, providing a comfortable base for adventurers eager to explore this stunning wilderness area. Whether you're drawn by the allure of high peaks or tranquil lakes, this region promises unforgettable experiences.
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The Essential Hiking Checklist

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Recommended gear for this trail

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LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Cliff Mountain, Newcomb, NY 12946, USA
GPS coordinates
44.1031102, -73.9751452
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Cliff Mountain trails are located in the town of Wells in Hamilton County, New York. To get to the start of the trails, take NY-8 south from the village of Wells and turn left onto Cliff Mountain Road. The trailhead is located at the end of the road.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?

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Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
Dogs allowed
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.1031102, -73.9751452
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Cliff Mountain is rated hard.
The elevation gain of Cliff Mountain is 432 m.
The summit of Cliff Mountain is at 1,057 m.
Allow about 5h30 for Cliff Mountain (9.7 km).
Yes, dogs are allowed at Cliff Mountain.
No, Cliff Mountain has no visitor centre on site.
No, Cliff Mountain is rated as a Hard difficulty hike and is not suitable for beginners. With an elevation gain of 549 m over 9.7 km and a typical duration of 5h30, this trail requires good physical fitness and hiking experience.
The Cliff Mountain trail is 9.7 km long. Combined with the significant elevation gain and challenging terrain, you should plan for approximately 5h30 to complete the hike.
The Cliff Mountain trails are located in Wells, Hamilton County, New York. From the village of Wells, take NY-8 south and turn left onto Cliff Mountain Road. The trailhead is located at the end of the road.
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Update : October 2026