Cliff Mountain
#44
About Cliff Mountain
Cliff Mountain stands at 3,960 feet (1,207 m) and is the forty-fourth highest peak in New York. Located in the central High Peaks region near Mount Redfield, Cliff is notorious among aspiring 46ers for its steep, challenging terrain and its relatively modest reward in terms of views. The mountain lives up to its name with significant cliff faces and steep sections that require careful navigation. The heavily wooded summit offers limited vistas, though there are a few partial lookouts along the trail. Cliff is typically approached from the Upper Works trailhead near Tahawus, often climbed in conjunction with Redfield, making for a demanding but rewarding day for experienced hikers.
History
Cliff Mountain earned its name from the prominent cliff bands on its flanks that hikers must navigate to reach the summit. The peak was included in the original Adirondack 46er list, though later measurements have shown it to be just under 4,000 feet at 3,960 feet. Despite this, it remains on the traditional list of 46 High Peaks that hikers climb to become 46ers. The mountain has never had an officially maintained trail to its summit—hikers follow unmarked but well-established herd paths that have developed through decades of use. Cliff has gained a reputation among 46ers as one of the more challenging and least rewarding peaks, often saved for late in one's quest to complete the 46. This challenge, coupled with its remote location, has preserved much of the mountain's wilderness character and makes reaching its summit a memorable achievement for serious Adirondack hikers.
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