Most hiking seasons begin with a "starter" hike of a short peak (usually with a stellar view) in order to ease back into the grind of Adirondack hiking. A test run of sorts to make sure one's legs remember to move one in front of the other. Well this season I decided to break with the usual. The peaks I have remaining on the 46 are all long days hikes that require long hours of daylight (at least for me), especially a day hike to Skylight and Gray.
With all that in mind I set off early Saturday morning from Heart Lake to hike Cliff mountain via the Lake Arnold trail. Last year when I hiked to Redfield I went via Avalanche Pass. This time I took the shorter (by a mile) route that makes you go up 1200 feet to Lake Arnold before descending 500 feet. I was interested in seeing how much time it would take as this is the route to take when hiking to Skylight/Gray. There is a swamp just at the bottom of the descent that has some awesome log bridges that keep your feet nice and dry. Contrary to recent reports passage was clear and dry through this section.
I arrived at the Cliff/Redfield herd path much earlier than I had by the alternate route and I like the wild quality of the Lake Arnold trail. As advertised the lower section of the herd path was wet and muddy but some workaround paths get you past that. Just as I approached the cliffs it started to drissle so I stopped a few minutes to see if it was going to stop. These cliffs have a reputation for being somewhat of a "death-trap". While I agree that they are pretty steep, I would describe them as scrambles that are common to other Adirondack hikes. There are plenty of handholds and various folliage to help you make the ascent.
At the top of the cliffs you have a half mile walk to reach the actuall summit sign that apparently is only ten feet higher than the top of the cliffs. There is a small mud pit (much dryer than below) followed by a flat half mile walk. I hadn't noticed any bugs until I stopped at the sign to take some self photos. It seemed as soon as you stop moving they swarm and then after you have been bit they must leave a scent on you that all their relatives are attracted to. Even so I did stop at the top of the cliffs to take a few photos of Colden, Gray, Marcy, Redfield and Skylight. That said I look like I have chicken pox today.
An enjoyable hike to peak #42 with surprising views and a fun scramble. Next up in a few weeks is a day hike to Skylight/Gray!
Labels: Adirondacks, Cliff Mountain, hiking
