Mount Redfield — Adirondack High Peaks

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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What to Expect

Mount Redfield is one of the most remote summits in the Adirondack High Peaks, ranked 15th highest in New York at 4,606 feet. The approach follows the Calamity Brook Trail from the Upper Works trailhead — a broad, well-worn path that winds past Henderson Lake and the Calamity Brook area where explorer David Henderson died in 1845. After roughly seven miles, hikers reach the Uphill Lean-to, where the maintained trail ends and an unmarked herd path begins. From here, experienced route-finders follow Uphill Brook through dense boreal forest, wet muddy terrain, and a final steep push to the summit. The summit is wooded with no panoramic view, but the journey through the heart of the High Peaks wilderness more than compensates.

Difficulty

This is a hard hike by any measure. The round-trip distance exceeds 18 miles, the unmarked herd path from the Uphill Lean-to requires solid navigation skills (map and compass or GPS strongly recommended), and the final push to the summit involves steep, rooty, and often muddy terrain. Redfield has no maintained trail above the lean-to junction — it is a trailless peak in the ADK 46ers tradition. First-timers often pair Redfield with neighboring Cliff Mountain to make the long approach worth the effort, though that adds additional mileage and challenge.

Best Time to Go

Late June through early October offers the best conditions. Spring brings very high water on Calamity Brook, making crossings difficult or dangerous, and deep mud throughout the herd path. Summer weekdays are quieter than weekends; the High Peaks region sees heavy foot traffic on Saturdays. Fall foliage peaks in late September and is spectacular along the Calamity Brook corridor. Winter ascents are possible for experienced mountaineers with microspikes or snowshoes but require careful planning — the remote approach adds serious risk in cold conditions.

Before You Go

A free NYS DEC High Peaks Wilderness Area parking permit is required for trailhead access from mid-May through mid-October (Upper Works trailhead, off Tahawus Road in Newcomb, NY). Bring at least 3-4 liters of water and a filter, as brook water is abundant but must be treated. Bear canisters are required for overnight trips in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. Leave No Trace principles are strictly enforced — stay on the established herd path to protect fragile vegetation. Cell service is nonexistent in this area; download offline maps before you leave.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →