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Scarface Mountain Trail

A steep and sustained climb through mixed forest, this red-disk-marked route ascends roughly 5.6 kilometers to open ledges that are reported to offer sweeping views across the northern High Peaks. Maintained by the NYSDEC, the trail gains elevation steadily and often presents rocky, root-laced footing that demands attention, particularly on the descent. The upper reaches break into exposed terrain where weather can shift quickly, and hikers should be prepared for the full range of Adirondack mountain conditions.

§ Overview

Scarface Mountain Trail runs 3.5 miles (5.6 km) with about 1,676 feet of elevation gain — a demanding hike, with a moderate, steady climb, about 2 h 30 min on the trail. NYSDEC maintains the route.

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Length
3.5 mi
Elevation gain
1,676 ft
Difficulty · est.
Demanding
Book time
2 h 34 m
§ Before you go
  • NYSDECOperator
  • lwnNetwork
From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.
Loading map…
Elevation profile
Max 3,031 ftMin 1,568 ftNet gain 1,676 ft
3,031 ft1,568 ft0 mi0.9 mi1.7 mi2.6 mi3.5 mi
§ Nearby parking

93 parking areas

Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data; surface and capacity from OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.

+85 more on the map above

NoticeNorthern

The Scarface Mountain Trail has reopened.

The Scarface Mountain Trail has reopened. The bridge over Ray Brook has been replaced.

Source: NYS DEC · last updated 18 hours ago

§ Listed trailheads nearby

Curated trailheads & parking near this route

Editorial trailhead listings within roughly 3 miles. Useful for permit info, parking capacity, and access-road conditions.

§ Closest essentials

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Coffee
Blue Moon
3.9 mi away
Restaurant
Tail O' the Pup
1.2 mi away
General store
Academy & Main
3.9 mi away
Shelter
Placid Lean-To
3.8 mi away
§ Nearby Points of Interest
Peaks (12)
Lakes & ponds (27)
Trails (24)
  • Unnamed trail1.0 mi0.4 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.7 mi0.5 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.1 mi0.6 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.0 mi0.7 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.1 mi0.7 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.0 mi0.7 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.0 mi0.7 mi
  • Unnamed trail0.1 mi0.7 mi
Lean-tos (75)
  • Placid Lean-To3.8 mi
  • Kiwasa Lake Site 3 Lean-To3.9 mi
  • Saranac River Site 14.3 mi
  • Saranac Islands Site 2 Lean-To5.1 mi
  • Saranac Islands Site 45 Lean-To6.6 mi
  • Moose Pond Lean-To6.8 mi
  • Moose Pond6.8 mi
  • Moose Island Lean-to7.2 mi
Primitive campsites (182)
  • Kiwasa Lake Site 13.9 mi
  • Kiwasa Lake Site 24.1 mi
  • Saranac River Site 24.1 mi
  • Sable Island5.0 mi
  • Eagle Island5.0 mi
  • Lake Colby Campsite 35.3 mi
  • Lake Colby Campsite 25.4 mi
  • Moose Creek Site5.4 mi
§ The Field Notes

Add to the record.

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Field notes and corrections are reviewed before they appear publicly. Photos and Logbook entries post immediately.§ Maintain or steward this trail? Get in touch →
§ Stay near this trail
Morenos Cottages — hero image
<0.1 miLake Placid

Morenos Cottages

Traverse Lodge — hero image
1.8 miSaranac Lake

Traverse Lodge

Prescott House ADK
3.0 miSaranac Lake

Prescott House ADK

§ From the field guides
All field guides →
§ Frequently asked