Indian Pass Through-Hike (Adirondak Loj to Upper Works)

High Peaks Wilderness, Adirondack Park (Adirondak Loj, Lake Placid, to Upper Works, Newcomb)

Indian Pass cuts through the western High Peaks beneath Wallface, which the Town of Newcomb describes as a massive cliff. The trail through the pass links the Adirondak Loj near Lake Placid with the Upper Works trailhead near Newcomb.

A 2013 lakeplacid.com writer put the through-hike at just over 10 miles on foot, against roughly 90 miles by car between the two trailheads, which is why most people who do it either spot cars or make it an overnight.

The hike

Hiking Project describes the trail from north to south, starting at the Adirondak Loj and following the Indian Pass Trail around Heart Lake. About 2 miles in, a side trail of 0.2 mile leads to Rocky Falls, with a lean-to across the brook. Scott Clearing Lean-to comes at about 3.5 to 4 miles, depending on which part of the description you read; about 0.3 mile beyond it, a sign points left toward Indian Pass.

The next mile is the hardest. Hiking Project describes climbing beside a steep stream, rock-hopping and crossing Indian Pass Brook twice, then scrambling up a wet, steep stream course to the pass, where snow can linger into late spring. The lakeplacid.com writer counted four ladders, described boulders up to three stories tall, and called the slime-coated small rocks on the descent from Summit Rock the most dangerous footing of the day. Hiking Project suggests backpackers may want to take off their packs for parts of it.

Summit Rock is where the trail from Upper Works meets the trail from Heart Lake, according to the Town of Newcomb; the lakeplacid.com group stopped there for lunch and watched rock climbers, and notes that it isn’t quite the height of land. Beyond, the trail descends with more ladders and scrambling to a flat, often muddy stretch. The 2013 group passed the Wallface Lean-to and the climbers’ path to the wall.

The Town of Newcomb gives the distances from the southern end: 1.5 miles from the Upper Works lot to the Duck Hole trail junction, 2.7 miles to Henderson Lean-to, and 4.4 miles to Summit Rock, with about 870 feet of gain. Hiking Project’s version ends with a right turn past Henderson Lake to the Upper Works parking lot.

Hiking Project rates the trip “Difficult” and gives 9.5 miles with about 876 feet of climbing and 1,273 feet of descent going south. Red markers mark the route; if you can’t see one ahead, check behind you, and follow the stream if blowdowns hide the markings.

The Loj is also the start for Lake Colden via Avalanche Pass, and the Northville-Placid Trail’s northern section passes Duck Hole, to the west of Upper Works.

Tips

Arrange the car shuttle first. The trailheads are far apart by road.
Hike it in daylight and dry weather. The pass section is wet and slick even in summer.
Expect to hand up or lower packs on the ladders and scrambles.
Watch for red markers and check behind you if you lose them.
Carry a canister. DEC requires one in the Eastern High Peaks, and Hiking Project advises one here.

Camping

DEC’s High Peaks rules limit overnight groups to eight and ban campfires in the Eastern Zone, where bear canisters are required for overnight campers from April 1 to November 30. Camp in designated sites when possible, otherwise at least 150 feet from trails and water, and not above 3,500 feet except at lean-tos (DEC’s High Peaks page). Lean-tos are first come, first served and must be shared.

Lean-tos mentioned along the route are Rocky Falls and Scott Clearing on the north side, Wallface below the pass, and Henderson near the south end. Hiking Project also mentions several old camping sites along the trail.

Inside Intel: No camper account recommending a specific site was found. The lakeplacid.com writer, hiking in October 2013, met more than 20 people heading in or out for a few days of camping along the trail, so don’t count on finding an empty lean-to on a fall weekend.

Trail facts

Distance: 9.5 miles (Hiking Project); just over 10 miles (lakeplacid.com)
Route type: Point to point; car shuttle needed
Difficulty: Strenuous in the pass
Campsites: Rocky Falls, Scott Clearing, Wallface, and Henderson lean-tos; old sites along the trail
Water: Indian Pass Brook and tributaries; treat all water
Permits: None; overnight groups of eight or fewer
Bear and food storage: Bear-resistant canister (required in the Eastern High Peaks April 1 to November 30)
Fires: Prohibited in the Eastern High Peaks
Trailheads: Adirondak Loj (Heart Lake) and Upper Works (Newcomb)
Last verified: October 17, 2026

The Lowdown

Ladders and boulders in Indian Pass:

One writer counted four ladders below Wallface and called the slime-coated rocks on the descent from Summit Rock the most dangerous footing of the day. Poles help on footing like that, if you use them right.

Read the pole tips →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.