Indian Pass Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

This is an awesome trail that passes by Rocky Falls at 2 miles, Scotts Clearing at 4 miles, and then climbs a stream to a great view of Wallface, Henderson Mt. etc. Lots of rock scrambling, ladders, and rock hopping!

Snow can be present until late may and the trail can get very muddy, so be prepared!

You can start at either side to run to the lookout and then backtrack to your car or park a car at either end of the trail for a point-to-point shuttle.

There are also quite a few lean-tos and camping sites along the trail if you are looking to spend the night. Just make sure you bring your bear canister!

The markers are red and if you do not see any in front of you, look behind. Sometimes there are portions where the trees that were marked fell, but usually if you follow the stream you'll be on the right track.

The first 4 miles of trail are relatively easy, but after that expect rock scrambling and creeks to cross.

Start at the Adirondak Loj and follow the Indian Pass Trail around Heart Lake for 2 miles until Rocky Falls. Here you can take an off-shoot down the right to the falls for 0.2 miles or continue on Indian Pass Trail.

For Rocky Falls, when you get to a Y in the trail around 2 miles in, take a right down to Indian Pass Brook. When you get to a sign for a lean-to, head left to the falls. The lean-to is on the opposite side of the brook behind the falls.

From Rocky Falls, continue another 1.5 miles to Scott Clearing Lean-to. About 0.3 miles from this you should come to a sign that points right back to Scott and Wallface ponds or left to Indian Pass. Head left. You'll pass an old camping section on your right and, if you have time, go down a faint trail to the right following a stream to a clearing. In the distance, you can see the backside of Wallface.

Getting back on the trail, follow a stream up a steep section and then turn right and follow a steep descent back to the brook. You'll rock hop along the brook and cross it twice. Next, follow a steep stream up to Indian Pass which is also very wet. This area includes some rock scrambling, and backpackers may want to take their packs off. This area is also where there can be snow into late spring. This section is only about 1 mile long but it is the most difficult. At the top, there should be a sign for the lookout. If you start heading downhill again you have gone too far.

From here, take a steep downhill that involves ladders and some scrambling to a flat section. This part can get very muddy. Run about 1.7 miles to Wallface on your right and then another 0.7 miles to an intersection. Head left for a steep climb and descent or go right by Henderson Lake for 1.5 miles to Upper Works Parking.