Good Luck Cliffs is one of the the most challenging hikes in the southern Adirondacks. The start of the hike is quite unassuming - until you start the ascent to the top of the cliffs!  Although not a technical climb, the last 0.5 mile will get your heart pumping.  The view from the top of the cliffs is definitely worth the effort, as you get a spectacular view of Spectacle Lake (named for it's shape, similar to a pair of glasses) and the southwestern Adirondacks.

The trail head is north on NY 10 from the NY 29A junction and Pine Lake at a marked pull off.  The GPS coordinates are N43 15.357 W74 32.299 for those who have a GPS devise.  You'll find this trail as well as many other trails in this area listed in the book Guide to Adirondack Trails: Southern Region.  This guide book is produced by the Adirondack Mountain Club.  A good write up on this hike can also be found in the book Five-Star Trails in the Adirondacks: A Guide to the Most Beautiful Hikes.

 

Take the trail on the right (Dry Lake) when you cross NY 10.  The start of the hike is gradual, arriving at a trail crossing after about a 0.5 mile. Bear to the left, following the signs for Spectacle Lake.  After about another 0.75 mile, you'll see Good Luck Lake off to your left.  A short walk through the brush will bring you to the lake side, definitely worth your time, or you can take the unmarked trail that takes you along the northern shore on your way back.  This trail will take you back to the pull off on NY 10.

 

The trail for the climb up to the cliffs is not marked, but fairly easy to find and follow. Take the main trail past the lake until you come to a snowmobile sign indicating a bridge ahead. Just before the large bridge, there is another bridge sign - the trail up to the cliffs is just past this sign to your right. You'll know you're on the right trail if you cross a moss covered rocky stream, about 600 feet from where the trail splits off.

 

From this point, you'll ascent about 650 feet to the top of the cliffs!  The other trail goes on towards Spectacle Lake.

 

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