Length: 1.6 miles one way
Feature: Waterfall, views
Max. Elevation Change: 870 feet
USGS maps: East Middlebury Quad
Amount of use: Moderate
Hiking level: Moderate
Average hike time: 1 ½ to 2 hours one way
Use restrictions: No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles
From the Falls of Lana Picnic Area, the Rattlesnake Cliffs Trail passes the lower end of the Aunt Jenny Trail, then the North Branch Trail. After climbing for about one mile it passes the upper end of the Aunt Jenny Trail, then forks at the Oak Ridge Trail. Another fork to the left leads to the dramatic South Rattlesnake Cliff with a view of Silver Lake and Lake Dunmore. The right fork leads to a smaller set of cliffs with views west to Lake Dunmore and the Adirondack Mountains. From March to August some years, the trail to the cliffs is closed to protect Peregrine Falcons. Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in.
From Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to its intersection with Route 53. Follow Route 53 for 3.9 miles. Trailhead parking is a paved parking lot, located on the left and prominently marked. From the north end of the parking lot, follow the footpath to a service road, and turn right. At a sharp curve in the road, there is a toilet building. Bear left here and over a bridge to reach the Falls of Lana Picnic Area. The trail begins at the Falls of Lana Picnic Area.
From Rochester, travel south on Route 100 to its intersection with Route 73. Travel 13.6 miles east on Route 73 into Forest Dale. Turn north onto Route 53, and follow it 5.3 miles. Trailhead parking is a paved parking lot, located on the right and prominently marked. From the north end of the parking lot, follow the footpath to a service road, and turn right. At a sharp curve in the road, there is a toilet building. Bear left here and over a bridge to reach the Falls of Lana Picnic Area. The trail begins at the Falls of Lana Picnic Area.
Food and Services: Lake Dunmore and Middlebury restaurants and fuel stations
For all Emergencies: 911
911 Information: The Trailhead is in the Town of Salisbury on Route 53