McKenzie Mountain, December 2001
Revisited October 2026
| The McKenzie Mountain wilderness area is located in the heart of the Adirondacks, just north of the High Peaks and sandwiched between Lake Placid and the Saranac Lakes region. Talk about a view from all sides. While the peak is shy of 4000 feet, the trail is long and moderately difficult in the winter. We encountered quite a few icy spots on the way up the narrow final ascent. There wasn't enough snow to use the shoes so we just carried them, that's always fun! There is also a "false peak" thrown in there to test your resolve. I would have to say that this climb produced one of the best views I've experienced. The day was very clear and we could see the Champlain Valley which looked like a cloud that settled on the ground. The view of the high peaks to the south was awesome as well and we could see the Olympic ski jump from our vantage point. Looking west we could see the village of Saranac Lake and the chain of lakes behind it. I think I see Ampersand over there! |
| >>>> Click on a thumbnail to see a larger picture |
A view of Lake Placid and points east from the top. |
At the crossroads of the Jack Rabbit trail. This
trail will take you to Lake Placid. |
At the trailhead loading up. |
Here's Roger taking a short breather on the way up. |
October 2026
I've hiked McKenzie once before, but that was 25 years ago. Back then we did it in December with snowshoes and winter gear, so I was hoping for a nice "fall" adventure to this mountain as I continued my quest to revisit some "lesser" peaks this year.
Well, as evidenced by the banner photo above, even though the calendar said October 18th, we had a quick burst of early winter in the Adirondacks and it happened to be the day I chose to hike.
At the trailhead just before 8am, the temperature is right around freezing and there is a fresh coat of snow on everything, it's very beautiful but it made me wonder what was in store for me at higher elevations.
The Jack Rabbit trail is a maintained cross country skiing trail so it's comfortably wide with only a slight incline for most of the way to the junction with the McKenzie Mountain trail.
Like I said, it was very pretty and peaceful
I was making good time along the Jack Rabbit, trying to keep moving to stay warm since I chose a light layer and a light knit hat. I encountered a few snow squalls along the 1.9 mile stretch to the junction, but nothing that required a waterproof layer. The trail does get a little steeper and more narrow as you go along and it starts to resemble a mountain trail with exposed roots and rocks.
I made pretty quick work of the first leg of the trip, and just before 9am, I was at the crossroads and the junction with the McKenzie Mountain trail
Not too bad to start, definitely looking like a mountain trail now though. The exposed leaves are not from foot traffic as I originally thought, but rather running water as I would quickly learn. Like many Adirondack Mountain trails, it follows (or literally is in) a small babbling brook.
The woods were so quiet and peaceful, but I could hear the wind up high and was beginning to wonder what it was going to be like up there and if I packed the right gear for this hike. The trail continued to get steeper with more boulders and slippery rocks.
Definitely getting steep now with plenty of snow covered obstacles to navigate. I think this is when I was wishing I brought waterproof gloves as everything I grabbed ahold of to assist in my climb was cold and wet. I was also wishing I found and wore my gaiters.
After quite a bit of effort, I reached the height of land just below the "false" summit. A good place to take a break and have a snack and get re-hydrated. If it wasn't socked in, you would be able to see some views through the trees here.
Since I had been here before, I wasn't surprised by the false summit, but it is still a little disheartening when you feel like you've peaked only to realize you now need to descend and ascend again and also have a ways to go yet.
The clouds cleared for just a moment to allow this view from the false summit.
I would not be denied however and after much effort I made it to the true summit
Video
Wow, what a view!
So, I knew that the skies were going to clear and we were expecting a cold bluebird day, in hindsight In wish I had started a little later in the morning so I could have enjoyed the awesome view from this peak. I would've liked to hang out for a while and wait for it, but to be honest I was wet from sweat (and snow) and cold. I needed to get my wet clothes off and dry layers on and get my hands warm quickly. I did bring hot hands and dry gloves, so at least I could start the descent with warm...ish dry hands. I was quickly reminded that you need to be prepared up here and things can turn bad quickly if you don't make good decisions.
So with a feeling of satisfaction of completing this challenging little task, I started the journey back knowing that I still had some challenging sections to navigate on the way down due to icy conditions. I would not be completely denied of views however, it was already starting to clear out when I got back to the false summit.
The hike back was a little tricky in spots, but I managed to stay vertical and before long I was back down into the beautiful open forest. I half expected to see a big majestic Adirondack Whitetail Buck standing down amongst these trees.
Back on the Jack Rabbit trail, now the almost 2 mile death march back to the truck
By the time I reached the end of the trail and could see the road, I was already dreaming of a Bacon Cheddar burger and Irish Brew as my reward. The snow was almost gone down here as well already and the sky was blue as ever. I'll bet there's great views up on that mountain right now, maybe next time.
Made it!
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