McKenzie Mountain

McKenzie is the highest peak of the Saranac Laken 6ers. Viewsfrom the top are widespread, from Whiteface Mountain to the north toMount Marcy to the south. A ledge to the west of the trail offers views of the Village of Saranac Lake and the Saranac Lakes chain. A successful hike of McKenzie Mountain involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 9.7 miles round trip
• Elevation: 3,822 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
• Hike includes trail junctions and steep rock slab
• Based on a hike from NY-86/shared trailhead for Haystack Mountain

Hiking McKenzie Mountain

There are a few approaches to McKenzie. The description below is for the Saranac Lake approach, which also shares a trailhead with Haystack Mountain, another 6er. Hikers who are up to the challenge can tackle both mountains in one day. Another main way to do McKenzie Mountain is via the Jackrabbit Trail in Lake Placid.

From the parking area, the trail follows gentle ups and downs as it passes through an attractive forest at the base of Little Burn Mountain. The path swings right at 1.5 miles, then descends to Ray Brook before climbing moderately to the junction with the Haystack Mountain trail at 2.4 miles. 

Bear right at the junction and follow the McKenzie trail up a moderate grade to a four-way junction with the Whiteface Inn Road trail and Jackrabbit Ski Trail at 3.6 miles. Continue straight and follow the red trail markers to head toward the peak. The path makes a moderate ascent, levels off, and then the serious climbing begins as the trail gains 1,000 feet of elevation in little over half a mile.

After a side trail to a view, the trail ascends and descends McKenzie's five bumps, the last of which has a couple of ledges with spectacular views.

McKenzie Mountain in winter

McKenzie is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. The rugged terrain is often icy and slippery. Snowshoes are necessary to avoid postholing, and microspikes are required to ascend the mountain's steeper sections. Extra layers of non-cotton clothing, a windbreaker, emergency blanket, first-aid kit, headlamp with extra batteries, and plenty of food and water are essential items for any winter excursion. 

How to get there

From downtown Saranac Lake, take Route 86 east toward Lake Placid. Continue for a little over 5 miles and look for the large parking area on the left. This is also the parking area for Haystack Mountain.