Fall colors on McKenzie mountain

Bryan, Ken and I headed down to the Adirondacks on saturday for a hike to take in the fall colors. Along the way we debated several options including Whiteface via the Connery Pond/Whiteface Landing trail or McKenzie/Moose mountains. The debate came to a head as we passed through Saranac Lake and we dumped Whiteface in favor of McKenzie. We headed past the McKenzie trailhead on rte 86 and found the closer one on Whiteface Inn road (shaving 3.2 miles round trip the hike). We decided to take the state trail to McKenzie and then to descend via the Shore Owners Association trail. The trail starts out at a reasonable grade after passing a lean to and meeting the rte 86 trail it starts up at a steep grade which does not let up until you are on top of the first false summit.

Near the top of the false summit is the first of several ledges with stunning views east and south of Saranac Lake, the Seward and Santanoni ranges as well as the rest of the High peaks as far as the Great range. We stopped at each of these spots to eat, rest and take lots of photos. We finally reached at small lookout with views of Lake Placid and a somewhat blocked view of Whiteface. As we passed over the summit of McKenzie we were still hoping to find a ledge with clear views of Whiteface and even stopped at a viewpoint marked with a sign that seemingly went nowhere. At the split in the trail we decided against continuing on to Moose mountain and headed down the SOA trail which was very steep to begin with but soft underfoot. We stopped for a nap at Bartlett Pond and then continued back to the car.

All told, it was a great day exploring a great new mountain. I will come back sometime and hike along the lake and then up to Moose for that sweet view of Whiteface. The fall colors are not peak yet but well on their way.