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Two of the Saranac Lake Sixers, McKenzie & Haystack, make for a great double dip.


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Map Key

11.9

Miles

19.1

KM

74%

Runnable

3,861' 1,177 m

High

1,680' 512 m

Low

3,811' 1,162 m

Up

3,811' 1,161 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

68%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Overview

For a long day of running with some uphill workouts, try this dual-peak run. The first peak, Haystack, crosses water and challenges you with some small rock scrambles. The second peak, McKenzie, has very steep inclines with large boulders and challenges, including a few false summits. Both offer beautiful views from the summit. If time is short, you can trim this run to conquer only one of the two.

Runner Notes

This trail is very wet and muddy, so bring shoes with deep lugs.

Description

The DEC sign at Rt. 86 in Ray Brook (located between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid) shows this as a trail to Haystack Mountain (3.3 miles) and McKenzie Mountain (5.3) and is marked with blue trail markers from the beginning of the run. This difficult terrain is usually wet and slippery, making the footing difficult.

The shared part of the trail climbs gently, beginning at an elevation of 1670’. You'll run along (and in) a brook for the first few miles. Changing from pine needles to rock, the trail increases in roughness as it progresses. Many of the man-made log bridges that were once provided to avoid muddy patches have decayed from years of trail neglect.

At 2.4 miles, the trail to Haystack (blue blazes) branches off to the left, while the trail to McKenzie (RED) continues on to the right. Though this fork in the trail is very well marked, it is not uncommon for people to miss it—Since the trail has become steeper, the average runner is looking down and not seeing the signs.

Both trails provide a challenge from this point onward. Haystack is better suited for families and those with dogs. McKenzie is a great workout for those who appreciate steep uphill.

As routed, this run climbs Haystack first to serve as a warmup for the strenuous run up McKenzie. However, as said before, you can skip either peak and still have a pleasant experience!

Contacts

Land Manager: NY DEC - Region 5 Office

Shared By:

Mike Biolsi

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#3975

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  4.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#85

in New York

#3,975

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5,737 Since Aug 17, 2017
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Photos

View of the High Peaks region from the top of McKenzie Mountain.
Aug 17, 2017 near Saranac…, NY
Haystack Mountain
Sep 18, 2024 near Saranac…, NY
Haystack Mountain Summit
Sep 4, 2017 near Saranac…, NY
View from the summit,
Jun 26, 2019 near Saranac…, NY
Another summit view.
Jun 26, 2019 near Saranac…, NY
Manmade dam at 2.5 miles
Sep 4, 2017 near Saranac…, NY

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Nov 30, 2020
Sophie Kotok
Icy near the top of McKenzie. Wear spikes. — 5h 00m
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