McKenzie 9/3/2018

After a successful Summer of climbing in the High Peaks, it was time for Kailee to resume working on her remaining Saranac Lake 6er requirements.


I'm not a huge fan of the Jack Rabbit Trail approach to McKenzie that I took last year. After a little research, I became aware of another option for climbing the mountain: the Shore Owners Association Trail (SOA). I decided that we would give this route a shot.

We arrived in Lake Placid early in the afternoon on Labor Day. We parked at the same spot as the JRT/McKenzie trailhead and then began walking down Blodget Road towards the SOA trailhead. Before we arrived at the trail the cloud above us opened up and it began to downpour.

We ran back to the car and waited it out for ten minutes. The rain stopped and the sky cleared up. We hopped out of the car and began retracing our steps down the road.

Trailhead Sign.

Near the gate, there was a sign to the left indicating the trail. We ducked into the woods and were on our way.

The first stretch of the SOA keeps you (mostly) out of view of the local property owners. Then it banks left near a stream and the climb begins in earnest.

The stream has some rock casings along it's banks. Perhaps the remains of an old dam or mill?

The trail is pretty easy to follow and it's pretty well maintained.

We arrived at the lovely Bartlett Pond and had lunch. From this spot, we could see the summit. It wasn't too far away.

Bartlett Pond.

Mountain Ponds are the best.

But, it was a straight and steep climb climb to get there. The rain from earlier turned it into a muggy afternoon. I was sweating like crazy. The elements were getting to me.

 "This thing is kicking my butt," I said.

 "WHAT?," replied Kailee "This is EASY!"

We forged ahead despite our differing opinions on the conditions.

McKenzie-Moose Trail Split.

Near the top was a trail split that leads to Moose Mountain. At this spot we got a nice view to the North of Whiteface and Catamount.

Then, it was only a quick walk to McKenzie's summit.

Four 6ers down for Kailee!

I congratulated Kailee and showed her where the overlook ledges are. The view towards Lake Placid and the High Peaks was mostly blue skies & harmless clouds. However, it was gray and cloudy from the opposite ledge looking towards Saranac Lake.

Looking over Lake Placid towards the High Peaks.

Potentially threatening skies towards Saranac Lake.

*CRASH*

"Was that thunder!?" yelled Kailee.

"Yup, looks like we're not sticking around here too long!" I answered.

We took a few quick pictures and then hurried our way down the mountain.

Back at Bartlett Pond.

Fortunately, there were no further claps of thunder and the rain held off for the rest of our trek.

We heard the loud call of a loon as we were nearing Blodget Road.

"Woah, I thought that was only a sound effect that they made for the (46er) movie!" Kailee shouted excitedly.

"Nope, that was a loon."

"Cool!”

Although we didn't spend a ton of time at the top, this was a fun hike and for me it was nice take a different trail and see another side of McKenzie Mountain. Kailee was very happy to check off her fourth 6er.