McKenzie Mountain

  • Route 86, Ray Brook

Hike Features

Summit
Lovely views from the summit of the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness.
Two hikers climb the trail on McKenzie Mountain
Keep a lookout for the trail junction sign.
A dog hiking the trail on McKenzie Mountain
Enjoy the whole day on 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: 6.5 miles round trip
  • Elevation: 3,822 feet
  • Elevation gain: 2,170 feet
  • Hike includes trail junctions and steep rock slab
  • Based on an approach from Whiteface Inn Lane

Hiking McKenzie Mountain

There are a few approaches to McKenzie. The description below is for the Lake Placid approach via the Jackrabbit. Parking is roadside, be careful not to block the road. Another popular way to ascend McKenzie is from NY-86 in Saranac Lake, which is also the trailhead for Haystack Mountain, another 6er.

From the parking area, hike the gradual ski trail past a lean-to at 1.4 miles, and reach a four-way junction at 1.9 miles. Here, you will turn right 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. The good news is the climbing ends at a side path that leads to a nice view. 

After the view, the trail ascends and descends McKenzie's five summits, 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. 

Find your perfect trail near Lake Placid

Does McKenzie Mountain sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you. 

How to get there

From downtown Lake Placid, take Route 86 toward Saranac Lake. Turn right before leaving town onto Whiteface Inn Lane, and continue for another 1.3 miles. The trail will be on your right, park respectfully on the side of the road.

Packages and Promotions

Clear All Filters

Browse by:

Category

Date

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Adirondack Guides

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Get the most out of your stay - Guide Services Available!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Package Details Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening waiting for you on the day of your arrival!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Play and Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Includes stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel with Golf at our Lake Placid Club Courses

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER OFFER

Bluebird Lake Placid

10% off our Best Available Rate for all active as well as retired military personnel, and first responders on leisure stays.

Valid May. 1

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 1

- Apr. 30

Stay & Save

The Devlin

Book a 3-night stay with The Devlin and get 10% off your visit.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Stay More, Play More

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Linger longer in the Adirondacks and be rewarded!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Romance Package

Placid Bay Hotel

Surprise your significant other with a romantic Getaway!  Includes roses, wine glasses, and chocolates upon arrival.

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Rustic Romance Getaway Package

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Experience the unspoiled Adirondacks while spoiling yourself and a loved one

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

Placid Bay Hotel

Enjoy an in-room spa experience for two with your stay. What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain!

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

Valid Sep. 23

- Sep. 27

High Falls Gorge Construction Discount

We're offering reduced admission prices for a limited time as we finish renovating our steel walkway.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

4th Night Free!

Lake Placid Lodge

Enjoy a night on us! 4th night free when you stay 3.

Valid Oct. 21

- Nov. 9

Valid Sep. 26

- Oct. 26

Family Friendly Condo at Whiteface Club & Resort

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

You can save $100 per night!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Woof and Wander

Bluebird Lake Placid

Your pooch will be as comfortable as their owners with our pet friendly package!

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Supper & Stay

Stagecoach Inn

Enhance your stay at The Lake Placid Stagecoach Inn with an exceptional 3-course meal.

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Valid Jan. 12

- Jan. 12

Outdoor Adventure Package

The Devlin

Maximize your time in the outdoors: book your room and a boat rental through HK Boat Rentals.

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Valid Oct. 23

- May. 31

Stay and Save!

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay 3 nights and get 20% off.

Valid Jan. 11

- Apr. 30

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Ever dreamed of spending time on the slopes with an Olympic athlete? Well, now you can!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Babymoon

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Celebrate your growing family with $75 nightly resort credit!

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

Valid Oct. 28

- Nov. 9

the Stay Soon Special!

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Visit soon and Save!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Golf & Stay Package

Crowne Plaza Lake Placid

Starting at: $119.00 * Weekend & Summer packages available at higher rates

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Valid Jan. 8

- Jan. 8

Adirondack a la Carte

High Peaks Resort

Complete your Adirondack Vacation with a $150 dining credit to Dancing Bears!

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Valid Feb. 8

- Feb. 7

Spa Escape

Whiteface Lodge Resort & Spa

Our Spa Escape package is ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Valid Oct. 11

- Oct. 24

Valid Oct. 10

- Oct. 24

Half Off your third night at Camp Riverwalker

Adirondack "By Owner" Vacation Rentals

Book 2 nights in our cozy suite and save 50 % on the third night

Valid Sep. 2

- Sep. 18

Valid Sep. 13

- Sep. 17

BOGO FREE!

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Buy One Get One FREE on stays September 2- September 18, 2024 Call 888-372-5686 to book today!

Valid Jan. 11

- May. 1

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Nordic Ski With Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Stay and Nordic Ski with an Olympic Gold Medal Recipient!

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Spa Experience

What better way to connect and relax with your partner after a long day on the mountain than to enjoy an in-room spa experience for two?

Valid Jun. 17

- Oct. 31

Valid May. 15

- Oct. 31

In-Season Golf Package

Cambria Lake Placid - Lakeside Resort

Stay and golf at the Van Kleek-designed Award-winning championship course at Whiteface Club & Resort. Package Includes: - 2 nights' stay at Cambria Hotel Lake Placid. - 2 rounds of unlimited golf with a cart for 18 holes.

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

Valid Jan. 11

- Jan. 11

The Adirondack Elopement

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

The ultimate, intimate "I do" experience.

Valid Aug. 28

- Oct. 31

Valid Aug. 1

- Oct. 26

Fall Golf Package

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort

Golf + breakfast this fall at the Golden Arrow

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Valid Jan. 5

- Jan. 5

Stay More, Play More

High Peaks Resort

Stay for FREE!

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Valid Jan. 9

- Dec. 31

Couples Getaway

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

Escape with your loved one to a truly romantic experience - sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries overlooking spectacular views of Mirror Lake and the Adirondack High Peaks is just the beginning...

Load More