Elevation
2,874 ft / 876 m
Region
Highlights
- The trail passes over the water supply dam for the old State Sanatorium.
- Most of the High Peaks and many other mountains can be seen from the summit.
Routes
27 climbs • 6.6 mi • 1,617 ft gain • 5 hr 3 min
15 climbs • 8.6 mi • 2,419 ft gain • 5 hr 16 min
2 climbs • 11.0 mi • 3,086 ft gain • 6 hr 43 min
Latest climbs

"Great day to spend on our first winter solace hike of 2024, out and back along the Whiteface Jack Rabbit Trail, to Haystack, South Mckenzie and Mckenzie mountain summits, A winter wonderland! Rocking the Saranac Lake winter 6ers" — ramjet1963 • Jan 6, 2024

"First time for me to be back in the Adirondacks since the pandemic closed the borders. The weather was perfect, it was a beautiful day! The bugs were not even bad. Tough and steep near the summit but so worth it.
5th peak towards my Saranac 6er, just McKenzie left! " — Littlefoot • Jun 4, 2022

"Saranac 6 Winter 2/6.
Hiked with Kim.
A frightening forecast predicting winds of 45MPH creating temperatures as low as -30° had us a bit on edge when we left my house around 0500. We mutually agreed to be honest with eachother and bail if things were too uncomfortable.
We parked at the Route 86 trailhead and were on trail at 0730, both noting that nearly every trailhead we passed on the way out was empty. The car showed -3°.
The trail was well traveled and well packed. As it’s been so many years since I hiked these, and I hiked them all in summer, it’s almost as if they’re brand new again. We made quick work of the first half of the trail, stopping frequently to ooh and aah at the snow laden trees and talk about how happy we were that there was no wind and we weren’t too cold. The hazy yellow and pink sun coming through the trees was ethereal.
After crossing the dam we starting heading up pretty steadily- no ice here and no super tricky spots to navigate, though we did struggle here and there slipping slightly we did okay. We peered through the trees at our potential view and saw what appeared to just be a stunning crisp view, keeping our fingers crossed that wind..." — kellieirene • Jan 24, 2021

"Least favourite hike ever (so far). Dull trail with lots of roots. I must have twisted my ankle or tripped 10 times. Maybe it was me, tired or the dull weather...but I would not do this hike again. " — suzannerunciman • May 12, 2019

"Couldn't ask for a better day if hiking in the Spring, a little warm for Winter and the lack of snow made these hikes doable with just micro-spikes but we carried in our snow-shoes in case. Both Haystack and Baker trails were well worn and made for an easy going with great views from both summits." — hbotc • Jan 5, 2019

"After completing the Saranac Lake 6ers in April/May 2018, I went back with my niece Serena for Columbus Day weekend.
Thank you for starting the Adirondack 29er Peak Challenge... we will be back next year : )" — lancehansen • Oct 6, 2018

"Nice little add on to my summit of McKenzie,, Haystack offers fantastic views but has no summit marker,, Great side hike
Approaching from the Jack Rabbit trail even made this an even easier ascent" — ramjet1963 • Oct 5, 2018

"First Post Hip Replacement Surgery Hike (2 1/2 months from surgery). Views were beautiful and had me crying tears of joy! So happy to be back in the mountains again! It was a beautiful day, took the herd path from the Jack Rabbit Trail and loved every second of this hike." — PJSelmer • Aug 19, 2018

"1st Saranac Lake 6er, started late, 10:01 ma, summited at 13:30 pm, tried to do Mckenzie, no summit, Kelly ran out of water, Linda turned around before we summited Haystack, out of woods at 7:59 pm" — vickiduvall • Jun 8, 2018
"Teamed up with Doug for this one. He started his Ultra. I was unable to maintain his pace and still enjoy myself. The clouds were also really low. So with no views on top of that, I opted out of Mackenzie that day. 6.6 miles." — newenglandwarrior • Mar 4, 2018