Monday, September 23, 2019

Adirondacks: Haystack Mountain (Saranac), 9/19/19


The afternoon after hiking Donaldson and Emmons, I headed up to Haystack Mountain (2878 ft.), one of the popular "Saranac 6" list. I chose the easier "back-door" route from Lake Placid via the Jackrabbit Ski Trail and a herd path created by Saranac 6-ers bagging Haystack and McKenzie Mountains on the same hike. The "front-door" route is significantly steeper.



This area is within the 37,616-acre McKenzie Mountain Wilderness - about the same size as the Sandwich Range Wilderness in the Whites, but with far fewer trails. The mileage given for Haystack Mtn. on the sign is for a longer route (actually about 4 miles, not 6.2) involving all maintained trails and not the route I took using the herd path, which was only 2.7 miles one-way.



The Jackrabbit Trail was mostly pleasant, easy walking on an old woods road.



The Lake Placid Lean-to, one of many Adirondack shelters scattered throughout the high peaks.


This cairn marks the start of the herd path up the back side of Haystack.


A glimpse up to McKenzie Mountain, 1000 ft. higher than Haystack.


After a few years of Saranac 6 action, the herd path is well-beaten.


Haystack Mountain is a gem. The view here from its open summit ledges looks southwest to Scarface Mountain, the trailless Sawtooth Range, the Seward Range and Ampersand Mountain.


The Seward Range in profile.



A wide open, peaceful setting up here.


A good look at the wild Sentinel Range to the east.




Big Burn Mountain rises beyond a hardwood valley.



Looking south to the high peaks. I spent a long time here lounging in the sun.


Descending through nice birch forest on the herd path.


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