""

The Jackrabbit Ski Trail to McKenzie Pond and Beyond

On Sunday August 22nd my wife and I hiked the Jackrabbit ski trail from McKenzie pond road near Saranac Lake to Whiteface Inn in Lake Placid.

Parking on the side of McKenzie Pond road we entered the trail around 9:00 am. Arriving at the trail register 0.5 miles in we signed in and ventured out. The trail was beautiful and relatively flat all the way to the McKenzie Pond trail junction approxiamtely 2.0 miles in. We took the side trail left to the pond and came upon a nice area with a view of the pond that was gorgeous. (photo)

After a few pics we headed back out to the main trail and continued on and up at a steady climb to the Placid lean-to (photo) at 4.0 miles.

After eating a snack and resting a bit from the continuing uphill climb we decided to finish the trail with an easy 1.5 mile decent to Whiteface Inn. Along the way we stopped at a nice little pond named Falling Leaf Pond and yes there were actually leaves falling from the trees into the water below.

Starting back we hiked at a steady uphill climb back to the lean-to for a quick rest before finishing an easy decent back to McKenzie Pond road at around 2:00 pm.

The trail was relatively dry and clear of any brush or fallen trees. As far as taking pictures goes, the trail is pretty much viewless until you go to McKenzie Pond itself. A nice hike of 11.0 miles round trip made the day a nice one.

NOTE: For a more complete description of the trail, please see ADK's (guide to) ADIRONDACK TRAILS - High Peaks Region 13th Edition, p 176.

Happy hiking!!!
Rick and Tammy McCorry