McKenzie Pond Road to Whiteface Inn—5.5 miles
This is arguably the best section of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail, offering many options for the backcountry trail skier. Out and back from McKenzie Pond Rd to the pond of the same name is a tremendous ski tour suitable for novices who are willing to negotiate a few short hills. Skiing A to B in either direction "over the pass" makes for a fine outing for strong intermediate to advanced skiers. Skiing from the Lake Placid side toward McKenzie Pond Rd (opposite of the description below) offers probably the best ski descent one can find outside of the High Peaks, a continuous 1.5 mile downhill from the height of land.
Beta:
Easy to Difficult Trail Skiing. Easy sections suitable for cross country skis. Backcountry skis w/ metal edges recommended for all other sections.
Signage:
Kiosk at McKenzie Pond Rd (under construction) / Red & white Jackrabbit markers / Yellow DEC ski trail discs / DEC Registers / Brown & yellow DEC signs
Route Info:
From the parking lot on McKenzie Pond Road (0 mi) the trail soon reaches a power line, which is followed for 200 yds. to where the power line goes right and the trail goes straight. The trail soon crosses a small brook, reaching state land and a register at 0.5 mi (up to this point, public access through private land is made possible by a recreational easement held by the Barkeater Trails Alliance.
After some moderate climbs and descents, the trail comes to a short, steep descent to a bridge just before reaching the old truck trail at 1.1 mi. From here it is flat to a junction a 1.9 mi. The trail left leads in 200 yards to the shore of McKenzie Pond, a worthwhile side trip and a great spot for lunch. The Jackrabbit bears right at this junction, and begins a 1.5 mi continuous climb to a pass between Haystack and McKenzie Mountains. Skied in this direction, it is merely a long climb; but skied in the other direction it requires a bit more than intermediate skill to negotiate. (Those who can negotiate this hill, however, consider it one of the finest runs in the Adirondacks available to cross-country skiers.)
After cresting the pass, the trail descends moderately to a four way junction at 4 mi. (Red hiking trail right leads to Rt. 86; red hiking trail left leads to the summit of McKenzie Mountain). Continuing straight ahead on nearly flat terrain, the trail passes the Placid lean-to on the left at 4.5 mi and begins a gradual descent for 0.7 mi to a boundary with private land (clearly marked). From here the trail passes through a private in-holding for 0.5 mile before reaching state Forest Preserve land again....skiers must stay on the marked Jackrabbit route at all times.
Continuing straight, the descent steepens for the final 0.8 mi to the Whiteface Inn Lane at 6 mi (7.5 mi from North Country Community College). This point on Whiteface Inn Lane is 1.9 mi. north from Rt. 86 just east of the Placid Outpost shopping center. Thru skiers will turn right just before the parking area, quickly crossing a bridge and following a short side trail along the road to the point where the walking connection through Whiteface Club begins.
Beta:
Easy to Difficult Trail Skiing. Easy sections suitable for cross country skis. Backcountry skis w/ metal edges recommended for all other sections.
Signage:
Kiosk at McKenzie Pond Rd (under construction) / Red & white Jackrabbit markers / Yellow DEC ski trail discs / DEC Registers / Brown & yellow DEC signs
Route Info:
From the parking lot on McKenzie Pond Road (0 mi) the trail soon reaches a power line, which is followed for 200 yds. to where the power line goes right and the trail goes straight. The trail soon crosses a small brook, reaching state land and a register at 0.5 mi (up to this point, public access through private land is made possible by a recreational easement held by the Barkeater Trails Alliance.
After some moderate climbs and descents, the trail comes to a short, steep descent to a bridge just before reaching the old truck trail at 1.1 mi. From here it is flat to a junction a 1.9 mi. The trail left leads in 200 yards to the shore of McKenzie Pond, a worthwhile side trip and a great spot for lunch. The Jackrabbit bears right at this junction, and begins a 1.5 mi continuous climb to a pass between Haystack and McKenzie Mountains. Skied in this direction, it is merely a long climb; but skied in the other direction it requires a bit more than intermediate skill to negotiate. (Those who can negotiate this hill, however, consider it one of the finest runs in the Adirondacks available to cross-country skiers.)
After cresting the pass, the trail descends moderately to a four way junction at 4 mi. (Red hiking trail right leads to Rt. 86; red hiking trail left leads to the summit of McKenzie Mountain). Continuing straight ahead on nearly flat terrain, the trail passes the Placid lean-to on the left at 4.5 mi and begins a gradual descent for 0.7 mi to a boundary with private land (clearly marked). From here the trail passes through a private in-holding for 0.5 mile before reaching state Forest Preserve land again....skiers must stay on the marked Jackrabbit route at all times.
Continuing straight, the descent steepens for the final 0.8 mi to the Whiteface Inn Lane at 6 mi (7.5 mi from North Country Community College). This point on Whiteface Inn Lane is 1.9 mi. north from Rt. 86 just east of the Placid Outpost shopping center. Thru skiers will turn right just before the parking area, quickly crossing a bridge and following a short side trail along the road to the point where the walking connection through Whiteface Club begins.
