Saranac Lake to McKenzie Pond Road—1.5 miles
This is the first section of the official 25-mile route from Saranac Lake to Keene. It briefly follows the old railroad corridor before entering state Forest Preserve lands and passing through a beautiful plantation pine forest. In this section, the Jackrabbit passes through a larger trail system, so take care to remain on the marked route.
Beta:
Easy trail skiing. Suitable for both cross country skis and backcountry skis w/ metal edges.
For a beautiful view of McKenzie Pass between McKenzie and Haystack Mountains, look East across the large beaver pond while skiing the short section of old railroad. You'll need to climb and descend from the pass if you're skiing through to Lake Placid.
Signage:
Kiosk at McKenzie Pond Rd (under construction) / Red & white Jackrabbit markers / Yellow DEC ski trail discs
Route Info:
The access point is at the North Country Community College gymnasium, which is found by following the signs from NY 86 in Saranac Lake. From the gymnasium, parking lot (0 mi), the trail follows the old railroad corridor for 0.5 mi and then turns sharp left and up through a pine grove to join an old snowmobile trail at 0.7 mi.
Turning left, the Jackrabbit Trail follows the snowmobile trail for another 0.8 mi to McKenzie Pond Road at 1.5 mi. The Jackrabbit Trail resumes on the other side of the road, 100 yards to the right (east). McKenzie Pond Road is the beginning of a 5.5mi wilderness section and is a popular start/finish point.
Beta:
Easy trail skiing. Suitable for both cross country skis and backcountry skis w/ metal edges.
For a beautiful view of McKenzie Pass between McKenzie and Haystack Mountains, look East across the large beaver pond while skiing the short section of old railroad. You'll need to climb and descend from the pass if you're skiing through to Lake Placid.
Signage:
Kiosk at McKenzie Pond Rd (under construction) / Red & white Jackrabbit markers / Yellow DEC ski trail discs
Route Info:
The access point is at the North Country Community College gymnasium, which is found by following the signs from NY 86 in Saranac Lake. From the gymnasium, parking lot (0 mi), the trail follows the old railroad corridor for 0.5 mi and then turns sharp left and up through a pine grove to join an old snowmobile trail at 0.7 mi.
Turning left, the Jackrabbit Trail follows the snowmobile trail for another 0.8 mi to McKenzie Pond Road at 1.5 mi. The Jackrabbit Trail resumes on the other side of the road, 100 yards to the right (east). McKenzie Pond Road is the beginning of a 5.5mi wilderness section and is a popular start/finish point.
