Split Rock Wilderness Area

This was another nice outing. There are various trails, we took Lewis Clearing Bay trail, and went to Snake Den overlook. These trails were moderate grade and easy to follow.

Essex, NY

Map

Little Haystack Mountain

Not to be confused with the High Peak Mt. Haystack! This one is in Ray Brook and offers a friendlier climb.

The trailhead for Haystack and McKenzie mountain is on the right, off Route 86 about 5 miles west of Lake Placid

A pleasant walk in the woods until you cross an old man made dam. From here the trail begins a stead uphill climb until you get closer to the mountain where it becomes steep. Once you get towards the top of the shute the trail leads to an open rock face and ledge with some views. From the south facing summit there are 180 degree views of Whiteface, the High Peaks, and the Saranac Lake chain.

Distance: 6.6 miles RT (10.6 km)
Ascent: 1302 (397 m)
Elevation: 2864 (873 m)

A nice hike, with Derek.
 

Tongue Mountain Range

Tongue mountain range, Lake George

Brain and Cindy had invited me along on this hike. At the time I hadn't done a lot of hiking in the Lake George area, so this was all new to me.

We went in at the Clay Meadows parking lot, that was near beside a small quarry pool. From the trail head we hiked straight up to the center of the mountain’s spine. From that trail junction, we went south over French Point which has some awesome views from its open ledge. We continued on towards Montalm Point, however we decided to drop down before First Peaks and bushwhack to the trail along Northwest Bay and take the trail back out to the trail head and parking area.

This is a hike I want to do again.

It was around 4 miles for the loop
Just under 1000' of elevation gain.