MacNaughton Mountain

  • Adirondack Loj Rd, Heart Lake, Lake Placid
  • info@lakeplacid.com

Facilities

Tent Sites, Waterfront Sites, Wooded Sites

Hike Features

Summit, Ponds / Lakes
The MacNaughton bushwhack offers unique scenic views.
This trail has ponds and wet areas, so arrive prepared.
These tranquil ponds are destinations in themselves.
Look for the sign at the summit, there are better views on lower ridges.
The view from MacNaughton in winter is lovely.

MacNaughton or “MacNaughty” as it gets called so often, is a very obscure hike to a 4000 footer that never made the 46 High Peaks due to being shown as just under 4,000 feet on the 1903 era maps from which the original list was made. This is a serious bushwhack endeavor; please be well versed in map & compass navigation and backcountry skills before embarking.

How to get there

Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 toward Keene. Take a right onto Adirondack Loj Road and follow it to the end.

By the numbers

  • Distance:
  • Elevation: 4,000 feet
  • Elevation gain:
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles

Hiking

MacNaughton is a somewhat popular climb by those working on the Adirondack 100 Highest, but it is not a typical hike for everyone. While being obscure and very demanding, only those with adequate hiking experience should move forward to climbing this peak. The payoff is decent views from a couple viewing areas and the hike is filled with mixed terrain with required bushwhacking and route-finding skills.

From the Adirondack Loj parking area, hike back to the toll booth and get on the trail to Indian Pass. The trail to Indian Pass follows along the shore of Heart Lake before moving away from the lake and starting a moderate hike over rolling hills. You will pass by many side trails that should be avoided – like those to Mount Jo, Heart Lake Loop, and Rocky Falls.

In a short period of time you will hike past Scott Clearing lean-to and then to Scott Clearing. Scott Clearing is a nice spot for a break before you start a serious climb up to Wallface and Scott Ponds. You will take the trail that leads west out of the Clearing which is on the downhill side of the old dam. From here the climb is steady and very steep in sections to Scott Ponds. Past Scott Ponds the trail gets very wet and you will need ample balance to pass through some of the wet areas.

Once at Wallface Pond the trail ends at the shore. Looking to your left is a path to a campsite. This path continues through the campsite and through a thick forest to a crossing of an outlet of Wallface Pond. The herd path continues on the other side and continues to be easy to follow for a short period of time. Soon the herd path will disappear and you will need to take a bearing.

DO NOT take a bearing straight at the summit, it will be a very thick and unforgiving bushwhack if you do. Aim for the middle summit along the ridge. The woods are much more open and easy to get through.

The terrain will be some of the steepest you have possibly encountered up to this point in your hiking career. Once on the ridge a herd path will lead right and left. Follow right to a rocky overlook. This is not the summit, the path continues for about another 0.25 miles to the true summit where a summit sign usually resides. The summit is a small rock shelf with a nice view of the Sawtooth Range. The summit is at the far north end of the long ridge.

As you can see, this mountain is relentless and demanding with a very difficult approach and finish. Again, we cannot stress enough that this should only be attempted by experienced hikers with the possibility of a guide in service.

Camping

Once at Wallface Pond the trail ends at the shore. Looking to your left is a path to a campsite.

Find out more

Read our blog post, Is it MacNaughton or MacNaughty? You Decide.

Snowshoeing

This is a full on bushwhack from Wallface Ponds, be aware that there is most likely no trail broken out. In fact, the trail past Scott Clearing may not be touched very often either. Waterproof jacket is essential to stay dry from falling snow from the trees. Its seclusion, lack of consistent usage, and lack of a defined trail and route make this a sure-fire challenge for even the most experienced and fit snowshoers.

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