MacNaughton Mountain Hike

On Saturday, July 21st, three of us (Michael, Christopher and myself) met up at the Upper Works Trailhead in Tahawus.  It was a cool start with mostly sunny skies.

At about 9:10AM we were all pretty much set and we started up the trail.  Soon we reached the junction for a short spur trail out to Henderson Lake and we took this for the view.  Back on the main trail we continued to the junction for the "Duck Hole" Trail and proceeded to the northern end of Henderson Lake, where we encountered the shelter near its shores.  The trail quickly turned to the northwest, where it wasn't too long before we made it to the Upper Preston Pond.  It was now 11AM and after checking out the shore of the pond we headed further up the main trail to Hunter Pond.  This was where the real fun began.  The information found on the web indicated that a herd path would be near the beaver dam on Hunter...no such luck!  At a height of land just beyond the pond we left the trail for a mostly dried up brook bed.  This was fairly rocky, but provided a good enough initial route up along the ridge.  Near the top of the brook, we turned more westerly, while continuing to climb in elevation.  For the most part the woods were reasonably clear and there was at times evidence that some other "fool(s)" had chosen this route as well!  It was about 1:45 when we finally reached the ridgeline and there were limited views through the trees...including MacNaughton, which looked like quite a ways away still.  As we climbed along the ridge the brush and trees became much thicker, but not to the point of having to push through seriously thick brush.  At about 2:30 we finally broke for lunch and I was starting to worry about the time.  We kept the break short and reached the height of this part of the ridge.  From here there was a good descent into a col before the climb up to MacNaughton.  The descent was slow and thick; however, past the col the woods were more open and we made better time in getting to the multi-peaked summit, which made up MacNaughton.  Just before we reached one of the peaks we found a herd path...YEAH!  This led us to a nice ledge with some nice views southward to the Santanonis.  Unfortunately, this was also the peak, for which "Peakbagger.com" had provided coordinates.  From here we continued along the herd path (broken or overgrown in spots) further west along the summit and we finally found the summit sign at 3:20PM!  What a relief!  We took a short break, but we had to get started back, especially considering how long it had already taken. 

We went back to the ledge we had passed previously and just beyond this point found an opening in the woods to more efficiently descend.  This route was much better.  It wasn't long before we found another faint herd path.  This led to the top of MacNaughton Brook (not the same brook bed used on the ascent).  From here we followed the brook down...most of the time using the brook itself as the trail.  As we got lower it was becoming more difficult to stay in the brook as there were more frequent areas with shear rock walls and steep drop-offs in the brook.  We had to pretty much bushwhack through the woods around these areas and towards the bottom of the brook, the woods were just easier (there was periodic flagging tape, but not enough to have created a frequented herd path).  At about 5:30 we reached the trail again...whew!  We took a break and also checked to see if there was anything that could be seen for the herdpath and it would be extremely difficult to find this from the trail...it was also quite a distance from Hunter Pond, which had been described in a number of reports.  Anyway, knowing this, the bushwhack, of course, would be much easier!  That's usually the case with bushwhacks!

It felt so good to be back on an established trail and we returned via the same trail, what we took out.  Despite the lateness, we made good time and reached our cars again by about 7:35PM.  We got set and hurried over to Lake Harris Campground in Newcomb, where we were all spending the night.

A HUGE thanks to Christopher and Michael for braving this challenging hike/bushwhack with me!  I enjoyed the company and companionship!  Despite the limited rewards in magnificent summit views, the vistas along the way made up for it.  The beautiful Henderson Lake and Preston Ponds are just so typical Adirondacks and definitely were worth every bit of effort...along with the incredible challange that was MacNaughton Mt.

Join me for this 9.5 to 11 mile hike up the forgotten peak of the Adirondacks.  MacNaughton Mountain is part of the Street Range of the Adirondack Mountains.  It is named for James MacNaughton, the grandson of Archibald McIntyre, who founded/operated the Adirondack Iron Works.  The ADK now lists this as an "optional" 4000-footer, since it originally did not quality.  Surveys since that time have either put the peak at 4000' or more recently at 3983'.  It is the forty-third highest peak in the Adirondacks.

This hike will feature the beautiful Henderson Lake, Upper Preston Pond, Hunter Pond, the summit and ledges of MacNaughton Mountain and if there is time and desire at the end exploring the ghost town of Adirondack (Tahawus).  This hike will use existing trails as well as herd paths...some minor bushwhacking may be required as we ascend the mountain from Hunter Pond along the brook/ridge to the summit.  Approximately 3.6 to 4 miles will be off the official trails.  This hike has a relatively modest elevation gain of 2200 feet.

Rain or harsh weather will postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate.

What to Bring:  Typical late spring/summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike.

NOTE:  I would highly recommend convertible pants for this hike, as there may be some bushwhacking and this will help protect your legs from getting scratched up.  Also, gaiters may be beneficial, if you have them.

I will carry a GPS unit along with compass for the safety of the group.

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 4PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with dinner/drinks in North Creek or in Shroon Lake, depending on the travel direction preferred by the group (there is not much up in Newcomb).

Camping Option:  Contact me, if you wish to join me for camping Saturday night.