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.

From Rt. 87 (Northway) use Exit 29 and head west using County Highway 2b / Blue Ridge Road / Boreas Road.  This is approximately 17.5 miles.  At this point turn RIGHT onto Tahawus Road and head north along this for 6.4 miles.  Turn LEFT onto Upper Works Road and proceed for another 3.5 miles to the very end where there is a trailhead parking area.  This takes about an hour and 10 minutes and there are signs from Boreas Road for the Upper Works Trailhead.  Look for a grey Hyundai Elantra.