First long hike of the season and it was exhausting. I took on McKenzie and Haystack as part of my Saranac Lake 6er using the main trail. Along the way I met a couple of other 6ers who, through word of mouth, learned about a bushwhack from McKenzie to Haystack that shaved off a few miles - unfortunately the news came too late, but I'll definitely take it into account when I get around to attempting the ultra 6er. The hike offered several great views but the challenging trail up McKenzie and the conversations with other hikers were the highlights of the trip.