MacNaughton Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MacNaughton Mountain |
|
|---|---|
MacNaughton Mt. (summit centre) seen from Duck Hole
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,983 ft (1,214 m) |
| Prominence | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Listing | Adirondack High Peaks |
| Geography | |
| Location | North Elba, Essex County, New York |
| Parent range | Street Range |
| Topo map | USGS Ampersand Lake |
MacNaughton Mountain is a cool mountain found in Essex County, New York. It's named after James MacNaughton, who lived a long time ago (from 1851 to 1905). This mountain is part of the Street Range, which is a group of mountains in the amazing Adirondack Mountains. MacNaughton Mountain is located inside the High Peaks Wilderness Area of New York's Adirondack Park.
Contents
Where the Water Goes from MacNaughton
Water from MacNaughton Mountain flows in different directions, creating important rivers.
Water Flowing West and North
The western slopes and the north end of MacNaughton Mountain send their water into Preston Ponds and Duck Hole pond. Duck Hole pond is actually the very beginning, or source, of the Cold River. The Cold River then flows into the Raquette River. From there, the water travels all the way to the Saint Lawrence River in Canada, and finally into the huge Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
Water Flowing East and South
The eastern slopes and the south end of MacNaughton Mountain drain into the southern Indian Pass Brook. This brook then flows into Henderson Lake. Henderson Lake is the source of the famous Hudson River, which eventually empties into New York Bay.
Is MacNaughton an Adirondack "High Peak"?
The Adirondack High Peaks are a special group of mountains in New York. To be on this list, mountains usually need to be 4,000 feet tall or more.
Early Surveys and Height
When MacNaughton Mountain was first measured, its height was about 3,976 feet. This meant it was just a little too short to be one of the official 4,000-foot "High Peaks." Later, in 1953, a new measurement showed the mountain did reach that height. However, the list of 46 High Peaks stayed the same because those were the original mountains chosen. More recently, a survey measured MacNaughton Mountain at exactly 3,983 feet.
Why It's Not Often Climbed
Even though MacNaughton Mountain is tall, it's not climbed as much as other mountains. This is because it's not on the official list of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Also, the top of MacNaughton Mountain doesn't offer amazing views like some other mountains do. There isn't a clear, well-kept path to the top. Most of the climb from the nearest trail at Wallface Pond doesn't have a clear route.
