Hiking New York state's third tallest mountain
Haystack is one of the most demanding hikes of the 46 High Peaks due to its rugged terrain and hiking distance. It is a steep, long, and serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Haystack involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.
*If you are hiking Haystack as part of a Great Range loop from AMR, this hike will require a parking reservation from May 1 - October 31. Please plan accordingly. Visit www.HikeAMR.org for more information and to reserve your parking spot.*
Key takeaways
- Distance: 16.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
- Elevation: 4,960 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions, steep rock slab, and an exposed summit
- Based on the approach from John's Brook Valley (Phelps Trail)
Hiking Haystack Mountain
Primary Trailhead (Phelps Trail): This route leaves from The Garden in Keene Valley; there is a parking fee at the trailhead. Parking is limited and is usually full early on weekend mornings. Leave Lake Placid on Rte 73, continue through Keene and into Keene Valley and turn right after the Ausable Inn and continue for 1.6 miles, the last 0.2 mile on a narrow dirt road.
This is an 8.2 mile hike, one way, with a mixture of demanding terrain. From The Garden, the terrain is gently rolling hills until you drop steeply into Johns Brook Valley at 3.0 miles. Making a right into the valley you will continue a bit further to Johns Brook Lodge. Continue straight past Johns Brook Lodge and head toward Bushnell Falls. Avoiding the side trail leading to the base of the falls, continue to the junction and go left and down and now with red markers to cross Johns Brook. As you pass by the Bushnell Falls lean-to the grade will be moderate yet steady to Slant Rock. From Slant Rock you will climb steep and steady to the intersection with the Marcy Trail. Continue left and climb very steeply to an amazing view of the Haystacks from a small knob called Horse Hill. From here it is a slight descent to the base of the tree line. Then you start a steep ascent in exposed, open conditions all the way to the summit. First you climb Little Haystack and then descend to a col before an open rock hike to the summit of Haystack.
Second Trailhead (Marcy Trail): This route leaves from the Adirondack Loj. From the intersection of Route 86 and Route 73 in Lake Placid follow Route 73 through Keene and Keene Valley, take a right onto Adirondack Loj Road – first right after the ski jumps. Follow to the end at the hiker parking area, where there is a fee to use the lot.
This is a 16.5 mile round trip hike with a moderate climb. Starting from the Loj parking you will pass by Marcy Dam where excellent views of the High Peaks can be had. The trail then follows along Phelps Brook before it enters its steepest portion up to Indian Falls. From Indian Falls you will enjoy a very moderate ascent up to the trail intersection with Haystack at 4,900 feet. From here you will have to descend quite a bit to 4,200 feet to reach the Phelps Trail mentioned above.
Haystack in the winter
Haystack is a dangerous and remote hike in the winter, do not attempt if you have little to no winter hiking experience, make sure you are prepared. Haystack has a long ridge by climbing over Little Haystack. Along here you can expect heavy winds and whiteout conditions with a deep wind chill. In the col between Little Haystack and Haystack, footing can be tricky and slippery. The climb out is steep and the ridge can be windblown with little snow coverage, but ice may be present nonetheless. Be sure to have snowshoes, microspikes, and crampons.
Find your perfect trail near Lake Placid
Does Haystack sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you.