Mount Haystack is the third tallest mountain in New York and has arguably one of the best summit views in the Adirondack Park. Of course, to enjoy such views, hikers will have to tackle one of the most demanding hikes of the 46 High Peaks. With its rugged terrain and challenging hiking distance, Haystack is not an appropriate day hike for less experienced hikers.
Distance: 8.8 miles to the summit, thus 17.6 mile round trip as an out and back hike
Ascent: 3,570 feet
Elevation: 4,960 feet
Primary Trailhead: The shortest and most popular route leaves from the The Garden parking lot in Keene Valley. To reach The Garden parking lot from Lake Placid on Route 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 follows a narrow dirt road. The Garden parking lot (operated by the town of Keene) costs $10 per day ($13 Canadian) from mid-May through the end of October. An attendant is on duty 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Fridays and 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Town employees and DEC rangers monitor the lot during the week. Space in this lot is limited and almost always full early on weekend mornings.
When The Garden lot is full, free overflow parking is available at Marcy Airfield 2.5 miles north of Keene Valley. From the Marcy Airfield lot, hikers can plan to be shuttled to the trailhead via a shuttle bus. There is a $10 round-trip charge to ride the shuttle the 3.5 miles to The Garden trailhead. The shuttle operates from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from late May to mid-October. Depending on the hike you’ve planned and your start time, you could run the risk of completing your hike after the last scheduled bus pickup returning to the Marcy Airfield parking lot. Please plan accordingly.
More information about The Garden parking lot and shuttle information.
Trail Route: Starting from The Garden parking lot, the terrain is gently rolling hills. You will descend steeply to Johns Brook Valley having traversed about 3 miles. Once in the valley, you will continue on as you approach Johns Brook Lodge. Proceed straight past Johns Brook Lodge and head toward Bushnell Falls. Avoid the side trail leading to the base of the falls and continue to the junction where you will go left and down to cross Johns Brook. As you pass by the Bushnell Falls lean-to the grade will be moderate but a continuous climb to Slant Rock. From Slant Rock, the trail is steep and steady as you advance toward the intersection with the Marcy Trail. From the intersection, continue left and climb very steeply where you’ll take in views of Little Haystack and Mount Haystack. Next, it is a slight descent to the base of the tree line. From here, you will be completely exposed to the elements all the way to the summit. First you climb Little Haystack and then descend to a col before an open rock climb to the summit of Haystack.
History: Haystack gets its name from the resemblance of its rounded, conical peak to a haystack.
Location: Mount Haystack is located in the Town of Keene, in Essex County, in the Northern region of New York State.