Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#3 Mount Haystack

The third highest 46er, Mount Haystack is often summited in conjunction with other neighboring high peaks, since the most popular route requires climbing over Saddleback and Basin first. This adventure is not for those looking for an easy day, but the effort is worth it, as the trail is beautiful and provides you with three incredible summits, all of which are 46ers.

Trail Stats:

Distance: 17.7 miles round-trip from the Garden

Elevation: 4,960 ft

Ascent: 2,790 ft

For the beginning of the Haystack climb, please see the hike descriptions for Basin and Saddleback. After following the Range Trail over the summit of Basin, (4.5 miles of hiking from the DEC Outpost), turn left at the base of the summit rocks and descend gradually until you reach the top of a ledge nearly 2 miles after Basin’s summit. You will descend a number of steep ledges and continue steeply for 0.4 miles until the intersection with the Shorey Short Cut to the Phelps Trail. You will continue down steeply on the range trail past a designated campsite (at 2.4 miles from Basin’s summit) and then begin climbing to the intersection with the trail heading left to Haystack. Here, you’ll follow the trail with yellow markers up to Little Haystack (not a full mountain but a section of Haystack, and what is for some an aggravating false summit), from there you will follow the trail for 0.3 miles into a col. Here you’ll follow the ridge for another 0.3 miles to Haystack’s bare summit.

Trailhead

If you’re driving into Keene Valley from Lake Placid, there is a DEC sign after the post office on the right, at Adirondack Street. Take this right; the road will turn into Johns Brook Lane and you follow it 1.5 miles until you reach the Garden Parking Lot. If the parking lot is full, you will have to park in Keene Valley and walk the 1.5 miles along the road or park before Keene Valley at Marcy Field (coming from Keene it will be on the right, shortly before you pass the Mountaineer) and take a shuttle from there to the Garden. You should do your research before coming because the shuttle schedule changes seasonally and as of 2016 only runs on weekends.

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High Peaks Map

Plan & prepare for your ADK adventure! ADK Mountain Club's topographic trail map, High Peaks: Adirondack Trail Map, revised edition as of Summer 2021. The go-to map for the latest on High Peaks trails, lean-tos, campsites, and public-private land boundaries, many of which have changed in the last year alone.

Purchase Here

Keep it PURE

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a physical map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the NYS Rangers and medical personnel that exhaust themselves for a rescue that could have been avoided. Pack out your trash. Use a bear canister when primitive camping and cook away from where you’re sleeping. Do the rock walk to help reduce the impact on fragile alpine vegetation. Camp at designated campsites and never camp on or near summits.

The 46 of 46 Podcast

An outdoors documentary podcast of a local hiker's journey hiking all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains to become an Adirondack 46er. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more.

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#LoveYourADK

Each year, millions of people visit the public lands inside the Adirondacks. However you choose to spend your time here, we know the Adirondacks will hold a special place in your heart. We feel the same way. To Love Your Adirondacks is to protect the lands, waters, and communities we all know and love.

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ADK 46er Journey: Brecka Coonradt

We welcome Brecka Coonradt, who shares her experience hiking the 46 Adirondack High Peaks to become an ADK 46er. Enjoy following along below as she shares her stories and lessons learned throughout her journey.

ADK 46er Winter Journey: Jay Whitbourne

I have seen some of the most amazing cloud inversions during the winter and had some of the most surreal moments when the snow conditions are just right, the sky is clear, the wind is calm and the air isn't nipping at your skin.

ADK Winter 46er Journey: Sam Perkins

I have learned so much over the years, and I continue to learn each time I go for a hike. I could go on and on about gear, trails, mountains, clothing, etc. A lot of it has been trial and error. I have spent a lot of time reading, looking at maps, learning more about weather, researching different gear… the list goes on.