If you ask any 46er what their favorite mountain is, you're likely to hear, "Oh, definitely Haystack." With its unique summit profile and breathtaking vistas from every angle, Haystack leaves a lasting impression. Historically significant and visually stunning, this mountain is an iconic Adirondack experience recommended when conditions are ideal.
MOUNT HAYSTACK
via The Garden
What to know
Distance
The Garden Trailhead, Keene Valley
18.0 miles
Elevation Gain
Difficulty
Average Time
Highest Point
4,100 feet
5/7
10-12 hours
4,960 feet
Check out the route! (Zoom)
Special Considerations:
Due to its exposed terrain, Haystack should only be attempted in favorable weather conditions. Bring sunglasses on sunny days and prepare adequately for prolonged exposure above the treeline.
Water Availability:
Abundant, particularly at Johns Brook Lodge and along numerous streams
Maximum Grade:
1,250 feet over 1 mile (Slant Rock to first view of Haystack); includes a notably steep 350-foot climb over 0.2 miles at the Range/Phelps Trail intersection
Sunrise or Sunset:
Outstanding sunrise views; sunset also beautiful but not recommended due to the challenging descent after dark
View Type:
Extensive panoramic views including Panther Gorge, Basin, Upper Ausable Lake, and a prolonged above-treeline experience
View Photos of this Hike
Haystack Ridgeline
Trail Summary
Alternate Approaches
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0.0 miles: Start at Garden Trailhead
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0.5 miles: Turn right toward Johns Brook Lodge (JBL)
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3.1 miles: Second sign-in; continue right toward JBL
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3.6 miles: Johns Brook Lodge; follow signs toward Bushnell Falls
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5.4 miles: Bushnell Falls area; cross Johns Brook
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7.0 miles: Slant Rock
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7.1 miles: Intersection; continue toward Marcy
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8.0 miles: Range Trail intersection; left toward Haystack
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8.5 miles: Intersection for Haystack’s exposed summit
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8.6 miles: Little Haystack summit
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9.0 miles: Mount Haystack summit; return same route
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18.0 miles: Return to Garden Trailhead
Adirondack Loj (18.6 miles, 4,600 feet elevation gain):
Not a terrible choice for an alternate route, but certainly one to consider. A little more
distance and elevation, but shoots you right back out to the Loj in Lake Placid. This
direction has you going nearly all the way up to Mount Marcy via the Van Hoevenberg
Trail. About half a mile from Marcy, you will turn left on the Range Trail, bringing you
down and then back up to Haystack.
Elk Lake via Panther Gorge (24.1 miles, 5,100 feet elevation gain):
This is the least traveled and most rugged way to Haystack for sure. This is a very long
day and might want to be considered as an overnight in Panther Gorge. It will bring you
to a very remote part of the forest, but an excellent part. This is a fantastic alternative
to those who want to experience even more ruggedness of the High Peaks Wilderness
with a challenge.