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A rocky ascent to one of the Adirondacks' bald peaks.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

44%

Runnable

4,882' 1,488 m

High

3,849' 1,173 m

Low

280' 85 m

Up

1,041' 317 m

Down

25%

Avg Grade (14°)

46%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Waterfall

Runner Notes

Highly technical trail, in addition to many sections that require scrambling make this extraordinarily difficult to run.

Description

The route up Haystack is incredibly technical no matter which way you choose to ascend from. From either direction, the trail reaches the granite that the bald peak is composed of, and the runner has no choice aside from "up". Yellow paint will guide your way, and make you feel a little bit like Dorothy (though you're definitely not in Kansas anymore).

Because Haystack is bald, the views of Lake Colden, and even Elk Lake are spectacular, and on clear days visitors can see quite a ways. While exhausting, the trail keeps things exciting, and the paint is generally in good shape.

If you ascend from the northeast, be prepared that the summit of Little Haystack can provide a false sense of accomplishment, and though the distance between the two is short, the elevation gain occurs all at once.

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12041

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
33%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#356

in New York

#12,041

Overall
12 Views Last Month
2,675 Since Sep 28, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
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67%
33%

Photos

Sample rock face requiring a hand-held scramble along the steep ascent from the south. Steeper than it looks in the photo.
Sep 12, 2019 near Lake Pl…, NY
Almost to the top, and already the views are stunning!
Sep 29, 2015 near Lake Pl…, NY
Little Haystack and view northeast through Johns Brook Valley to Big Slide. Shoulder of Marcy to the left, partial view of continuation of Great Range to right, and parts of Basin.
Nov 7, 2017 near Keene, NY
A couple hundred feet from the summit.
Oct 4, 2018 near Keene, NY
Haystack from Little Haystack.
Nov 7, 2017 near Keene, NY
Even if you feel like Dorothy, follow the yellow blazes!
Sep 29, 2015 near Keene, NY

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