Mount Haystack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Haystack |
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Mount Haystack from Little Haystack
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,960 ft (1,510 m) |
| Prominence | 840 ft (260 m) |
| Listing | Adirondack High Peaks 3rd |
| Geography | |
 Mount Haystack
Location in New York Adirondack Park
Mount Haystack
Location in the United States
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| Location | Keene, New York, U.S. |
| Parent range | Adirondacks |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Marcy |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1849 by Orson Schofield Phelps and party |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Mount Haystack is a tall mountain in the Great Range of the Adirondack High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. It is the third highest peak in the state. Only Algonquin Peak and Mount Marcy are taller.
Even though it offers amazing views from its bare, alpine top, it is not visited by many hikers. It is quite far from the nearest starting point for trails. The paths to the top are also very steep and challenging.
What's in a Name?
Mount Haystack gets its name because its rounded top looks like a pile of hay. A haystack is a large pile of dried grass used to feed animals. This shape makes the mountain easy to spot.
A Challenging Climb
Mount Haystack is a favorite for members of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers. These are hikers who aim to climb all 46 of the highest peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. Because the mountain is so remote, it is a tough climb. The trails are steep and can be very difficult.
How to Reach the Top
One common way to hike Mount Haystack starts from the Garden parking area in Keene Valley. Hikers follow the Johns Brook Trail. Then they switch to the Phelps Trail. Finally, they use Shorey's Short Cut to reach the Range Trail. This path leads to the summit.
It is possible to climb Mount Haystack and Mount Marcy on the same day. However, this makes for a very long and tiring hike. The path from Panther Gorge is even steeper than other routes.
Some hikers also reach Mount Haystack while exploring the Great Range. They might make it their last stop before climbing Mount Marcy. Or they might combine it with nearby Basin and Saddleback. You can also approach the mountain from the private Upper Ausable Lake.
The Devil's Half Mile
One famous part of the hike up Mount Haystack is called the "Devil's Half Mile." This section is actually about 3/4 of a mile long, which is about 1.2 kilometers. It is known for being an extremely steep and difficult part of the trail. Hikers need to be very careful and strong to get through it.
Gallery
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Little Haystack (left) and Mount Haystack (center), from Mount Marcy
