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AdirondackRegion.com

South Haystack Trail

A short but steep ascent marked by yellow disks, this trail climbs less than a kilometer to approach one of the region's more dramatic summits. The path, maintained by the state and part of the Lake Champlain-Lake George watershed network, is reported to offer substantial elevation gain despite its brevity. Those seeking a condensed alpine experience often find the effort rewarded with expansive views and the characteristic ruggedness of the High Peaks periphery.

§ Overview

South Haystack Trail runs 0.6 miles (0.9 km) with about 1,056 feet of elevation gain — a demanding hike, with a steep, sustained climb, about 50 minutes on the trail. NYSDEC maintains the route.

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Length
0.6 mi
Elevation gain
1,056 ft
Difficulty · est.
Demanding
Book time
49 min
§ Before you go
  • NYSDECOperator
  • lwnNetwork
From OpenStreetMap. Surface + access tags vary by trail.
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Elevation profile
Max 4,908 ftMin 3,852 ftNet gain 1,056 ft
4,908 ft3,852 ft0 mi0.1 mi0.3 mi0.4 mi0.6 mi
§ Nearby parking

38 parking areas

Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data; surface and capacity from OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.

+30 more on the map above

§ Closest essentials

Nearest, each within 25 miles

Coffee
Old Mountain Coffee Company
8.2 mi away
Restaurant
Noon Mark Diner
8.3 mi away
General store
East Branch Organics
11.8 mi away
Shelter
Panther Gorge Lean-To
0.6 mi away
§ Nearby Points of Interest
Peaks (12)
Lakes & ponds (46)
Trails (24)
Shelters (1)
  • Johns Brook Lodge4.3 mi
Lean-tos (92)
  • Panther Gorge Lean-To0.6 mi
  • Panther Gorge Leanto0.6 mi
  • Slant Rock Lean-To1.5 mi
  • Slant Rock Lean-to1.7 mi
  • Feldspar Lean-To2.8 mi
  • Feldspar Lean-to2.8 mi
  • Bushnell Falls Lean-to #22.8 mi
  • Uphill Lean-To3.0 mi
Primitive campsites (183)
  • Unnamed campsite0.6 mi
  • Sno-bird0.9 mi
  • Unnamed campsite1.6 mi
  • Unnamed campsite1.7 mi
  • Unnamed campsite1.7 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.7 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.8 mi
  • Unnamed campsite2.8 mi
§ The Field Notes

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§ Stay near this trail
Keene Valley Lodge — hero image
8.7 miKeene

Keene Valley Lodge

Van Hoevenberg Cabins — hero image
8.9 miLake Placid

Van Hoevenberg Cabins

River Road Loj - Lake Placid log cabin rental — hero image
12 miLake Placid

River Road Loj - Lake Placid log cabin rental

§ From the field guides
All field guides →
§ Frequently asked