Are dogs allowed on Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail?

No, Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail?

Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail is rated expert. It is 18.5 miles long with 6,621 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail suitable for kids?

Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See New York trail conditions

Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail route map

ExpertLoop

New York

Haystack, Basin, Saddleback Trail

Keene Valley, New York

18.5 mi

Distance

6,621 ft

Elev. Gain

9h 3m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

This hike takes you to 3 amazing 46er peaks including Mt. Haystack, Basin and Saddleback. It is a bit difficult getting over the rock scrambles up to Saddleback. Start off by parking at the Garden Parking. Head up to the trail towards John Brooks Lodge which is about 3.6 miles. Stop by and check out what it has to offer. From here head in the same direction towards Mt. Marcy. You will come to an intersection where you can head right towards Marcy or left towards Haystack. It's not long till you reach a small rock out cropping with great views. Just before little Haystack, you will see an intersection towards Basin. Once you reach Little Haystack the path looks difficult however most people make it in about 20-30 minutes. Once you have tackled Haystack back track and now take the path towards Basin. It is long and there are some steep inclines but you will have some great views. Keep going and it's only a mile till Saddleback. Hopefully you have some help because getting up these are crazy steep and hard.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:477 ft

Max:1,493 ft

2,018 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.