Mount Haystack Trail

A challenging hike in any season, but particularly so in winter. Haystack is the third highest peak in New York State. From the trailhead, hike along the trail that follows the north side of Johns Brook. At Bushnell Falls there are two shelters and the trail crosses to the south side of Johns Brook and continues on to Slant Rock where there is an additional shelter. This is the last shelter before the two Haystacks. The Shorey's Short Cut trail then heads steeply upward and intersects with the Range Trail. Once on the Range Trail it rises quickly and peaks just as you reach Little Haystack. From Little Haystack you can begin to see Haystack, but before the final gentle ascent to Haystack, there is a serious step down to the Haystack ridge trail. This step is about 20 feet and very exposed, especially in winter, as the terrain drops away quickly into the valley to the east. In winter this area is very icy and requires some competence with an ice axe and crampons. After descending the step the route to the Haystack summit is clear. The return trip simply retraces the outbound route.