Haystack Mountain is a popular hiking destination in the Lake Placid area. It offers hikers nice views of Whiteface Mountain, Mount Marcy, Algonquin Peak, and the Seward Range. This 2878 foot mountain should not be confused with Mount Haystack (elevation 4960 feet) as it is NOT a 46er. This hike is a 3.3 mile one way hike with an elevation gain of 1240 feet. The trail is marked with blue DEC markers. This is one of the Saranac 6ers.

From the large parking area on NY 86, the trail crosses a small stream at 0.5 miles. At 1.5 miles you reach an open area and at 1.8 miles you veer right as the old trail comes in on the left. The trail now climbs as it follows Little Ray Brook on your left. At 2.4 miles you reach the junction of the red marked McKenzie Mountain Trail. Here you turn left and continue to follow the blue marked trail. Soon you'll cross a small brook and then cross Little Ray Brook. The trail will become steeper as you reach a ledge at 3.2 miles and then the summit at 3.3 miles.

Directions: From Lake Placid take NY 86 WEST.  There is a large parking area on the right before you get to Ray Brook. There is a DEC sign at the parking area. The GPS coordinates is N44 17.549 W74 03.062.

DEC sign at the trailhead parking area

DEC Trail sign