Haystack 4-9-06
| Vital Stats |
| Peak: |
Haystack Mountain |
| Peak altitude: |
3450' |
| Base altitude: |
2250' |
| Difference from base: |
1200' |
| Cumulative gain: |
1200' |
| Total time (Approx): |
??? |
| Total vertical gain: |
1200' |
| Total distance: |
3.3mi RT |
| Trip Difficulty |
S3D2V3(11) Moderate |
| Trail(s) Taken |
unnamed tr |
This is not the most heavily hiked mountain. Its about 3450' or so. What makes
this mountain special besides the fact that it clearly looks like a giant boob
is the fact that it has a sizeable natural lake near the summit. This lake is
used for the Wilmington water supply these days. The mountain is literally a
3000 foot gradual grade mountain with a long wide flat top that has a 450 foot
tall steep dunce cap on top.
The views to the south/west/north were nearly non existent (from the summit). I
did see things from the trail but they were merely "trail views" and therefore
not very good. The East views were excellent. There is a dead on view of
Monadnock, as well as Ascutney. You can even see Moosilauke which is 100 miles
away in the White Mountains of NH (~4800 feet tall).
The trail to the summit is not much, I lost it twice which made my ascent a 2.5
or so hour deal. I ended up at the pond before I ended up at the summit (both
are on very different paths).
This hike is easy with the exception of the misguided turns. If you plan to hike
know this:
Park on the road in the chimney hill housing mega-land-grab.
When you reach the signs saying no trespassing Wilmington watershed etc turn on
the trail to the left. It goes down hill, do not be deceived it leads upwards
eventually.
When you reach a downed tree with a pile of rocks turn left. you will see
another evil watershed sign. Ignore it and press forward, this will take you to
the summit.
Click Here for the Hike Map
