Health insurance is required to participate in the program.

This trip is more ambitious and strenuous than our other backpacking trips and demands a high level of physical fitness in order to complete it within the available daylight hours. ADK reserves the right to deny participation if group safety will be compromised through an individual's participation.

This three-day backpacking trip to Haystack & Basin mountains (elevations 4,960’ and 4,826’, 19.7 miles round-trip with approximately 5,200’ of elevation gain) is a cooperative group camping experience with the shared responsibility of camp chores, cooking, and decision making while practicing Leave No Trace skills and ethics. The trip will be led by one or more of ADK’s Education Department staff, who are all NYS Licensed Guides and experienced, professional outdoor educators.

Please plan on meeting at Marcy Field in Keene, NY at 12:00pm. Please be packed and ready to hike at noon. After being shuttled by ADK staff to The Garden Parking Lot, we’ll go through introductions, a trip overview, and divvy up group gear before heading out on our journey to our campsite. Throughout the weekend we’ll discuss safe off-trail travel, backcountry skills, and the rich natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks.

Our tentative itinerary is as follows: On Day 1, we’ll hike a rugged 5.1 miles from The Garden trailhead to a campsite at or near Bushnell Falls. On Day 2, we’ll hike 9.5 miles to the summits of Haystack and Basin and return to base camp for the evening. On Day 3, we’ll hike 5.1 miles back to The Garden trailhead, meet our shuttle back to Marcy Field and should be out of the woods by midday. Plans are subject to change due to weather, trail conditions, and numerous other factors. This trip will be physically demanding, especially if the weather is poor. Be ready for long days and tired feet.

All group equipment (stoves, fuel bottles, cook sets, first aid kit, etc.), breakfasts, and dinners will be provided by ADK. Participants are expected to provide their own lunches and their own personal equipment. Personal snacks are allowed, but due to limited bear canister space they should be small in size and high in calories. Hygienic products and other items with a scent (bug spray, sun screen, etc.) should also be small in size and limited in quantity as they must also fit inside the bear canisters. Travel-sized items are great! Please let us know well in advance if you require any equipment.

No prior backpacking experience is necessary, but prior High Peak hiking experience is required. Good physical condition, proper clothing, and proper equipment are a must.

*ADK cannot guarantee a time the guided trip will be completed by.*

High Peaks Backpacking: Haystack & Basin