Haystack Mountain via Colby M. Chester Memorial Trail is a 3.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Pawlet, Vermont that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
birding
hiking
nature trips
trail running
walking
forest
views
wildlife
no dogs
Generations of Pawlet families – and visitors from around the world – have climbed the steep slopes to the top of Haystack Mountain to take in the spectacular 360-degree views of Bald and Middle Mountains, the north-south forested hills and the serene Mettowee Valley. This preserve features a series of rounded, forested peaks in the northern Taconic Mountains, clustered in an extensive landscape of unbroken forest. Locals call Haystack, Middle and Bald Mountains the Three Sisters. Warm southern aspect and shallow soils produce drought-like conditions on the hills and promote the growth of several unusual natural communities, including dry oak woodlands and dry oak-hickory-hophornbeam forests. Turkeys, grouse and bobcats roam the rocky landscape. Peregrine falcons sometimes nest on the cliffs of Haystack. These forested hills also provide nesting habitat for neotropical migrant songbirds that rely on unfragmented forest blocks.
We had perfect conditions and a nice fall day . This was what you would expect for a moderate trail. Fairly well marked, stunning 360’ view from the top!!
Such a rewarding hike! Amazing views at the top
Beautiful hike!!
Great hike. Definitely moderate
Summit was beautiful. I did the hike with my 11yr old twins and dog
not well marked but all in all good hike. summit has a breathtaking view.
A short but challenging hike. My personal favorite trail in the area. The view alone is worth the effort to get to the top!
Short hike for such an awesome view. Nothing too difficult on the way up. The trail is easy to follow
Easy walk up a farm road with Angus cows mooing at you. Trail starts about a 1/4 mile up on the left. Easy walk until you cross the brook, then steep and roots and rocks from there up to the top. Beautiful New York and Southern Green Mountains views.
Fun hike, great views!
Great little mountain! You must park along the road and hike up a road to the beginning of the trailhead along a Farmer's property. The first stream bed is riddled with shale and the water clarity is out of control beautiful. The hike is steep but short and the summit has very near 360° views. West Mountain ski center is visible as well as all of Granville and the Mettowee valley. Lake Saint Catherine can be seen behind the trees as you face north. Eastern views show you the road you walked in on and beyond. The lack of light pollution in the Mettowee valley would make this a tremendous hike for stargazing.
1st Vermont hike
Worth the climb!