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I was able to hike Haystack Mountain in Maine this past weekend, right in the heart of the fall foliage season, and it was an incredible experience. The trail isn’t that long but it does have a steep incline. But with the fall foliage almost at its peak, we knew we had to take it on. Here is everything you need to know.

Haystack Mountain

Haystack Mountain is a small but scenic peak located in northern Maine near Liberty.

Haystack Mountain Elevation & Geology

The mountain stands at 1,142 feet tall and is made from tough volcanic rock from the Winterville Formation. Formed roughly 450–460 million years ago during the Late Ordovician period.

This rock started out in a deep-water environment, created by underwater volcanic activity and sediment deposits.

Over millions of years, mountain-building forces and erosion pushed and folded the layers, bringing the older volcanic rocks up to the surface.

This makes Haystack Mountain rise above the landscape because the hard rhyolite rock at its core resists erosion much better than the surrounding softer rocks.

So, thanks to ancient volcanism and geologic shaping, we’ve got this small but striking mountain to hike today!

Driving to Haystack Mountain

We arrived on the last weekend of September, and even though the forecast called for sunny skies, it turned out to be pretty cloudy.

Despite that, we decided to hike the Haystack Mountain Trail anyway, knowing the fall colors might not pop as much as they would have on a sunny day.

When we pulled into the parking area, it seemed to come out of nowhere. Be careful not to slam on your brakes if there are cars behind you!

If you miss the turn, don’t worry—you can easily turn around a little farther up the road. The turn is on a hill, making it easy to miss, especially with the blind spots in the area.

Looking for fall festivals in Maine? Read Maine Fall Festivals: Your Ultimate Guide! I will update to 2025 dates as soon as they are released!

Hiking Haystack Mountain

The Haystack Mountain hike starts right from the parking lot, just look for the signs when you arrive.

The hike is steep for the entire 0.5 miles and mostly on large rocks used as stairs.

Make sure to wear your hiking boots, as the soggy leaves and wet ground make it slippery. Just take your time and use the trees to help you up.

As you climb higher, the views start to open up!

Want more fall foliage recommendations? Ultimate Guide to Maine’s Fall Foliage: When and Where to Go

The Summit of Haystack Mountain

As you near the top you will need to climb over some large boulders, but that only lasts for a few minutes.

As I reached the summit of Haystack Mountain, I was rewarded with the never-ending views of Maine’s fall foliage.

Enjoy some time relaxing on the bench, or have a seat on one of the large rocks to really take in the view!

Tip: There were small gnats at the top, so bringing bug spray is definitely a good idea.

Follow The Blue Markings

After relaxing for almost an hour, it was time to make our way back down.

On the way down, we followed a group that took a trail to the right instead of the left—a big mistake.

It wasn’t a trail at all, and after about 15 minutes of heading down, we found ourselves in a dangerous situation and had to turn around.

Follow the blue markings during your entire hike. Make sure to take the trail to the left, even though it might look like there are two options. The left path is the safe and correct way back!

Once we found ourselves back on the trail we made it down to the car within 20 minutes.

How Hard Is The Haystack Mountain Hike?

The trail is easy enough for most people to enjoy, but the views at the top make it feel like you’ve accomplished something big.

I recommend downloading the Trail Map for Haystack Mountain which you can find on AllTrails!

Best Time to Hike Haystack Mountain

The best time to hike Haystack Mountain is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall.

The trail is short and manageable, but summer and early fall offer the best weather and clearest views from the summit.

If you’re up for a morning or evening hike, those cooler times of the day are ideal for beating the heat in summer.

Fall also brings stunning foliage to the surrounding area, making it a perfect time for a scenic trek!

It’s also rated one of the best fall hikes in Maine, which is why I chose to do it in October.

Haystack Mountain Maine Directions

You can find the Haystack Mountain hiking trail in Northern Maine near Presque Island

Explore More of Maine

I love exploring Maine over the past few years of living here. For more of my favorite spots.

If you want more fall things to do, read The Best Spots For New Hampshire Fall Foliage.

Keep the New England road trip going, here are the Best Things To Do In Vermont This Fall!

Read all of my Maine Travel Guides!

Still want a lobster roll? You have time! Here is A Local’s Guide To The Best Lobster Rolls In Maine.

You should also spend some time in Maine’s State Parks and Acadia National Park!

Have you hiked Haystack Mountain? Share your experience and trail tips in the comments!