The mountain rises just over 800 feet above sea level but the top provides visitors panoramic views of the landscape for miles around. There is a 1.1-mile footpath that forms a loop and winds through a mixed northern hardwoods forest that includes oak, pine, maple, birch and hemlock. Near the top a short spur trail takes hikers to the open summit. A description of the trail in a 2014 Bangor Daily News article describes the hike as a “great trail for families.” Haystack is the only vantage point for miles around that offers such expansive and unobstructed views via a maintained trail allowing public access.

The Haystack Mountain trailhead is strategically located 200 yards from the back of Walker Elementary School and the trail has been used by students and teachers for decades. On occasion students have participated in trail-improvement work projects. Once introduced to the trail, it is not uncommon for students to introduce their families to the trail on a weekend. The trail is an important community resource that provides Walker School students and area residents with healthy physical activity, relaxation and solitude.

Millions of people visit Maine each year to experience the natural beauty and renowned recreational opportunities in our state. In 2022 Maine state parks had more than 3.3 million visitors, and located just a few minutes from Liberty Village is Lake St. George State Park, one of the most popular state parks.

Visitors and campers at Lake St. George State Park frequently ask about nearby hiking trails. Haystack  Mountain Trail and Liberty River Walk Trail (also accessed from Liberty Village) are the only maintained hiking trails within a few minutes’ drive of the state park. Having maps of these trails available at the state park would draw more people into Liberty Village where they would also discover Liberty’s eclectic collection of businesses. This would strengthen the local economy and provide opportunities for new businesses to gain a foothold.

Haystack Mountain’s “million-dollar” view is on the market to be sold by the owners. This could mean the end of access, the building of trophy houses on the open side of Haystack and the loss of the region’s most treasured hike— a hike that currently is open to everyone through the generosity of the landowners. A group of local residents has come together to acquire and conserve the 57-acre property to ensure that it remains undeveloped and accessible for future generations. Maine is at risk of losing its unprotected special places in the next 5 to 10 years unless the people who know and love these places act quickly and with generosity. If you have not hiked the Haystack trail to the top, we encourage you to check it out on your own or contact us to arrange for a hike up there. (The Haystack Mountain Trail parking lot is behind the Walker Health Center in Liberty. The trailhead and kiosk are at the far corner, past the ball field.)

If you have any questions about Haystack Mountain or making donations, please contact the Friends of Haystack Mountain at: friendsofhaystackmountain@gmail.com