Aerial imagery: USGS National Map (public domain)
Haystack — Pillars 34.4 Miles SW of Chapman Inn
Carroll County, New Hampshire · USGS North Conway West Quadrangle · GNIS 872024
One of only 15 pillars catalogued within the 80 km reach of Chapman Inn, Haystack lies on the USGS North Conway West quadrangle in Carroll County, New Hampshire — 34.4 miles southwest of the Inn.
Landmark Profile
Classification & USGS reference
Within Carroll County, New Hampshire, the U.S. Geological Survey lists Haystack as a rock pillar on the North Conway West topographic quadrangle (FIPS 33/003), under Feature ID 872024. Catalogued in GNIS since 08/27/1980.
Coordinates & physical setting
Haystack sits at 44.00368° N, 71.20090° W (DMS 44°00′13″ N, 71°12′03″ W).
Features on the USGS North Conway West Quadrangle
The North Conway West 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle holds 32 catalogued natural features alongside Haystack. A sampling nearest to this location:
| Feature | Type | County | Offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Moat Mountain | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 1 mi |
| Middle Moat Mountain | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 1.4 mi |
| Red Ridge | Ridges | Carroll County, NH | 2.1 mi |
| Deer Brook | Streams | Carroll County, NH | 2.3 mi |
| Spruce Hill | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 2.4 mi |
| North Moat Mountain | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 2.8 mi |
| Thompson Falls | Waterfalls | Carroll County, NH | 2.8 mi |
| Big Attitash Mountain | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 3.3 mi |
| Birch Hill | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 3.4 mi |
| White Horse Ledge | Benches | Carroll County, NH | 3.7 mi |
Ranking & rarity
- Among the 15 pillars catalogued within 80 km of Chapman Inn, Haystack ranks #10 by proximity to the Inn (closer than 33%).
- This is one of only 15 pillars catalogued within Chapman Inn’s 80 km reach — a rare classification in the local landscape.
Visiting from Chapman Inn
Distance, bearing & drive time
Follow the compass bearing SW out of Bethel for 34.4 miles (southwest) and you reach Haystack; at typical rural speeds the trip runs roughly 59 minutes.
Best time to visit
Accessible May through November in most years. At this latitude (44.004°), the shoulder seasons are workable — April and November can be comfortable on mild years. At 34.4 miles from the Inn, block the full day — sunrise start, late return, packed meals. Conditions at Haystack track the nearby Eagle Ledge bench terrace (0.3 mi away) closely — if that is runnable, so is this.
Nearest features to Haystack
| Feature | Type | County | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Ledge | Benches | Carroll County, NH | 0.3 mi |
| Woodchuck Ledge | Benches | Carroll County, NH | 0.8 mi |
| Hobbs Brook | Streams | Carroll County, NH | 1 mi |
| South Moat Mountain | Summits | Carroll County, NH | 1 mi |
| Allard Brook | Streams | Carroll County, NH | 1.2 mi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Haystack located?
Haystack is in Carroll County, New Hampshire, approximately 34.4 miles southwest of Chapman Inn in Bethel, Maine. It appears on the USGS North Conway West topographic quadrangle.
How far is Haystack from Chapman Inn?
The drive runs about 59 minutes, 34.4 miles southwest (bearing SW) of the Inn.
What type of natural feature is Haystack?
The U.S. Geological Survey classifies Haystack as a rock pillar, catalogued under GNIS Feature ID 872024 on the North Conway West quadrangle.
When is the best time to visit Haystack?
Accessible May through November in most years.
How rare is pillars as a classification near Chapman Inn?
Only 15 pillars are catalogued within the 80 km radius of the Inn — a comparatively rare classification.