Basin Mountain, at 4827 feet, is the ninth highest peak in the Adirondacks.  The mountain sits in the middle of what is considered the most spectacular stretch of trail in the area. This trail has many sections of steep rock, crosses a good deal of open ground and is very treacherous when wet or ice covered. In winter the odd cornice is know to form along this ridge if conditions are right. There are number of narrow ledges that have to be traversed with some exposure and as such extreme caution must be take in these sections as any fall would be fatal.

As a peak it stands out quite dramatically with a great bare and rugged area on its west side. You also have a great view of Gothics, Marcy, and the west side of Haystack. Unfortunately trees obscure the view to the south.  A long strenuous hike of at least 15 miles round trip awaits you.

Basin sits right in the middle of the Great Range and it is accessible from at least four main trailheads. The main route is to start at the trail junction between Gothics and Saddleback and head west or one can start at the other end and head east.

Start your hike from the Gardens at Keene up the Phelps Trail, to the Interior Outpost and from there, either go directly up to the east start of the trail, by taking the Ore Bed Brook Trail, or going around to the west start of the trail by continuing down the Phelps Trial. 

Another popular route is to start at Adirondack Loj and up the Van Hoevenberg Trail taking the cutoff for Haystack just before the tree line at Marcy. Parking is available at both trailheads for a small fee but the Gardens lot is small and fills up quickly.

Other options include approaching from Elk Lake and heading in on the Elk Lake Marcy Trail or through the many trails of Adirondack Mountain Reserve.