We put a paper topo to good use from the top of Haystack this weekend. We didn't have the trail description but we could see from the contour lines that the hike to Marcy was going to be easier than returning via the backside of Haystack. You can get these maps online but you'd better carry something that does not require a battery, a signal, or gentle use.
http://www.pickatrail.com/topo-map/m...-marcy-ny.html