If the mountain you seek is not shown individually above, then it is included in one of the ranges listed above. Just click on the "Mountain Ranges..." button just above to get a breakdown of the peaks in each range.
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Starting at Elk Lake Trailhead, the RED trail finally brings you to the summit of Dix Mt.
Below in red are the various trailed and marked routes into the Dix Range. Click on the hyperlink below for the route you prefer. All are worthwhile. Note that
1. Dix Mt. from the Elk Lake Trailhead: This trail is state-marked and maintained. It is the primary route from Elk Lake (Rte 73) to Dix Mtn's summit and is possibly the most popular route to the summit of Dix Mtn. Hunters Pass (RED) is along the route which merges and becomes BLUE when you intersect the blue trail coming up to merge with the the RED trail near the summit of Dix Mtn., which trail turns BLUE and is not to be missed. Most hikers will
2. Dix Range via the "Great Slide" on East Dix: ← YOU'LL LIKE IT! Check this out before you decide on a route. This route starts on Rte 73. There is no marked trailhead, no parking, no signs, strictly herd path. However, you can find a spot to park right where the herd path begins. Click on the hyperlink just above. Some times it's easy to follow, sometimes less so. Sometimes quirky, but never boring. This is probably the BEST DAMNED herd path in the Adirondacks. For experienced hikers with reliable compass and orienteering skills... and balls. You will find, however, that the herd path is quite visible and, while unmarked, is easy and fun to follow.
3. Macomb via The West Slide from Elk Lake Trailhead: This is a popular favorite and is best used when you have two vehicles: one to park at the Elk Lake trailhead, and the other at the NYSDEC trailhead on Rte 73.
NOTE: DEC marked and maintained to Slide Brook; thereafter herd path and slide climb to Macomb (moderate to difficult); maybe the fastest route to the Dixes)
| From | To | Distance |
Route |
| Elk Lake Trailhead | Macomb | 4.1 mi. | Herd Path |
| Macomb | South Dix | 0.7 | Herd Path |
| South Dix | East Dix | 1.1 | Herd Path |
| South Dix | Hough | 0.9 | Herd Path |
| Hough | Dix | 1.3 | Herd Path |
| Rte 73 Trailhead | Dix | 6.5 | DEC trail |
| Elk Lake Trailhead | Hunters Pass | 6.5 | DEC trail |
| Hunters Pass | Dix | 1.0 | DEC trail |
(Numbers in parentheses such as (ADK #123, McM #456) on these and all other pages of Adirondack Journey, refer to trail numbers assigned by the McMartin and ADK guidebooks, chosen for their quality and ubiquity)
The Dixes In A Nutshell (2004 Update):
If you have climbed one or more of the so-called "trailless"
or "untrailed" Adirondack peaks you know that that those peaks are
just about as "trailless" as Broadway. All of the 46
have trails, but the so-called "untrailed peaks" differ by being
unmarked and such paths exist are not at all maintained by the state.
Their usefulness is therefore dependent on the amount of foot traffic they
receive. Therefore, some are in pretty good shape while others are very
untrustworthy.
Not so the Dixes! The Dix Range offers a much different kind of experience than the other of the 46 High Peaks. There are a number of ascents to the Dixes, but the DEC-maintained and marked trails all ascend only Dix Mtn. No ascent of any of the other peaks of the Dix Range is marked or maintained and there is no marking or maintenance of any herd path between any two peaks of this range.
Safety
Do not trust any herd path unless you've taken a compass bearing from your map and know it is going in the direction you wish to follow. If you don't have map, a compass, and the skills to use them, you ought rethink your trip to the Dixes. The Dixes can be a bushwhacker's paradise or your worst nightmare.
The Dixes should not be taken
for granted nor compared to the other of the 46 peaks. Routes should be planned carefully in
advance and not deviated from. This
is especially true if you are planning to summit all 5 peaks on one
ascent.
One of the first and most important things to know about the Dix Range is
that there are only 3 marked trails and these are all DEC-maintained trails from
trailheads to Dix Mt.'s summit. All other routes, including
descents/ascents and the summit-to-summit routes, are unmarked and difficult to discern.
Hurricane Floyd forced hikers to find ways around
blow-down and, thereby, brought about the creation of numerous new paths, most of which are false.
A compass and map is essential no matter what your
skill level. Extra food and water rations are also advised.
Marked Maintained Trails:
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The yellow trail ascends one of the Dix slides. It starts at Dix's base at the RED trail and ends at the Beckhorn.
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Starting at the Elk Lake Trailhead, the RED trail ascends Dix's NE slope to its summit. This trail is the most often used approach to the Dix Range.
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The BLUE trail starts at Rte 73 near Chapel Pond and joins into the RED trail about 15-20 minutes below Dix's summit.
Path Conditions Summit-to-Summit:
The Dix Range is composed of Dix Mtn, Hough Peak, South Dix, East
Dix (Grace Peak),
and Macomb Mtn. The connecting path is unmarked and always has been.
Nevertheless, until Hurricane Floyd it was a well defined herd path, not hard to
follow. Due to Hurricane Floyd's passage in 1999, however, much of the
herd path was lost due to obstructions such as fallen trees that forced hikers
to find new routes through. Unfortunately, this has led to a large number
of herd paths that go nowhere, go in circles, or take you where you don't want
to go. In 2002, it was helpful to mark off compass bearings on your map
and rely on them as much or more than the "herd paths".
Specifics on the Paths in the Dixes
The summit-to-summit herd paths are brushed-in from the summit of Dix over Hough to South Dix. This will slow you down, lead you astray, and is tedious.
From Hough to South Dix be very careful of which path you follow. Go slow and mind your compass bearings.
From South Dix to Macomb once again there are numerous diverging and converging herd paths. In most cases, herd paths that split will soon reconnect. Trust your compass only. Ensure you stay on the ridgeline from peak-to-peak being wary of any significant downhill.
At the foot of Hough and Macomb, particularly S of Lillian Brook, blow-down is stacked 4-10 feet deep for about a half mile. Much of it is nearly impenetrable. Hikers are well advised to avoid herd paths leading up to (or down from) the South Dix - Macomb col in the vicinity of Lillian Brook until 2006 or later. details
All DEC marked trails; i.e., those that ascend Dix, are in good-to-excellent condition.
All in all, the Dix Range is not for the inexperienced, physically unprepared, or unequipped hiker. All of the other so-called untrailed peaks conform much more to the standard of the ATIS, ADK, or DEC maintained trails except that they lack trail markers and signs. The Dixes, have not as yet seen this type improvement and, hopefully, they will not. Herd paths are everywhere and they can get you turned around and lost. But... if uncertainty and challenge add to the adventure, the tour of the 5 Dix Range peaks ranks very high.
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You must have a compass and USGS map and know how to use them.
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Bring at least 100 oz. of water/person if it's a hot day. A hydration unit would be preferable to a canteen inasmuch as frequent sipping is far more effective and long-lasting than a canteen.
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Be prepared for a storm.
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Have emergency shelter and sufficient food for overnight.
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Know the location of all trails descending from the Dix Range.
IMPORTANT NOTES, TERMS OF USE, and DISCLAIMERS