Hiking the five High Peaks in the Dix Range

The Dix Range is a serious, strenuous hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of the entire range involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. This range includes five of the 46 High Peaks: Macomb, Grace Peak, Carson Peak, Hough, and Dix Mountain. 

Key statistics

• Distance: 15 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 5,350 feet
• Dix is the 6th High Peak, at 4857 feet; Macomb is the 21st High Peak, at 4405 feet; Hough is the 23rd High Peak, at 4400 ft; Carson Peak (formally South Dix) is the 37th High Peak, at 4060 feet; Grace Peak (formerly East Dix) is the 42nd High Peak, at 4012 feet
• Based on going up Macomb, completing all 5 peaks, then descending via the Beckhorn Trail

Hiking the Dix Range

From the trailhead, follow a well used marked trail to the Slide Brook campsites and lean-to. After crossing Slide Brook, go right and up through a campsite to access the herd path that proceeds high above the brook before descending slightly to the base of the slide. The slide is mostly rubble, scree, and loose sand. It's steep making for even harder footing. The upper portion of the slide is a bit tough to exit but once you do, you will be back in the trees for a bit further to the summit. The views from Macomb are quite nice, but only in one direction back toward and over Elk Lake. The herd path to Carson heads over the summit area and down steeply, before climbing steeply over a large area of bare rock.

From Carson, the hike to Grace takes a rather straight line east. The summit of Grace is a near 360 degree view from a pointed rock. To continue the range, you'll make your way back to Carson, before starting a bumpy hike over to Hough (pronounced "huff"). Hough is one of the tougher sections in the range with tight herd-path conditions and rock scrambling.

From Hough, it's another steep climb to the summit of Dix, where hikers are greeted with open views of the surrounding area. From Dix, hikers can descent back to the Elk Lake parking lot via the Beckhorn Trail or Hunter's Pass. Hunter's Pass is a longer trail but slightly less steep than the Beckhorn. After a long day on the trail, most hikers prefer to take the Beckhorn Trail, which is marked, along with Hunter's Pass. Eventually the trail levels out, and hiking along a flatter section will be a welcomed break for your knees. Along the trail from the Elk Lake parking area, there are eight primitive campsites and the Slide Brook and Lillian Brook lean-tos, which are options for splitting up the long hike.

Dix Range in winter

The Dix Range is a challenging mountain link-up that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the many exposed sections up high. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. Turning around is always an option. 

The lot at the end of Elk Lake Road is closed and hikers will need to park at Clear Pond, which is located 2-miles from the the trailhead, adding 4-miles round trip. 

History

Two mountains in this range have a very interesting history, and names to boot! East Dix was renamed to Grace Peak recently in commemoration of Grace Hudowalski, who was the first woman to climb the 46 High Peaks. Grace became Forty-Sixer #9 August 22, 1937 on Esther. She worked for New York State to promote tourism and devoted the rest of her time to advocate the importance of stewardship, of protecting the mountains and of maintaining trails adequately. She was a founding member of the Adirondack Forty-Sixers and served as the Club’s first President (1948-1951) and Historian until 1995. South Dix was renamed Carson Peak, in commemoration of Russell M.L. Carson, a charter member and past president of the Adirondack Mountain Club. He is the author of "Peaks and People of the Adirondacks," the first authoritative history of Adirondack mountains, their naming, and their climbing history.

How to get there

The following descriptions describe hiking the Dix Range from the Elk Lake trailhead. To get there, take Exit 29 on I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road to the west, toward Newcomb. Continue for 4-miles to Elk Lake Road on the right. (There is a sign for the Elk Lake Lodge.) Follow this road to the hiker parking, near the end.