Dix Mountain
- Distance13.6 miRound trip
- Summit4,857 ftElevation
- Ascent3,200 ftTotal gain
One of the more challenging trailed peaks, Dix promises views just as stunning and slightly more unique than those from Marcy and Algonquin. Because it's a little harder to get to, this Adirondack High Peak is often less crowded than some of the shorter ones. Dix is the namesake and main attraction of the Dix Range, which also includes four other 46ers: South Dix, Grace Peak, Macomb and Hough.
The route
The hike begins at the Round Pond trailhead on Route 73 and starts uphill immediately but gradually.
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0 – 1.0 mi
Route 73 to Round Pond
The trail climbs gradually from the road, leveling out at 0.6 miles where you reach Round Pond. It follows around the north side of the pond for 0.4 miles.
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1.0 – 2.3 mi
Round Pond to the Felix Adler trail
The trail begins climbing in earnest for the next half mile. At 1.6 miles it levels out briefly, crossing a few muddy areas before meeting the Felix Adler trail at 2.3 miles, which leads to Noonmark Mountain. Take a left.
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2.3 – 4.2 mi
Along the Bouquet River to the lean-to
The trail continues relatively flat for another half mile, weaving near the Bouquet River and then heading upward through the woods, uphill and occasionally down to the river. You will pass the Bouquet River Lean-to at 4.2 miles.
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4.2 – 5.8 mi
Lean-to to the slide
Cross the river and continue upward, crisscrossing a number of brooks until you reach the base of a slide on the left at 5.8 miles.
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5.8 – 6.8 mi
The steep ascent to the summit
After you cross the bottom of the slide, you start the steep ascent to the summit. At 6.4 miles you will reach a junction. Take a left and continue another 0.4 miles to the top.
Other routes
For an alternative route up the Dix Range, you can enter via the Elk Lake Trailhead for a more southern approach. Read our trip reports from Dix and Hough and from a separate trip up Macomb, South Dix and Grace Peak.
Often hiked with
If you're really looking for a challenge you can go in for all five Dix Range peaks in one trip: Dix plus Hough Peak, South Dix, Macomb Mountain and Grace Peak. For anyone who's not experienced or in very good shape, it will require a night of camping.
High Peak details
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- 46er rank
- #6 of 46
- Range
- Dix Range
- Trail type
- Marked trail
- Trailhead
- Round Pond, Route 73
Trailhead and map
Driving on Route 73 from Keene, the trailhead will be a little over 5 miles past Keene Valley on the right. It is marked as the trailhead for Round Pond and Dix Mountain, and there is a small parking area just before the trailhead.
Trail resources
- Conditions
- Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.
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