Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#23 Hough Peak

Named for one of the Adirondack’s early conservationists, Franklin Hough, this peak is usually hiked in conjunction with the Dix peaks and Macomb. For a long but rewarding day, you can climb Macomb, South Dix, and East Dix, and then you can bag Hough on your way from South Dix to Dix (the only trailed peak of the bunch), finally completing the loop by following the trail down from Dix and back to the trailhead at Elk Lake. Some say Hough is the most memorable hike of the cluster, given its unique (albeit mostly treed) views and the rock scrambling required in some places along the way.

Trail Stats:

Distance	12.5 miles round-trip if only hiking Hough (longer for what we’ve detailed below)
Elevation	4,400 feet
Ascent	3,200 feet (total if hiking just Hough from Elk Lake)

When hiked in conjunction with Macomb, South Dix, and East Dix, Hough is accessible via a herd path leading from South Dix. After reaching the summit of South Dix (or returning there after summiting East Dix), you will follow a path from the west side of the summit down and then up the hogback between the two peaks. Follow this up a brief ways and you will be at the summit of Hough – mostly treed but there are still some decent views from the top. After reaching the summit, you can continue on to Dix (detailed on our site here), or return to follow a herd path down through the col between Hough and South Dix. The path will take you to the Elk Lake-Dix trail about a mile further up than where you turned off for Macomb, and you can follow the trail back to the trailhead, retracing your steps most of the way.

Trailhead:

To reach the Elk Lake trailhead, you will follow Route 87 south from Keene. Turn off at exit 29, following Blue Ridge Road to the left towards Newcomb. After 4 miles, you will see Elk Lake Road turn off to the right. Follow this road just over 5 miles to parking on the right, just before the road ends at the lake ahead.

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High Peaks Map

Plan & prepare for your ADK adventure! ADK Mountain Club's topographic trail map, High Peaks: Adirondack Trail Map, revised edition as of Summer 2021. The go-to map for the latest on High Peaks trails, lean-tos, campsites, and public-private land boundaries, many of which have changed in the last year alone.

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Keep it PURE

Remember to Leave No Trace! Buy a physical map, read it, plan, and prepare. Think about the NYS Rangers and medical personnel that exhaust themselves for a rescue that could have been avoided. Pack out your trash. Use a bear canister when primitive camping and cook away from where you’re sleeping. Do the rock walk to help reduce the impact on fragile alpine vegetation. Camp at designated campsites and never camp on or near summits.

The 46 of 46 Podcast

An outdoors documentary podcast of a local hiker's journey hiking all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains to become an Adirondack 46er. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more.

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ADK 46er Journey: Brecka Coonradt

We welcome Brecka Coonradt, who shares her experience hiking the 46 Adirondack High Peaks to become an ADK 46er. Enjoy following along below as she shares her stories and lessons learned throughout her journey.

ADK 46er Winter Journey: Jay Whitbourne

I have seen some of the most amazing cloud inversions during the winter and had some of the most surreal moments when the snow conditions are just right, the sky is clear, the wind is calm and the air isn't nipping at your skin.

ADK Winter 46er Journey: Sam Perkins

I have learned so much over the years, and I continue to learn each time I go for a hike. I could go on and on about gear, trails, mountains, clothing, etc. A lot of it has been trial and error. I have spent a lot of time reading, looking at maps, learning more about weather, researching different gear… the list goes on.