Challenge: 46 High Peaks ·

#37 South Dix

Grouped among and usually summited alongside the other mountains in the Dix range (Macomb, Dix, Hough, and East Dix), South Dix is beautiful in its own right, despite the fact that it is seldom if ever the only peak summited in a day’s hike. South Dix is actually in the process of being renamed to Carson Peak, in commemoration of Russell Carson, a former President of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Trail Stats:

Distance	~17 miles round-trip (including Macomb)
Elevation	4,060 feet
Ascent	3,050 feet

As South Dix is predominantly reached via Macomb, please check out our description of Macomb (link) for a description of the first section of the hike. Then, from Macomb you will continue along the ridge towards South Dix, follow it down into a col, then back up towards South Dix’s summit, scrambling over expansive boulders out in the open the rest of the way to the top. With a mostly treed in summit, the views from the summit are nothing to write home about, so it is best to pause and take in the views from the south shoulder of the peak as you’re approaching from Macomb.

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

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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.