South Dix

The route

South Dix starts at the Elk Lake trailhead and is predominantly reached via Macomb. See our Macomb Mountain guide for the first section of the hike.

From Macomb, continue along the ridge toward South Dix. Follow it down into a col, then back up toward the summit, scrambling over expansive boulders out in the open the rest of the way to the top.

The views

The summit is mostly treed in and the views from the top are nothing to write home about, so pause and take in the views from the south shoulder of the peak as you approach from Macomb.

Often hiked with

South Dix is usually summited alongside the other Dix Range peaks, including Macomb Mountain, Grace Peak and Hough Peak.

High Peak details

Difficulty

Very strenuous

46er rank

#37 of 46

Range

Dix Range

Trail type

Herd path, no maintained trail

Trailhead

Elk Lake

Distance note

Round trip, including Macomb

Trailhead and map

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

Check before you go: Elk Lake Road crosses private land. The gate at Clear Pond closes to vehicles for part of the year, and hiking through the conservation easement can close during hunting season. When the gate is closed and hiking is open, park at the Upper Elk Lake Road lot, which adds about 4.6 miles round trip. See DEC's backcountry information and Elk Lake Lodge's road and trail closures page for current status.

Trail resources

Conditions

Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions and DEC's High Peaks page before heading out.