Completing the Dix Range represents the culmination of years of climbing and recreation for the Upstate Bois, since this is where Kevin and I both started and completed our 46er Journey, from 2018 to 2025. Even if that were not the case, though, Dix would still rank pretty high on our peeks list, offering pretty great views across the whole range (Macomb is probably the weakest, but it’s still great).
We started with Macomb/Grace/Carson (from Elk Lake) and then ended with Carson/Hough/Dix (from Round Pond), both of which were pretty fantastic, albeit, not particularly well marked trails. The smartest way to do this is probably to camp overnight on the trail from Elk Lake, which many of our friends have done and enjoyed.
What an incredible journey it’s been, what an incredible challenge for our final ascent on Dix and what incredible views we had to finish it off. God Bless and Good Luck on your journey, from #16,991 and #16,992!
Basic Dix Range Stats (Estimated):
The slide up to Macomb is absolutely no joke, but the views as you ascend it are genuinely exceptional, and standing at the mostly wooded peak feels like a true triumph. This was our very first peak as a crew, and the second we looked out into the valley, we were hooked.
Our time on Grace was short, but beautiful, and as the storm rolled in around us, we began to wonder whether or not continuing was a good idea. We drank in the views here and got to Carson just in time for the rain. My memory is fuzzy, but I remember Grace being my favorite on our initial run on the Dix Range. We did not complete the loop and headed back over Grace and McComb in the end.
Because of our approach to the Dix Range, Carson Peak is the only one we’ve done twice. The first time was brief, as we were getting buffed by strong winds and a coming storm, and the second time was limited by our need to push through the Dix Range before sunset. Even still, the views were exceptional.
Together, Hough and Dix offer some of my favorite views in the entire 46, up there with Giant, Colvin, Gothics and a few others as easy favorites. The trail from Carson to Hough is relatively smooth, and the peak is sublime. Our early November trip offered views of snow capped mountains across the horizon.
It’s the end of the line on our journey, and nearly sunset as we manage to mount our final peak. We would have loved to stay longer, but we needed to get going. Dix is a tall one, and you can see all the way past Marcy, the stretch from Beck-Horn to the Peak is absolutely exceptional.
The Dix Range is such a long hike, either as a day trip or as an overnight hike, so plenty of food and water is called for. You really don’t want to be caught out this far without carrying at least a liter or two of water – especially since the only good places to filter are basically on the way and the way out; once you’re up there, you won’t be finding anything.
Dix itself holds what I think are the best views on the range, but great views can be had almost consistently once you’re near the wood line. Of the whole range, McComb is probably the weakest – but still great compared to many of the other High Peaks. Along the ascent of the McComb slide, especially near the top, is the best area for views on that peak.
If you think you can handle it, you should go for it! Many people overnight the Dix Range loop trail – which makes sense because of how long and tough the whole thing is. My crew was unprepared on our first attempt so we ended up splitting it into two: Macomb, Grace, Carson – and then Hough and Dix later.
In regards to directions, it’s almost always dealer’s choice. Going up the Macomb slide is significantly more manageable than going down it, so there’s a pretty good consideration – just go straight to Macomb first.
No it is not! By National Park standards, it’s not even a trail. By Adirondack standards, it’s almost a herd path. This one is not the worst you will find in the High Peaks, but it’s not great – and taking it on without a map or All Trails would be “unwise” in my opinion.
Rating considers trail conditions, difficulty, views and other notable characteristics
