The Dix Range

Overview: I debated quite a bit whether to create a guide for the Dix Range from Elk Lake which often is the most used trail to these peaks. If you go that route you can climb a small slide on Macomb by following a herd path up Slide Brook then traverse the Dix Range Ridge to Dix and return via Hunters Pass on the Dix Trail. That is an ok route but I feel that the route in this guide will take you to a place where there aren't any crowds and you'll really feel a sense of peace and solitude nestled within the Bouquet River ascending into the Dix Range. You'll also be able to ascend one of the most epic and grand slides in all the High Peaks - The East Dix Great Slide. From there you will follow the clear herd path up on the ridge over South Dix, on a side trail to Macomb, and then back to the ridge trail over Hough to the summit of enormous Dix Mountain. From the summit of Dix you will have the option to return the way you came or continue on for the full 17 mile loop that will bring you down the Dix trail along the North Fork Bouquet River to a herdpath that will take you past Round Pond back to Rte 73 about 2 miles north of the trailhead from which you started. You'll either want to have a car shuttled to hear, hitch a ride, or simply walk the 2 miles back alongside the road to your vehicle. This is the way that I climbed the Range as a teenager and I've taken great care to make sure that the track is highly accurate for you to follow. With the popularity of the High Peaks as crazy as it is today this hike will be a special treat as many do not know of it. Make sure to also check the attached websites as they have a lot more thorough details about this route.

Tips: Trailhead:
About a mile past the intersection of Rte. 73 and Rte. 9 you'll come to a bridge in the road over the North Fork Bouquet River with a car pullout. This will be the start of the unmarked trail. Rte 73 is off exit 30 from I-87. Use the first POI to find the trail. No parking fee.

The GPS track in this guide is very accurate but make sure to bring a map, compass and hopefully a good GPS so that you don't get lost. Also check out the links below as they have other detailed info on this route.

This is a long day hike if you attempt it so make sure you are in shape and get an early start. Most will do this over two days.