FULL DIX RANGE
via Elk Lake
The Dix Range is one of the most rewarding and challenging hikes in the Adirondacks, covering five high peaks in a single day. Known for its steep, rugged terrain and stunning views, this traverse is popular among experienced hikers aiming to complete all 46 High Peaks. Unlike the more crowded hikes like Marcy or Algonquin, the Dix Range feels remote and wild, offering a true backcountry experience. This guide follows a clockwise loop, tackling Dix Mountain first via the Beckhorn Trail and descending via Macomb Slide for a more balanced distribution of effort. This approach also ensures you have more energy for the steepest climbs and descend the looser terrain safely.
What to know
Start:
Elk Lake Trailhead
Elevation Gain:
5,200 feet
Summit Elevations:
Dix Mountain (4,857 ft),
Macomb Mountain (4,405 ft),
Hough Peak (4,400 ft),
South Dix (4,060 ft),
Grace Peak (4,012 ft)
Trail Length:
15.7 mile loop
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Difficulty:
5 out of 7 - Very Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
10–12 hours
View Type:
Every peak offers stunning views.
Dog Friendliness:
Leash is required. Keep in mind this has very steep scrambles and is very long. No water sources up high
Trail Surface:
Well-traveled, but rugged and demanding. Mixed rock, dirt, mud, and scrambling
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Water Availability:
No water after 4 miles in. bring tons of water to be prepared.
Maximum Grade:
Beckhorn Trail: 2,500 ft in 2.1 miles. Macomb Slide: 900 ft in 0.35 miles (steepest in the High Peaks).
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Dix is a prime peak for both sunrise and Macomb for sunset.
Special Considerations:
People commonly ascend Macomb slide first however the descent off of Dix via the Beckhorn is far more demanding than descending the slide. This range ascends highest point first, and descending the slide to balance body fatigue. It's much harder to ascend the range to Dix last, than vice versa.
Intro
The Dix Range has a long and rich history, with each peak carrying its own unique story. Dix Mountain, first surveyed in 1807 by an unknown surveyor named Rykert, is one of the earliest recorded High Peak ascents. It was later named by Ebenezer Emmons in 1837 after John A. Dix, a War of 1812 veteran, lawyer, journalist, and New York Secretary of State. Grace Peak, formerly East Dix, was renamed in 2014 to honor Grace Hudowalski, the first woman to climb all 46 High Peaks and a leading advocate for Adirondack conservation.
South Dix remains the only peak in the range without a unique name, being identified solely by its geographical position. Hough Peak has undergone multiple name changes, first appearing as Cone Mountain on Verplanck Colvin’s 1870s survey maps, later called Middle Dix or Little Dix by the Marshall brothers and Herb Clark in the 1920s, and finally being officially named Hough Peak in honor of Dr. Franklin B. Hough, an early Adirondack conservationist. Macomb Mountain, the second-highest in the range, was named in the mid-1800s after Brigadier General Alexander Macomb, who led the American forces to victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812.
The Hike
The next major junction appears 0.8 miles later (4.3 miles from the start), where a wooden sign points toward Dix Mountain via the Beckhorn. This is your turnoff. The 2.1-mile climb to the Beckhorn is steep and relentless, gaining 2,500 feet of elevation. As you ascend, the terrain becomes progressively rockier and more technical, requiring hands-on scrambling. The Beckhorn, a distinct rock outcropping, marks the final approach to the summit. Upon reaching it, turn left and continue 0.3 miles to the summit of Dix Mountain, the highest point of your journey.
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From Dix, your next objective is Hough Peak, 1.3 miles away. Descend back to the Beckhorn, this time continuing past it along the ridge. The trail drops sharply, requiring careful navigation through technical rock scrambles as you descend 700 feet into the col between Dix and Hough. The climb up Hough is short but brutal, gaining 400 feet in just 0.2 miles. The summit is marked by a yellow trail disk on a tree. From here, enjoy a beautiful perspective of the Beckhorn and its dramatic ridgeline.
This hike begins at Elk Lake Lodge, a privately owned property that serves as the gateway to the Dix Range. As you drive onto the property, be mindful of its preservation. This guide takes you counterclockwise, beginning with Dix Mountain, allowing you to distribute your energy more efficiently over the varied elevation terrain and descend via Macomb Slide at the end.
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Find the trailhead near the end of the road, where you will sign in at the trail register. The trail begins as a well-maintained, straightforward path with minimal deviations. The first 1.8 miles are within Elk Lake property, where the trail is wide and relatively easy to follow. Beyond this point, maintenance becomes less frequent, though the trail is still clear.
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At 2.2 miles, you will pass the Slide Brook and Macomb Slide turnoff, marked by a cairn. Just beyond the bridge, you will see the Slide Brook Lean-to, a common resting and camping area. Continue past the lean-to and other campsites. At 3 miles, you will reach the Lillian Brook Trail, marked by another cairn. Continue straight for another 0.3 miles, arriving at the Lillian Brook Campsites.
Retrace your steps back to South Dix, then continue beyond the summit to the previously mentioned fork. Turn left, leading you onto open rock slabs above the trees. The descent from here to Macomb Mountain follows a rocky ridgeline, with cairns marking the way. Enter the forest briefly, then begin your final major ascent to Macomb, a 0.5-mile climb with 600 feet of elevation gain.
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Upon reaching Macomb’s summit, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views of Elk Lake in the valley below. The descent begins past the summit sign, dropping steeply into the forest before reaching Macomb Slide. The upper section is loose, with rocky drop-downs, roots, and soil erosion. Be cautious as you navigate these areas.
The journey continues to South Dix, 0.9 miles from Hough. Descend steeply off the summit for 0.4 miles until you reach the Lillian Brook Trail cut-off. Ignore this and continue up and over Pough Peak, a small, wooded summit. From here, it is 0.5 miles to South Dix. Just before the summit, watch for a fork in the trail—stay left. The summit of South Dix is marked by a yellow disk on a tree, with a small spur trail offering the only view from this peak.
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From South Dix, continue 1.0 mile to Grace Peak. The first 0.8 miles descend gradually, while the final 0.2 miles climb steeply with hands-on scrambles. As you approach the summit, you will encounter a large rock that can be either crawled under or walked around. The peak of Grace is marked by a massive rock, which you can climb onto for 360-degree views. This is one of the best viewpoints of the entire Dix Range, offering unobstructed views of Dix, Grace Slide, and Keene Valley.
At 12.3 miles, you will arrive at the top of Macomb Slide, an expansive open rock slab with a spectacular view. The slide is steep and unstable, so descend slowly and carefully, staying to the right side where cairns mark the safest route. Near the base of the slide, look for a ramp-like hill marked with a cairn on the right, leading you off the slide and across a small brook.
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From here, follow a well-worn trail back to the Slide Brook Lean-to. The final stretch is 1.2 miles to the main Elk Lake trail, and then 2.2 miles to the trailhead.
Trail Summary
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0.0 Begin at Elk Lake Lodge.
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1.8 Exit Elk Lake property.
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2.2 Pass Slide Brook and Macomb Slide turnoff, marked by a cairn.
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3.0 Reach Lillian Brook Trail, marked by a small cairn, continue straight.
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3.3 Arrive at Lillian Brook campsites, continue past them.
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4.3 Reach sign for Dix Mountain via the Beckhorn, turn onto the trail.
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6.4 Arrive at the top of the Beckhorn, marked by a massive flat cut rock, turn left and continue up.
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6.7 Reach the summit of Dix Mountain, going back to the Beckhorn.
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8.0 Summit Hough Peak, marked by a yellow disk on a tree.
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8.4 Pass Lillian Brook cut-off trail, continue up and over Pough Peak.
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8.9 Reach South Dix, marked by a yellow disk on a tree.
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9.9 Summit Grace Peak, marked by a massive rock.
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10.9 Return to South Dix.
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11.0 Descend exposed rock section and continue toward Macomb.
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11.2 Reach base of the exposed rock section, enter the forest to climb Macomb.
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11.7 Summit Macomb, marked by a peak sign.
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12.0 Reach the top of Macomb Slide.
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12.3 Bear right off the slide, returning to the trail.
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13.5 Arrive at Slide Brook Lean-to, back on the main trail.
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15.7 Arrive at Elk Lake Trailhead.
