South Dix, East Dix, Hough

“Last fall I hiked up Mt. Macombs in the Adirondacks and was interested in hiking the three peaks of South Dix, East Dix and Hough. I was looking for information on where I should camp, what to climb up first and how to find the trails. Any and all information would be very helpful.”

“I hit Dix, Macomb, Hough, EDix and SDix the last time I was in the Adks. I hauled all my gear to a col between Dix and Hough, camped the night and hit the rest of the peaks the next day. Was going to camp there the next night but ran out of water and had to hike back to Dix and down the same day. Got veeeerry dehydrated and was pretty ill that night.

If I were to do it again, like I'm suggesting to you, I would set up camp at the base of the slide at the base of Dix, and get up pretty early the next day and dayhike up Dix > to the rest of the peaks > back down. That'll take a whole day so bring lots of food and water. There's probably still snow up there, so water will probably be avaliable.

Both times I was in that Wilderness I huffed my pack up Dix (first Hunters Pass, then to the col) and that was very taxing. So I suggest a looooong dayhike without a burden on your back.”

“I've done Dix, but am interested in the other four. I heard there was a trail in the snow from Elk Lake, but that was before the latest big snows. I was in the Dacks three weekends ago (before the last storm) and the snow was unbelievable. If you want to try it - I'm on the west coast from April 3 to 9, but am willing to join up with you any other time.”

“Is this a real thread? I thought is was a joke given the title. Where exactly is this place?”

“Ba:

They are, I believe, the eastern-most of the New Yourk State Adirondack Park's 46 peaks over 4 000 ft. I live in Canada and they, as well as Couchsascraga, Panther and Santanoni also Allen are the last ones I need to do. They are also the furthest to drive to and some of the toughest trail-less walks. Oh yes, I STILL haven't done Marshall (aaargh). I did Dix from the north on a hot day - it was a looooong walk, but okay. Happy trails.”

“Given recent ADK dumpings, there's gonna be snow (at least near the top) on Dix into June, so I don't know what kinda conditions you're gonna encounter and how that's gonna affect the trip; nevertheless, in dry weather (last time I was up at Dix was Sep. 99... Rosh Hashana break from school), I favor the S. approach from Elk Lake. A pleasant camp can be madeat Lillian Brook Leanto, and the circle of Dixes negotiated on a long dayhike (very steep, and very SLICK in rain near the top) from there.”

“I suspect the Dix slide would be seriously prone to avalanche about now. I believe Alpha's right about the S. approach, particularly with a lean-to available. Does anybody have any news? H.T.”

“Took me 3-3.25 hrs to get to the base of Dix from the north.

2 hrs to summit (w/pack on back)

and ~11.5 hrs (including rest stops) to do all the peaks and get back to the base of Dix.

The N trailhead is easily accessible and within 10 min of I-87 coming from the south or east.

If you do it from the N, make an effort to do Noonmark, 'cause the view of Dix and surrounding terrain is awesome. And take some pics too (then send me one cause I ran out of film before I got there).”

“Is there a marked trail for South Dix coming from the South? Or is it similar to Macombs where you have to follow the brook.”

“Mr.Edsel, from Slide Brook lean-to there should be a trail going up to Macomb, and from there you can get to SDix.

Try to get your hands on the Adirondack Mountain Club "Guide To The Adirondack Trails 1 - High Peaks Region". It has great write-ups on the trails and an awesome map to boot! It's got all the info you need.”

“This ADK Trail Condition link ought to help!”

“Thanks”

“After this storm, conditions will be pretty bad, I think. Outside of Dix itself the other peaks are trail-less unless someone beats his way in right after the storm. I have the ADK 'High Peaks' and it's good, but there's a better one for the trail-less peaks. It's at home (of course), but I'll post its title to-morrow (my memory is excellent but very short).”

“Thanks, I've gone through the ADK High Peaks book and it really doesn't say anything. Let me know about the Trailless book.”

“HI:

As I promised, here is the title of the guidebook I prefer to use for the trail-less Adirondack peaks. The ADK guide is excellent, but they maintain the spirit of trail-less peaks by providing little information on them. It is 'Discovering the Adirondack High Peaks' and it is available at EMS stores and at their website: emsonline.com; I also strongly advise that you purchase the companion map, once again for its detailed information on the summits without trails - also, it is
printed on Tyvec.

I went to the Adirondacks this weekend to see the conditions for myself. Avalanche Pass has been closed since 9 February due to extreme avalanche danger. Off-trail skiing is severely restricted due to safety concerns, Colden, the trap dike and Wright are out of the question. Of course, ice climbers (like ice fishermen)like to push the envelope: quite a few people at Chapel Pond. Climbing of a north face isn't so bad, but I wouldn't cross the lake to get ther. Not me!
Happy trails.”

“Yeah, it's real dry over there.

A few years ago I approached this range from the east, off Rte 9 - I think (tryin' to remember) following the West Brook Trail in. This route provided more opportunities for water.

But I ain't recommending this route. The whole area was completely devastated by successive years of bad weather - the '95 hurricane, two ice storms, and so on. We found the blow down to be nearly impenetrable, and the top 1/4 of Macomb to be impassible with our external packs due to tightly packed, small pine growth. Once you summit Macomb, the herd paths connecting the peaks are a breeze, but you won't get to this point with an external pack on - guaranteed!

What was more disturbing about this approach was we expected this area to be bursting with wildlife, because of the access to water and there being no trails at all for something like a 15 mile radius. But it was just so desolate in there - not even birds or squirrels - everything seemed abandoned. Granted it had already rained heavily for two straight days, and it was misting to drizzling the whole time we were in there, but I still expected to see some life in there.

Nice peaks though, but approach 'em any other way than from the east.”