Dix can be climbed by itself, but in many cases is combined with the rest or parts of the range. The Dix Range also includes Carson Peak (South Dix), Grace Peak (formally East Dix), Hough Peak, and Macomb Mountain. If hiking all mountains in the Dix Range, see our listing for the entire Dix Range or read our blog post about The Dix Range Traverse.

How to get there

There are two main access points for Dix Mountain.

Round Pond: From I-87, take exit 30 (Keene/ Keene Valley) and turn onto Route 9 north/ Route 73 west. Follow this approximately 5-miles to the Round Pond parking area on the left. There is room for 6 or so cars. Do not park on the shoulder of the road. If you park even a little off the side of the road your car could be towed while you are gone.

Elk Lake: Take Exit 29 on I-87 and follow Blue Ridge Road to the west, toward Newcomb. Continue for 4-miles to Elk Lake Road on the right. (There is a sign for the Elk Lake Lodge.) Follow this road to the hiker parking, near the end. Keep in mind, in winter, the lot at Elk Lake is closed and hikers will need to start at Clear Pond, 2-miles down the road, adding 4-miles RT to a hike. 

By the numbers

• Elevation: 4,857 feet
• Dix Mountain is High Peak #6
• Dix's summit is home to fragile alpine vegetation — avoid trampling it by staying on the rocks at all times
• Follow Leave No Trace principles
• See descriptions below for trail milages 

Hiking

There are multiple approaches to this mountain. These are the most popular when climbing Dix by itself. Dix is a very tough hike with steep terrain, exposed sections and very long distances. The views from Dix are some of the best in Northeast including views of the Green Mountains in Vermont. They say on a super clear day the White Mountains of New Hampshire can be seen off in the distance. Below are brief descriptions of the two marked trails to Dix Mountain. To visit the other peaks in the range, we highly recommend you pick up a guide book for more in depth detail or hire a local guide to assist you in your visit to the Dix Range.

Round Pond: This is a 13.6 mile RT when doing Dix Mountain alone. From Route 73, you will climb steeply above the road and follow a moderate course to the shore of Round Pond. After a hike around Round Pond, you will start a modest ascent to a four-way intersection. From here it's mostly flat to the Bouquet River Lean-to at 4.2 miles. From this point the climb starts to get a bit steeper to the base of the slides on the face of Dix. The slides do not access the summit. After passing along the base of the slides you will duck back into the woods and start a very steep and demanding hike along an eroded path. The steep terrain does not end until the summit is practically reached. This makes for a challenging, but rewarding, climb.

Elk Lake: Please note, this route is closed during big game season. Hikers commonly choose to climb Dix from the south by taking the Hunter Pass Trail from Elk Lake toward Hunters Pass and then on to Dix for a 7.3 mile one way hike. Some take Hunter Pass Trail to the Beckhorn Trail for a 6.6 mile one way hike. Hunter's Pass is a longer trail but slightly less steep than the Beckhorn. After a long day on the trail, most hikers prefer to take the Beckhorn Trail, which is marked, along with Hunter's Pass.

Snowshoeing and winter

Snowshoeing Dix Mountain is a fine adventure as any, but comes with a few challenges. If starting from Elk Lake, hikers will need to use the lot at Clear Pond, adding an additional 4- miles RT to their hike. Deep snow, narrow paths, and wet snow on overhanging trees are all obstacles on this hike in winter. Please pack snowshoes, microspikes or trail crampons, and all the winter essential gear. Expect a significant drop in temperature as elevation is gained, and be prepared for strong winds on the open summit. Always bring extra layers, especially for higher elevations, and don't hesitate to turn around if the weather starts to turn.

Hiking New York state's fourth highest peak

Mount Skylight is the fourth tallest of the Adirondack High Peaks. It is a steep, serious hike that requires significant preparation. A successful hike of Mount Skylight involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. 

Key takeaways

• Elevation: 4,926 feet
• Elevation gain: 3,800 feet round trip
• Distance: 9.4 miles one way
• Hike includes water crossings, steep rock slab, and trail junctions
• Based on the trail from Upper Works

Hiking

There are multiple trails to the summit of Mount Skylight. Information on this page describes the out-and-back hike from Upper Works. Find information on the approach from the High Peaks Information Center via the Van Hoevenberg Trail here. This peak is often climbed with in conjunction with Mount Marcy and Gray Peak. The Adirondack Mountain Club is asking that people stop carrying rocks to the summit as it can damage alpine vegetation and create hazards for hikers and the Summit Stewards.

From Upper Works follow the trail to Flowed Lands and Lake Colden. After reaching the lakes, the hike becomes more demanding. From the dam, hike along the Opalescent River and continue on the trail past the Uphill Lean-to and the intersection for Feldspar. The climb remains steady and eventually you will come to Lake Tear of the Clouds. You will hike near the shore of the lake and end up at Four-Corners, a major intersection on the south side of Marcy. (Trail left here leads to Mount Marcy.) At this point, take a right and climb up the shoulder of Skylight. This section tends to be a bit wet and slippery in spots. This final approach is the steepest section of the entire hike. After you reach the summit, head back down to Four Corners, and you'll have the choice to add on Gray and Marcy, or return back to Upper Works.

Mount Skylight in winter

Mount Skylight is a challenging mountain that should only be attempted by experienced hikers, especially in winter, so make sure you are prepared. Snowshoes are necessary, and snow spikes or crampons are needed to climb the exposed upper reaches of the peak. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being at least 20 degrees colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency. Do not attempt to cross Flowed Lands unless the conditions warrant.

How to get there

From exit 29 off I-87, turn west onto Blue Ridge Road (CR 84) toward Newcomb. Follow this route for 17.4 miles to an intersection with Tahawus Road (CR 25). Turn right on Tahawus Road and stay on it for 6.3 miles then turn left at a sign for High Peaks trails. Pass by the old blast furnace at 2.8 miles up this road. From the blast furnace, it is less than one mile to your destination. The road dead ends at the Upper Works parking lot.