NIPPLETOP & DIAL MOUNTAINS
via the Adirondack Mountain Reserve
Nippletop and Dial Mountains are a rewarding loop hike offering continuous ridgeline trekking and spectacular views of the Adirondacks. These peaks neighbor Colvin and Blake to the west and the Dix Range to the east, making them a prime choice for an extended adventure. While a challenging hike, it remains moderate compared to the region’s hardest routes and offers a more comfortable descent than other loops. It is well-suited for those looking for a long, scenic hike, even if they are not necessarily pursuing the 46 High Peaks. In terms of effort, this hike is comparable to a day hike up Mount Marcy.
What to know
Start:
Adirondack Mountain Reserve
(AMR)/Ausable Club/St. Huberts
Elevation Gain:
4,200 feet
Summit Elevations:
Nippletop, 4,620 feet,
Dial, 4,020 feet
Trail Length:
14.2 miles out-and-back
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Difficulty:
4 out of 7 Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
8–10 hours
View Type:
Nippletop has some of the best views of any High Peak, offering vistas in both directions. Dial’s summit also features excellent panoramic views, though slightly lower in elevation.
Dog Friendliness:
Dogs are not allowed on AMR property, but they are allowed if hiking via Gravestone Brook (a bushwhack alternative northeast of Dial).
Trail Surface:
Well-traveled, with about half of the hike on the AMR Lake Road. Some sections include steep rock scrambles and typical rugged High Peaks terrain.
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Water Availability:
Little to no water except at Gill Brook, but none beyond this point.
Maximum Grade:
1,100 feet in 0.6 miles—steepest ascent is up Nippletop from Elk Pass.
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Both Nippletop and Dial are great for sunset.
Special Considerations:
Due to the nature of this hike, it is recommended for hikers to attack Nippletop first, then descend the ridge to Dial. It's easier that way with body exertion. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for long stretches without access to refills after passing Elk Pass.
Intro
Nippletop and Dial are peaks that carry not just breathtaking views, but also fascinating history. Nippletop’s name stems from its distinctive rounded peak, which resembles a nipple when viewed from Elk Lake. Despite its suggestive name, it has remained unchanged despite the efforts of Victorian-era conservationists to rename it. The peak was measured multiple times throughout the 1800s by Adirondack surveyors Verplanck Colvin and Ebenezer Emmons. Using early surveying tools, Colvin originally measured the peak at 4,656 feet, while Emmons estimated 4,900 feet using leveling calculations.
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Dial Mountain’s naming history is even more complex. It originated from what was then called Hunter’s Pass, the valley separating Nippletop from Dix Mountain. Originally, Emmons named Nippletop as "Dial Mountain", referencing the way its shape cast a sundial-like shadow in the valley. However, that name was eventually transferred to a peak along Nippletop’s ridgeline, now known as Dial Mountain. It is believed that Old Mountain Phelps was responsible for the final naming of Dial.
The Hike
Upon arriving at the AMR parking lot, begin your journey by ascending the gravel road that leads from the lot. The road climbs gradually past the Ausable Club golf course, and after 0.5 miles, take a left at the tennis courts. Shortly ahead, you'll encounter the AMR sign-in area and wooden gate—a spot that will likely become familiar if you're working on your 46er journey.
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Continue along Lake Road, a well-maintained gravel road that leads to several notable landmarks such as Indian Head, Rainbow Falls, and the Colvin Range. You’ll be following Lake Road for approximately 2 miles. Along the way, you'll pass the H.G. Leach Trail on the left, cross the Wolfjaws Bridge, and finally reach the Beaver Meadow Falls Trail junction. Shortly before reaching the small dam on the left, you’ll find a wooden Gill Brook Trail sign, marking the turnoff from Lake Road onto the main hiking trail.​
For the next 1 mile, the trail follows Gill Brook, winding through a beautiful forested corridor. Along this stretch, you’ll see trail signs labeled “scenic” and “easy”—both lead to the same path, but one is more direct while the other offers more picturesque views along the brook. After completing this mile, you’ll reach the Gill Brook Cutoff sign. Continue straight, passing another Indian Head trail sign (optional detour) before reaching the Gill Brook campsites. This is a good spot to take a quick break or refill your water.
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Continuing 0.6 miles past the last sign, the trail steepens significantly, eventually arriving at the Nippletop/Colvin junction. Here, the signpost indicates “Nippletop” (1.9 miles left) and “Mount Colvin” (1.1 miles right). This is an excellent place to rest before the ascent, as there are no water sources past this point.
Turning left toward Nippletop, you’ll descend 0.5 miles into Elk Pass, a beautiful but rugged wetland area. You’ll pass a small pond, a boardwalk crossing, and another pond, before reaching the Elk Pass campsite, marking the base of the peak. From here, the climb steepens dramatically, gaining 1,200 feet in just 0.8 miles. This section is rocky, scrambly, and demanding, but rewards hikers with incredible summit views.
Upon reaching an intersection near the summit, take the right turn marked "Nippletop - 0.2 miles". The final push includes a small hill climb before a brief descent leading into the summit plateau. The true summit is marked by a dead-end with a 270-degree panoramic view. Looking east, you’ll find a separate spur viewpoint overlooking the Dix Range and Hunter’s Pass.
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After enjoying the incredible views, return to the intersection and continue along the ridgeline for 5.7 miles. While descending, expect to encounter six smaller uphill sections, totaling around 1,000 feet of additional climbing. Approximately 1.9 miles from Nippletop, you’ll reach the summit of Dial Mountain (4,020 feet). The summit is marked by a large boulder, which can be climbed to enhance the view. Dial offers a similar perspective to Nippletop, though slightly lower in elevation.
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From Dial, the trail continues for 1.7 miles to Bear Den, then another 1.6 miles to Noonmark’s Shoulder, an area also known as “The Burn Zone” due to a 1999 wildfire that destroyed 90 acres. This stretch offers open views of the entire ridgeline and is one of the most scenic sections of the descent.
Beyond Noonmark’s Shoulder, the trail steeply descends into the Ausable Valley, eventually crossing back onto AMR property. The last stretch meanders through a hardwood forest before reconnecting with Lake Road. From here, it’s a 0.8-mile walk back to the AMR gate and another 0.6 miles to the parking lot.
Trail Summary
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0.0 Start at the AMR parking lot.
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0.6 Reach AMR gate for Lake Road.
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2.7 Turn left onto Gill Brook Trail.
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3.7 Pass a trail sign, continuing straight.
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3.9 Pass Indian Head trail sign, continuing straight.
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4.5 Pass another Indian Head sign, staying straight.
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5.3 Reach Nippletop/Colvin fork, staying left toward Nippletop.
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5.8 Reach Elk Pass, beginning the steep ascent.
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6.6 Arrive at Nippletop intersection (0.2-mile sign).
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6.8 Summit Nippletop. Descend the ridgeline to Dial.
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8.7 Summit Dial Mountain.
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10.4 Reach Bear Den summit.
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11.2 Reach Noonmark’s Shoulder (Burn Zone).
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12.8 Reach Lake Road.
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13.6 Arrive at the AMR gate.
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14.2 Return to St. Hubert’s parking lot.
