DIX MOUNTAIN
via Round Pond (Route 73)
Dix Mountain stands as one of the most striking peaks in the Adirondack High Peaks, offering a challenging yet highly rewarding hike. This route provides a single peak out-and-back journey, but don’t be fooled—Dix is no easy feat. As the highest peak in the Dix Range, it offers breathtaking panoramic views that rival those from Marcy and Algonquin, yet sees far fewer hikers. Its remote nature, rugged terrain, and steep ascent make it best suited for experienced hikers prepared for a demanding climb. If you’re looking for a high peak with some of the best summit views, Dix delivers in every way.
What to know
Start:
Round Pond
Dix Mountain Trailhead
Elevation Gain:
3,600 feet
Summit Elevations:
DIx Mountain 4,857 feet
Trail Length:
14.6 miles out-and-back
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Difficulty:
4 out of 7 Difficult
Average Hiking Time:
8–10 hours
View Type:
Sweeping 360-degree panoramas, you’ll see nearly every other High Peak to the west, Vermont to the east, and on clear days, even the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Dog Friendliness:
Leash is required. Keep in mind this has very steep scrambles.
Trail Surface:
Well-traveled, but rugged and demanding. Mixed rock, dirt, mud, and scrambling
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Water Availability:
Plenty of rivers down low, but no reliable water sources past halfway. Bring enough to last the ascent and descent.
Maximum Grade:
1,500 feet in 0.75 miles—steepest section is the final push up the Thumb Slide.
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Sunrise or Sunset:
Both are excellent options.
Special Considerations:
Expect a very steep and long climb.
Intro
Dix Mountain has long been one of the most revered peaks in the Adirondacks. It was first surveyed in 1807 by an unknown surveyor named Rykert, marking it as one of the earliest documented climbs of the High Peaks. The mountain 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.
Old Mountain Phelps, one of the Adirondacks’ most famous guides, once described Dix’s summit ridge in an entertainingly unique way: "A sharp, narrow, curved, uneven ridge covered with balsam brush from two to four feet high, and as thick as hair on a spaniel dog; a look at it reminds one of a look at an old poor cow doubled up to lick her hip, and for a man to travel it with a knapsack on would be like ants taking a big egg and traveling the cow’s back."
This rugged and unique description perfectly captures Dix’s wild and untamed summit, making it an adventure unlike any other.
The Hike
The Round Pond Trailhead is small, so parking fills up quickly. Once parked, begin your hike by walking up the road for a short distance, where a marked incline leads into the woods toward the sign-in register. Be sure to sign in before heading out.
Round Pond appears about 0.5 miles into the hike. Once you reach the pond, take the right-hand trail, following the counterclockwise path around its shores. This peaceful start provides beautiful lake views, setting a nice tone for the day ahead.
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Beyond Round Pond, the trail immediately begins climbing—gaining 700 feet over the next 0.8 miles. Your first objective is reaching the Old Dix Trail intersection, a three-way junction with signs pointing toward AMR and Noonmark. Keep left and continue straight toward Dix Mountain, 4.9 miles away.
From this intersection, the trail loosely follows the North Fork Bouquet River, weaving through marshlands, thick forests, and rocky terrain. Around 4.0 miles in, you’ll reach Gravestone Brook, which may be marked by a cairn or flagging tape. After crossing the brook, the trail gains more elevation before passing the Bouquet River Lean-to at 4.7 miles. This marks a great spot to take a break before tackling the Thumb Slide.
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At 6.3 miles, you’ll arrive at the Thumb Slide, the most iconic and physically demanding section of the hike. The slide itself is an open rock face, and the trail follows it briefly before cutting back into the woods. Be careful not to follow the slide too far, as many hikers mistakenly continue up it beyond the marked trail. Yellow blazes and cairns will guide you back into the trees after about 100 yards.
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From here, the real challenge begins—1,500 feet of climbing in just 0.75 miles. The trail becomes incredibly steep, requiring slow, deliberate movements to manage the grade and avoid exhaustion. This is where Dix earns its reputation as one of the tougher High Peaks.
At 6.9 miles, you’ll pass a trail junction for Hunters Pass on your right. Keep left, following the last 0.4 miles to the summit. While still steep, this final stretch is short and rewarding.
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The summit of Dix Mountain (4,857 feet) is marked by a survey disk embedded in the rock. From here, you’ll experience some of the most incredible summit views in the Adirondacks. To the west, nearly every High Peak is visible. To the east, Vermont’s Green Mountains stretch into the distance. On exceptionally clear days, you may even glimpse Mount Washington in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
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A short detour to the Beckhorn, a prominent rock outcrop, is worth the visit. The Beckhorn offers an additional viewpoint with a massive flat rock ledge, perfect for relaxing before heading back down.
To return to the trailhead, descend carefully back down the Thumb Slide section, retracing your steps all the way back to Round Pond.
Trail Summary
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0.0 Start at the Round Pond Trailhead.
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0.1 Sign-in register.
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0.6 Arrive at Round Pond, turning right along the trail.
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2.4 Reach Old Dix Trail intersection, keeping left.
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4.0 Cross Gravestone Brook.
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4.7 Pass Bouquet River Lean-to.
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6.3 Arrive at Thumb Slide, following the marked trail carefully.
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6.9 Pass Hunters Pass Trail junction, keeping left.
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7.3 Reach the summit of Dix Mountain; return the same way.
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14.6 Arrive back at the Round Pond Trailhead.
