Dix Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dix Mountain |
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Dix's distinctive slides, seen from Noonmark
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,840 ft (1,480 m) |
| Prominence | 2,830 ft (860 m) |
| Listing | #6 Adirondack High Peaks |
| Geography | |
 Dix Mountain
Location in New York Adirondack Park
Dix Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Location | Keene / North Hudson, New York, U.S. |
| Parent range | Dix |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Marcy |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1807 by Rykert and party |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Dix Mountain is a super tall mountain in New York State, standing as the sixth highest peak in the amazing High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Park. You can find it right on the border between two towns, North Hudson and Keene, both in Essex County.
The mountain got its name in 1837 from a man named John Dix (1798–1879). At that time, he was the Secretary of State for New York. Later on, he even became the governor of the state!
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Discovering Dix Mountain
Dix Mountain might be a bit south of the main group of High Peaks, and it can be tricky to get to. It's also quite steep and a real challenge to climb. But even with that, lots of serious hikers love it!
Why Hikers Love Dix
One big reason hikers love Dix is because it's one of the special mountains you need to climb if you want to become an Adirondack Forty-Sixer. This is a group of people who have climbed all 46 of the highest peaks in the Adirondacks.
Another reason is the incredible view from the top! You can see almost as much from Dix as you can from Mount Marcy, which is the highest peak. But here's the cool part: Dix usually has way fewer people, so you can enjoy the view in peace.
The Dix Mountain Wilderness
Dix Mountain is also the center of its own special area called the Dix Mountain Wilderness Area. This means it's a wild and protected place.
Gateway to Other Peaks
Dix is like a starting point for exploring four other High Peaks in the Dix Range. These peaks are Hough, Macomb, South Dix, and Grace Peak. Unlike Dix, these other peaks don't have official trails leading to their summits.
Trying to climb all five of these peaks in one day is one of the toughest challenges for hikers in the Adirondacks! While some people have done it, most hikers prefer to climb Dix on one trip and then tackle the other peaks on different days.
First Climbers
People say that a man named Rykert was the first to climb Dix Mountain. He did this while he was working to map out the town line.
Hiking Dix Mountain
There are a couple of main ways hikers usually choose to climb Dix Mountain.
Southern Route: Elk Lake Trail
The most common way to climb Dix is from the south. Hikers take the Elk Lake Trail from a lake with the same name. This trail leads towards a place called Hunters Pass. From there, a smaller path branches off and goes straight up to the top of Dix.
Northern Route: Ausable Club
Less often, hikers might start their long climb from the north. This route begins at the Ausable Club in St. Huberts. This way is usually longer and can be more challenging.
Gallery
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As seen from Hough Peak
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Dix Mt. and Hough Peak seen from Nippletop
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View from Dix Mountain Peak on July 1, 2018, looking towards Elk Lake. View is looking South West.
Images for kids
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View from Dix Mountain Peak on July 1, 2018, looking towards Elk Lake.
