Backpack the East Dix Mountains

This beautiful backpacking adventure starts in the parking lot on the south side of NY 73, just seven miles south of Keene Valley. The beginning of the trail is unsigned and unmarked, but easy to spot. Although the trail can be tackled as a 17.5 mile Five Mountain Loop circuit, we backpacked up the first peak of East Dix Mountain and back. To begin, head southwest on the trail. At less than a mile in, you will reach wonderful swimming hole, worthy of a quick and early break. From here, the trail weaves through the ferny undergrowth of the forest to a river crossing 3.3 miles in. Just beyond are three tent sites, good for the night if you started the trail late. Afterwards, the trail gets steeper and rockier in the next 1.5 miles, before reaching the base of East Dix Mountain. Here, is another good campsite for the night and also a good idea to drop off backs before scaling the mountain. Trek up the 35 - 40 degree rock slab that leads 0.3 miles to the summit of East Dix (4,012 feet). There is also an alternative path to the right of the slide's base that allows you to skip the steep scrambling if conditions are too we or unfavorable. The summit marks the end of the out-and-back adventure, however, backpackers may also go on following the cairns to submit South Dix, Macomb Mountain, Hough Peak, and Dix Mountain to complete the Five Mountain Loop.