It was overflow parking in the Elk Lake parking lot when I went to check it out on Sunday afternoon. I got there early on Monday morning to make sure there was a spot and was happy to find plenty of room. I was the first to sign in the log book that day and one of only four groups to sign in all day. The Elk Lake-Dix trail is somewhat rocky, a little bit muddy but generally is flat and takes you past two lean-tos and the herd paths to Macomb (Slide Brook) and South Dix-Hough (Lillian Brook). My goal for the day was to head up the Lillian Brook trail and follow it up to the ridge on the Dix range between Pough (bump on ridge between South Dix and Hough) and Hough.
The Lillian Brook trail was yet another example of trailwork by the 46ers. Each time I hike another trailless peak I gain more respect for the work they do. This trail had a reputation of being full of blowdown and a place one could easily get lost. It started out a bit swampy but after a hundred yards or so it was dry and it ascended at a gentle grade through a fairly open forest until at 3200 feet there was a split with the right fork leading to the col between Macomb and South Dix and the left fork leading to the col between South Dix and Hough. The grade immediately steepened considerably and stayed steep for the next 800 feet. Hard work to be sure. Once up on the ridge it was a steep but fairly short climb up to Hough summit with some short rocky scrambling near the top. There were two good viewing ledges with views of Dix and many of the high peaks to the north. Dix looks especially striking from this angle with a very pointy top almost like a narrow volcano cone. It was a clear sunny day with a stiff breeze to stay cool and it was an awesome spot to sit and gaze.
I debated heading back over South Dix to East Dix and then back down but I decided that I would leave East Dix until another day as it would make a good candidate for a peak to finish the 46 on. Also my toe was acting up again. This was a great dayhike with a return trip of about 12 miles on nice trails with an elevation gain of approximately 2400 feet and a sweet view from the summit.
Again, well done 46ers on maintaining the excellant Lillian Brook trail!
Panorama from HoughLabels: Dix Range, Hough, Lillian Brook
3 Comments:
no grouse attack?
Indeed, East Dix would be a stellar spot to finish the list.... certainly better than some of the peaks you have left.
No grouse although I was prepared with camera in movie mode and tripod available
Great trip report just did all 5 dixes 3 weeks ago and we also marveled at the ease of travel down lillian brook. It was great not to have to retrace and come down the slide of macomb!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home