Adk High Peaks hike suggestions/questions

[dinogxc]

After about six months, I'm back in upstate NY this week, visiting home, and looking to add a few more high peaks to the list. I've got seven left to do and I'm hoping to get at least one in during a day hike this Friday. Unfortunately, my usual hiking partner is busy this week and can't make it up to the High Peaks, so I'm going solo on this one. The seven left for me are Cliff, Allen, E.Dix, & Sewards. I'd like to save the Sewards for when I have time to do an overnight and get all four. I'd also rather save Allen for when I have a hiking partner. That leaves Cliff and E.Dix. I've made two attempts at Cliff during the winter months and failed both times. I at least was able to get Redfield on the last attempt, so I know the area well. If I did Cliff, I'd hike in from Upper Works. The other option is heading in to E.Dix from Rt 73. Has anyone hiked this route in a while? I haven't seen any recent trail reports for this section. Is the heard path well defined?

Any suggestions for either hike would be appreciated. Thanks.

Peter

 

[Rivet]

Cliff

Cliff is one of my peaks I have left to do as well if you want some company.

 

[woodstrider]

'Dacks day hike

I would recommend E.Dix from 73, if you feel comfortable being alone and doing route finding. I backpacked the Dix Range in 2001, so it's been awhile. But i found the trail to be very easy to follow up tp a point. Then it becomes a more narrow and less distinuishable foot path, with the occassional cairn to show the way.
I found the views incredible from the slide as you ascend. And the slide was not very steep- I did it with a fully loaded backpack. There is a feeling a remoteness there that you do not get on the trails and main herdpaths, but don't be surprised if there is company- I met two women descending while I was ascending the slide. You can look for signs of the site of the canister- you'll find that it had been bolted to a large eratic a shot distance form the top of the slide (going towards S.Dix).

If you try Cliff, look for the true summit- this is sometimes hard to find as there are so many smaller bumps.

Happy trails

 

[spaddock]

Hey there Dino,

I just hiked Cliff last Saturday and had a great time. Here's my trip report:
http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7936


Enjoy your hike whatever you do.


-Shayne

 

[Buffalogal]

Hi Peter - I did East Dix from Rt. 73 last September. It was my second attempt. The year before, I got screwed up at a spot near an obvious campsite where a trail led off to the left. After some hiking, I found myself at what I think was Lilypad Pond. Then, when I backtracked, I was unable to find the herdpath at the spot where I left it. I wasted a lot of time, and bagged it for the day. Last year, I went back and got to the same spot (near some beaver activity), where I again lost the herdpath. This time, I found it on the other side of the creek and up quite a distance from the water. The herd path criss-crosses the North Fork of the Bouquet, and then crosses overland to the South Fork. The trail is fairly well defined as it brings you to the base of the slide. The day we climbed it, the slide was kind of wet and slippery, so we tried to skirt the slide through the woods to the right side. I think we should have gone to the left side. We ended up on a very faint herd path which led to a col between East Dix and South Dix. So, we eventually got there, but in a roundabout way. We descended directly down the slide. I found it tougher than the Allen slide, which I just did a couple of weeks ago. And I think my 13-year old daughter would agree. If you decide to do this hike, it is really lovely and very remote-feeling. It was a full day for us. I would suggest consulting (and bringing) the trail description from AdirondackJourney.com. Good luck! Karen

 

[Buffalogal]

Just another thought having just done Allen. The trail to Allen is really very obvious and well-marked, much more so than E. Dix from Rt. 73. I wouldn't be dissuaded from doing it solo. Although its more fun to hike with a partner. Karen