Cliff Reiter
New member
Route from Elk lake to herd path to the Macomb slide, follows herd paths from Macomb to S Dix, Hough and Dix, descends via trail to Dix pond and returns to Elk Lake rd.
Most of the trail from the Elk Lake road to the herd path was soft and dry (needles and almost dry mud dominated). The herd path had a tiny bit of blowdown but only required easy steps over or duck unders. The MaComb slide remains active and the group ahead of me knocked loose many rocks. I simply moved far right and avoided their shadow, but large groups should be especially careful. Herd paths to S Dix, Hough and then Dix were in remarkably good shape although there still are opportunities to mud ski on Hough. The herd path is tight with fir or spruce brushing both sides in many places, stealing foam pads from some unfortunate hiker. Descent from Dix usual steep workout, some stream/trail mix but not a bother. Some mud on the flat and the bugs were wicked awful from Dix pond to the Slide brook lean-to. Some nice trail improvements near Lillian brook lean-to. (Thanks to those who made them)
Maps and pics (second day of):
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reiterc/hikes/adir/2009/08_d/index.html
Cliff Reiter
[email protected]
Most of the trail from the Elk Lake road to the herd path was soft and dry (needles and almost dry mud dominated). The herd path had a tiny bit of blowdown but only required easy steps over or duck unders. The MaComb slide remains active and the group ahead of me knocked loose many rocks. I simply moved far right and avoided their shadow, but large groups should be especially careful. Herd paths to S Dix, Hough and then Dix were in remarkably good shape although there still are opportunities to mud ski on Hough. The herd path is tight with fir or spruce brushing both sides in many places, stealing foam pads from some unfortunate hiker. Descent from Dix usual steep workout, some stream/trail mix but not a bother. Some mud on the flat and the bugs were wicked awful from Dix pond to the Slide brook lean-to. Some nice trail improvements near Lillian brook lean-to. (Thanks to those who made them)
Maps and pics (second day of):
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reiterc/hikes/adir/2009/08_d/index.html
Cliff Reiter
[email protected]
