Location and surroundings
Macomb Mountain belongs to the chain North America Plains > Canadian Shield > Adirondack Mountains > Adirondack High Peaks > Dix Range. It is in Essex County, New York, United States, and the mountain lies in the town of North Hudson. At 1,336 m, it ranks 27th among New York’s 3,474 named peaks. The surrounding country is classic Adirondack high terrain: wooded slopes, broken rock, and steep open slides on the upper mountain.
Neighbouring peaks
Macomb Mountain sits among several close High Peaks and related summits. The nearest higher summit is Hough Peak, which rises to 1,341 m and lies 2.0 km north. Other nearby peaks include:
- South Dix — 1,242 m, 1.0 km NE
- Hough Peak — 1,341 m, 2.0 km N
- Grace Peak — 1,227 m, 2.4 km NE
- Wyman Mountain — 1,007 m, 2.9 km E
- Sunrise Mountain — 1,099 m, 3.1 km S
- Beck-horn — 1,455 m, 3.2 km N
- Dix Mountain — 1,473 m, 3.4 km N
- Spotted Mountain — 1,056 m, 4.0 km NE
These distances show that Macomb is part of a compact ridge system rather than an isolated summit, with several higher and lower neighbours within a short traverse.
The view from the summit
From Macomb Mountain, the highest peaks within 25 km are concentrated to the northwest in the main Adirondack High Peaks group. The major summits listed for the wider view are Mount Marcy (1,629 m, 13.3 km NW), Algonquin Peak (1,555 m, 19.4 km NW), Mount Haystack (1,498 m, 11.3 km NW), Basin Mountain (1,468 m, 11.5 km NW), Mount Colden (1,436 m, 16.6 km NW), and Gothics (1,425 m, 10.5 km NW). On clear days, these are the big names that define the skyline.
The range
Macomb Mountain is part of the Dix Range, whose highest peak is Dix Mountain at 1,473 m, about 3 km north of Macomb. The range contains 25 named peaks and lies entirely in the United States. Within that group, Macomb ranks 4th by elevation. Its position near the southeastern end of the High Peaks makes it a useful reference point for ridge travel across the Dix Range.
Climbing routes
The usual ascent follows the Macomb Slide from the Elk Lake area. A common approach uses the Hunters Pass Trail to Slide Brook, then an unmarked side trail along the brook to the base of the large slide on Macomb’s western face. The summit is reached by climbing the slide and continuing to the top. Another unmarked line, the Dix Range Crest Path, continues from the summit toward South Dix and the rest of the range. This is a steep, rugged hike rather than a technical climb.
Access and starting points
The standard access point is the Elk Lake parking lot. The Hunters Pass Trail begins there and runs north for 2.3 miles to Slide Brook. That trail crosses private land and is closed during the big game hunting season. In winter, the road to the Elk Lake parking lot is closed, so hikers must start from the upper parking lot, which is 2.6 miles south of the main lot. The usual starting town for this area is Keene Valley.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for the summit are estimates from NASA POWER climate data for 2001–2020. At the top of Macomb Mountain, the warmest month is about 14 °C in July, and the coldest is about -12 °C in January. Mean temperatures are above freezing from May through October. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 1,100 mm, with the wettest month in June at about 130 mm and the driest in January at about 60 mm. Expect rapid weather changes, cold wind on the ridge, and icy conditions outside summer.
Best time to visit
For a summit of this height in the Adirondacks, the most practical season is usually late spring through early autumn, when the summit is above freezing and the slide is not locked in winter ice. The months with mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are May, June, July, August, September, and October. The drier part of the year is generally winter, with January the driest month in the figures given. Even in summer, the upper mountain can be wet, windy, and slippery after rain.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in the forested high country of the Adirondacks, where lower slopes are usually covered by mixed northern forest and the upper mountain opens into rock, slide, and sparse alpine-like vegetation. Typical wildlife in this region includes deer, black bear, and many bird species adapted to mountain forest. The open slide on Macomb’s west face creates a rough, exposed route with loose rock and drainage lines, so footing changes quickly with weather and season. In winter, snow and ice dominate the upper slopes.
Guides and organised ascents
For a hike like Macomb Mountain, a certified guide is usually not required, but one can be useful for winter travel, route-finding across the Dix Range, or mixed conditions on the slide. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions and Exum Mountain Guides. On guided trips, the cost usually depends on trip length, group size, and equipment needs.
Safety and preparation
Macomb Mountain demands steady uphill fitness, sure footing, and preparation for steep, wet, or icy ground. The slide route can be slippery after rain and very demanding in snow or freeze-thaw conditions. Carry layers, navigation tools, and enough water for the day, and be ready to turn back if weather closes in. For mountain rescue in the United States, the emergency number is 911; dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually through the county sheriff or a national park system.
History and name
The mountain is named for Alexander Macomb, an American general remembered for his role in the Battle of Plattsburgh in 1814. The name first appeared in print in 1842. The earliest recorded ascent was made in 1872 by guide Mel Trumbull and artist Arthur H. Wyant. Later, major slides on the western face were enlarged by hurricanes in 1947 and 1950, and again by Hurricane Irene in 2011.
Interesting facts
Macomb Mountain is the 4th highest of 25 named peaks in the Dix Range and the 27th highest of 3,474 named peaks in New York. Its nearest higher peak is Hough Peak, 2.0 km to the north. The range high point, Dix Mountain, is about 3 km away. Macomb is also the most southeasterly of the Adirondack High Peaks, which helps explain why it is often climbed as part of a longer ridge traverse.
FAQ
How high is Macomb Mountain? It rises to 1,336 m in the Dix Range of the Adirondack Mountains in New York.
Where is Macomb Mountain located? It is in Essex County, in the town of North Hudson, in the United States.
What range does Macomb Mountain belong to? It is part of the Dix Range, within the Adirondack High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Macomb Mountain? The closest listed neighbours are South Dix to the northeast, Hough Peak to the north, and Grace Peak to the northeast.
Is there water on the way to Macomb Mountain? The route follows Slide Brook on the approach, but the upper mountain is steep and exposed, so carry your own supply. For a day hike, plan on about 1.5 to 3 litres depending on heat and pace.
How long does it take to climb Macomb Mountain? A typical round trip from the Elk Lake trailhead is about 5 to 7 hours, depending on conditions and pace.
Will my phone work on Macomb Mountain? Coverage in the Adirondack hills is often patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground a signal may be possible, but it can fail in valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you set out.