Dial Mountain

Elevation: 4020 ft. Elevation change: 2615 ft.

Dial Mountain is the 41st highest peak in the Adirondack Mountain Region. The mountain is part of the Colvin Range. Dial Mountain is flanked to the southwest by Nippletop Mountain. 1

Dial has been long considered as one of the classic hikes in the area. The walk in is only moderate with the occasional steep section. There are a number of things to look at while ascending and one will have a great view at the end. It is a rather high ascent and it can be steep in places but the trail is in excellent condition and the steep sections are short and far between. 2

One of the nice points of the peak is the number of other peaks one can get to while still keeping it a fairly easy day. Once one is on top of Dial, one basically traverses a ridge to climb three other of the high peaks and with hardly any backtracking at all. This being said it is a long day hike and it is most likely better if you climb Colvin, Blake and Nippletop first, and then head down by way of Dial. That way one is descending home all the way.2

One part of the trail you cannot miss is the area where a large fire cut a swath across the flank Noonmark a few years ago. One really sees the devastation that is caused by careless camping and there will be plenty of signs posted on the way telling you this. One also gets some sort of idea of the magnificent views that one would have had in the late 19th century when most of the surrounding area was clear-cut.2

The normal route is to head in from the Ausable Club and either climb the Peak directly or go up Nippletop and then descend to Dial and then out.

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dial_Mountain
2 http://www.summitpost.org/dial-mountain/150730