Nippletop and Dial via Elk Pass

This route begins and ends at the Adirondack Mountain Reserve Trailhead after climbing to the summit of Nippletop and descending from the summit of Dial Mountain on the way back. From the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) Parking Lot off Route 73, follow Ausable Road west to Lake Road, registering at the AMR Ranger Cabin at 0.7 miles. Continue along Lake Road, then turn left onto the Gill Brook Trail at 2.5 miles. Follow this trail past designated campsites, then keep left towards Elk Pass at 4.9 miles. Begin a steep climb up the side of the mountain and turn to the right at 6.0 miles to continue climbing to the summit of Nippletop. From Nippletop, follow the Leach Trail north along the ridge, descending and then ascending to the summit of Dial Mountain at 8.1 miles. Continue north on the Leach Trail over Bear Den Mountain, descending the rolling ridge. Continue to descend back to Lake Road. At 11.5 miles, turn right on Lake Road and return to the AMR Parking Lot.