Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
668.00 ft (203.61 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.40 mi (2.25 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Echo Cliffs is a short jaunt up to an excellent viewpoint over Piseco Lake and the surrounding area from the shoulder of Panther Mountain. With excellent views and less crowds than many other Adirondack destinations, Echo Cliffs is a must do if you’re in the area, especially in the fall.

Poorly marked with only a small dirt pull off along a secondary road, it’s no wonder Echo Cliffs lacks the crowds of other peaks with similarly easy access like Bald Mountain and Rocky Mountain near Old Forge. From the trailhead it’s a short but steep climb, getting steepest toward the very end, where hikers will likely find themselves grabbing exposed tree roots here and there to steady themselves.

Fortunately, the steepest section lasts only a few hundred yards and opens immediately into panoramic views of Lake Piseco, Spy Lake, and the southern Adirondacks. The views here are especially phenomenal in autumn when the leaves on the trees change, turning the forest into a menagerie of color. The edge of the cliff does drop abruptly, so families with small children should give it a wide berth.

To return to the trailhead, follow the trail back, and consider stopping at one of the nearby public beaches for a refreshing swim.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great Views, Easy Access, Family Friendly

Cons

Final stretch is steep

Trailhead Elevation

1,726.00 ft (526.08 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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