Echo Lake in the Catskills from Platte Clove
Echo Lake, nestled within the stunning Catskill Mountains of New York, is one of the Catskills few natural lakes. This picturesque, 10-acre lake is a destination for many hikers. Surrounded by dense forests, rocky terrain, and Overlook and Plattekill Mountains, Echo Lake offers a tranquil spot away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Hikers who reach Echo Lake can relish a range of outdoor activities, including fishing and a refreshing swim during the warmer months.
For this hike we began at the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve. We followed the Overlook Trail from the Preserve’s trailhead. The trail descends down to Plattekill Creek and crosses the stream. Stay on the blue marked Overlook Trail through the Preserve and at just under a mile you’ll enter into the Catskill Park’s NYS Forest Preserve lands where the markers stay blue, but transition from the Catskill Center’s markers to the NYSDEC markers. The trail quickly comes to a large quarry on the left, just before the trail junction with the Devil’s Path coming in from the right.
Past the quarry and the trail junction, the Devil’s Path turns off to the right at the next trail junction and the Overlook Trail continues straight ahead to the Devil’s Kitchen Lean-to. Just past the lean-to the trail crosses the Cold Kill and then begins to climb to the height of land. Upon reaching the height of land, the trail levels off and the yellow marked side trail to Codfish Point turns off to the left. The Codfish Point trail is about two tenths of a mile in length and brings you to a wonderful overlook offering a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley.
Return to the Overlook Trail and travel another 2 miles to the intersection with the Echo Lake Trail. From here it’s about a 0.6 mile descent to Echo Lake where you’ll find the Echo Lake Lean-to and the lake itself. There’s plenty of camping, fishing, and in the warmest months, swimming opportunities if you don’t mind the muddy lake bottom.
This is an in and out hike, so to get back to the car, head back the way you came. The hike is about 9 miles in length and is a moderate hike.
Watch all of our videos about hikes in the Catskills on YouTube
You can find more information about this hike on:
- The NYNJ Trail Conference’s Catskill Trails Map Set
- National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park
- Catskill Trails Guidebook from ADK
- Hiking the Catskills Guidebook
- Guide to the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge
- Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve
Find additional information about the Catskill Park by visiting the Catskills Visitor Center
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
- Goodr Sunglasses
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Darn Tough Socks
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Garmin Instinct Watches
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
Important Hiking Considerations:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It’s also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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Adventures in the Outdoors – a community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts sharing information and adventures http://adventures-in-the-outdoors.blogspot.com
Source: http://adventures-in-the-outdoors.blogspot.com/2023/10/echo-lake-in-catskills-from-platte-clove.html
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