Echo Lake from Platte Clove
Hiking to Echo Lake from Platte Clove
Looking for a classic Catskills hiking adventure that blends forest trails, mountain views, and a hidden backcountry lake? The Echo Lake hike from Platte Clove, NY is one of our favorites. Tucked deep in the Catskill Park between Overlook Mountain and Plattekill Mountain, Echo Lake is a peaceful spot with a lean-to for camping, cool waters for swimming, and plenty of space to relax after the hike in.
This 9-mile round-trip Echo Lake hike starts from the Platte Clove trailhead and follows the rugged Overlook Trail through hardwood forests before descending to the lake basin. With a moderate challenge, just under 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and the promise of a secluded wilderness lake at the end, it’s no wonder hiking Echo Lake is a Catskills favorite. Whether you’re here for a day hike, an overnight backpacking trip, or just to say you’ve hiked to one of the most iconic lakes in the region, Echo Lake in New York is worth the journey.
Echo Lake Trail Description
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 on a kingpost bridge built by volunteers from the NYNJ Trail Conference in the form the original bridge would have been when this was a carriage road between Platte Clove and the Woodstock area.
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.
Following 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 creek on a well constructed bridge 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.
In total, the hike is about 9 miles in length and is a moderate hike.
Echo Lake from Platte Clove Trail Details
🧭 Trailhead: Platte Clove Road (Google Maps)
🥾 Distance: ~9 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: ~1,400 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
🌲 Best For: Day hikers, backpackers, Catskill history buffs, and anyone chasing a cool swim spot
💦 Highlights: Kingpost bridge over Plattekill Creek, Devil’s Kitchen Lean-to, Codfish Point viewpoint, Echo Lake
🗺️ GPS Information: Trail Route in GPX Format
Echo Lake FAQ
Where is Echo Lake in New York?
Echo Lake is located in the Catskill Park of Greene County, NY, between Overlook Mountain and Plattekill Mountain. The most popular access is the Platte Clove trailhead, just outside Elka Park.How do you get to Echo Lake?
Echo Lake is located between Overlook and Plattekill Mountains in the Indian Head Wilderness Area of the Catskill Park. The easiest access is the Overlook Trail and the Echo Lake Trail from the trailhead on Platte Clove Road near the Platte Clove Preserve (google map link).
How long is the Echo Lake hike from Platte Clove?
The Echo Lake hike from Platte Clove is about 9 miles round trip with nearly 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in 4–6 hours, depending on pace and breaks.Is Echo Lake accessible year-round?
Echo Lake is accessible year-round, but in the winter months, it can be a snowy, icy, and more difficult hike that requires snowshoes. The best time to visit is the summer and fall months.
Is there parking for the trails to Echo Lake?
Parking for the Overlook Trail and the Platte Clove Preserve is located at hiker parking lot maintained by New York State at 2425 Platte Clove Rd, Elka Park, NY 12427.
Is it free to access Echo Lake?
Echo Lake is free and open to the public. However, the start of the trail passes through the Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve, where there is a suggested $5 day use donation per visitor, which can be made at a self-pay kiosk at the trailhead.
Is hiking Echo Lake in the Catskills difficult?
The hike to Echo Lake is moderate. The trail includes some steep sections, especially on the return climb out of the lake basin. Strong hikers often do it as a day hike, while others enjoy it as a backpacking overnight.Can you camp at Echo Lake NY?
Yes. Echo Lake has a DEC lean-to shelter and multiple designated backcountry campsites around the lake. Camping is free but first-come, first-served. Be sure to follow Catskill Forest Preserve regulations.Can you swim at Echo Lake?
Swimming is not officially maintained, but many hikers cool off in Echo Lake’s waters during the summer. Always swim with caution — there are no lifeguards, the lake floor is very muddy, and there could be broken glass or other hazards under the surface.Is there a trail map for Echo Lake?
The Overlook Trail and the Echo Lake Trail are shown on AllTrails. They are also shown on the Catskills Trails Map Set and the Catskill Park Trails Illustrated Map.
More Hikes Near Echo Lake
For more information about the Hike to Echo Lake
You can find this hike on:
Additional Catskill Park information available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper)
Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
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