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 @CatskillCenterPlatte 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.

Important Hiking Considerations:
1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
2. Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
3. 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.

For more information this hike:
Catskill Trails Map Set - [ Ссылка ]
Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park [ Ссылка ]
Catskill Trails Guidebook - [ Ссылка ]
Hiking the Catskills Guidebook - [ Ссылка ]
Platte Clove Preserve - [ Ссылка ]

Learn more about the Catskill Park at the Catskills Visitor Center - [ Ссылка ]

Hiker Trash Husbands Newsletter - [ Ссылка ]

Hiker Trash Husbands Merchandise!
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We offer Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Services through our guiding company, Hike On Guides, and can guide you on this hike - [ Ссылка ]

Advice and Gear Recommendations
Gear Guide - [ Ссылка ]
Pack Recommendations - [ Ссылка ]
Recommended Gear - [ Ссылка ]

Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
Osprey Talon 22 Backpack - [ Ссылка ]
Osprey Levity Backpack - [ Ссылка ]
Altra Lone Peak Hiking Shoes - [ Ссылка ]
Deliberate Life Designs Sandals - [ Ссылка ]
Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks - [ Ссылка ]
Energizer LED Headlamp - [ Ссылка ]
NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad - [ Ссылка ]
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filters - [ Ссылка ]
CNOC Vecto Water Container - [ Ссылка ]
Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles - [ Ссылка ]
Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts - [ Ссылка ]
EMS Techwick Essentials Sleeveless Tee - [ Ссылка ]
Hiker Trash Husbands Trucker Hat - [ Ссылка ]
Garmin Instinct Watches - [ Ссылка ]
Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS - [ Ссылка ]

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The Hiker Trash Husbands on the web:
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